Every project begins with a conversation.

We meet in our office or on site to understand your goals, lifestyle, budget and expectations. We discuss the site’s opportunities and constraints - orientation, views, setbacks, neighbouring context and access.

This meeting allows us to clarify the brief and determine the appropriate scope of work. It is also an opportunity for both parties to ensure we are the right fit to work together.

Following this meeting, we prepare a tailored fee proposal outlining the design stages and scope of service.

We believe transparency builds trust - and that begins with how we structure our fees.

Our design service is typically calculated as a percentage of the construction cost. For most custom homes, this equates to approximately 6% of the estimated build cost, depending on scope and complexity.

We communicate this early so clients understand the level of investment required and can make informed decisions from the outset.

This fee reflects:

• Extensive residential and commercial design experience across projects of varying scale

• A considered design response tailored to each client and site

• Highly detailed, construction-ready documentation prepared with technical precision

• Careful coordination of engineers and specialist consultants

• Integrated town planning expertise where required.

We focus on delivering clarity, precision and coordination that protect your investment during construction.

Well-resolved documentation reduces ambiguity, limits variations and supports a smoother building process - outcomes that often have a far greater impact than the design fee itself.

Our approach is simple: be upfront, be thorough, and deliver work that justifies the investment.

This is where your vision begins to take shape.

We carefully assess the site and explore how the building can be positioned and planned to respond thoughtfully to its context. Early sketches and modelling focus on spatial planning, flow, light, connection to landscape and overall functionality.

More importantly, this stage is about translating your brief - how you live, what you value, and how you want the space to feel.

We prioritise getting the planning right - ensuring spaces relate well to one another before refining form and external character.

We review options together, test ideas and refine the preferred direction until the concept feels resolved, functional and distinctly yours.

Plans, elevations and 3D modelling are refined to resolve materials, proportions, roof form and overall character. Interior layouts and key detailing are carefully coordinated to ensure the design is cohesive and practical to construct.

We work closely with engineers and specialist consultants to integrate technical requirements without compromising the design intent.

Where planning approval is required, we prepare and manage the application during this stage.

Where planning approval is necessary, we manage the process on your behalf.

This includes pre-application discussions (where appropriate), preparation of drawings and supporting documentation, lodgement with Council and coordination of referral authorities.

We respond to Requests for Further Information and manage communication through to the issue of a planning permit.

This stage focuses on precision and buildability.

We prepare a comprehensive set of coordinated construction drawings and specifications, including:

• Detailed floor plans and elevations

• Construction sections and technical details

• Electrical and lighting layouts

• External material, finish and fixture schedules

This level of documentation provides clarity for builders and consultants, helping minimise variations and reduce uncertainty during construction.

We remain available throughout construction to clarify documentation, review shop drawings and assist in maintaining the design intent.

Our involvement helps ensure the completed project reflects the vision established at concept stage.