Designing a home can be one of the most rewarding and personal journeys you can take. It’s a rare opportunity to shape a space that truly reflects how you live and what matters most to you.
Our role is to help uncover that vision — then guide you through the process of making it real. From navigating budgets and exploring options to solving challenges and making decisions, we’re with you every step of the way. You decide how involved you’d like to be — we’ll adapt to your needs.
We believe that a successful project is built on care, attention, and collaboration. It doesn’t just happen — it’s carefully made. Our job is to bring all the moving parts together while keeping you informed, empowered, and inspired along the way.
THE DESIGN PROCESS
CONCEPT DESIGN
STEP 1 – Pre Design
There are some big questions to work through early on. Getting a grasp on the overall vision of the project is the key goal of this first step.
To do this we:
Talk through the brief for the project in some detail. The two key components of this will include the functional brief (list of required rooms and spaces) and the aesthetic.
Talk through big picture options and get a feel for any differences in cost worth considering (e.g. renovation vs. rebuild)
Walk through site together and explore early ideas
Establish expectations around budget and project costs
Highlight any priorities or highly valued aspects (eg. sustainability or future proofing)
Share imagery around likes and dislikes. A picture speaks a thousand words.
STEP 2 – Concept Design
Once we know what we are aiming for we can get down to designing something beautiful.
We will take the design brief and create an initial 3D concept and floor plans. These will allow you to see the design ideas clearly in 3D so there will be no pressure to just interpret the plans.
Outcomes
A conceptual model of the design that meets the brief and illustrates how the building would sit on the land and surrounds.
Allows for an engaged discussion of the brief and design reasoning
The concept plans can be used to get price estimates and evaluate cost vs brief
Often leads to more ideas and refinement to the design in the next stage
STEP 3 – Design Development
At this point the design matures into a more formal arrangement and you really begin to imagine yourself in the spaces. We produce plans, sections, elevations, material palettes and interior concepts. This is also the point at which we would be in a position to submit a planning application if required.
Interior areas of the design such as kitchen and bathroom joinery are also considered and discussed in this stage of work.
To do this we:
Take on feedback from the concept design
Discuss budget further and decide on what are to be made
Include any planning feedback for sites that have special requirements
Work through options and design detail in particular areas
Consider the next level of detail to support the design
STEP 4 – Planning Application
Some projects require a planning application to be submitted to the local council for approval. This is typically necessary when a planning overlay applies to your site — for example, a character overlay, where the council seeks to maintain the visual consistency of the neighbourhood. We’ll identify early in the process whether your project will require this.
If a planning application is needed, it will be prepared and lodged after the design development phase, with support from a qualified planning consultant.
STEP 5 – Construction Documentation
The final step before construction begins is the preparation of detailed drawings and documentation for your builder. These documents are essential for both obtaining building approvals and ensuring your project is built exactly as intended.
From structural layouts to the finer details — like kitchen handles and lighting placements — this stage covers all the technical elements required to bring your design to life. Comprehensive documentation is key to accurate pricing, clear communication, and a smoother, more efficient build process.
STEP 6 – Tendering &
The fi.