Designing a home can be one of the most rewarding journeys you can take.

It’s a rare opportunity to shape a space that reflects how you want to 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 at each stage of the process.

We believe that a successful project is built on care, attention, and collaboration. It doesn’t just happen — it’s carefully considered.

Our goal is to make it easy for you to get the right advice and guidance—so you can create the best home for the way you live.

We bring all the moving parts together while keeping you informed, empowered, and inspired along the way.

DESIGN PROCESS

Designing an architectural home is a complex task.

But it doesn’t have to be difficult.

6 STEP DESIGN PROCESS

STEP 1 – Pre Design

STEP 2 – Concept Design

STEP 3 - Design Developement

STEP 4 - Planning Approvals

STEP 5 - Construction Documentation

STEP 6 - Tendering & Construction

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.   

Interior areas of the design such as kitchen and bathroom joinery are also considered and discussed in this stage of work.

Some of the more technical areas are checked through to ensure the design will work with things such as air conditioning and structural components.

To do this we:

  • Take on feedback from the concept design

  • Discuss budget further and decide on what adjustments are to be made

  • Include any planning feedback for sites that have special requirements

  • Work through options and design detail in particular areas with consultants (eg. structural)

  • Consider the next level of detail to support the design

STEP 4 – Planning Approval

Some (not all) sites require a planning application to be submitted directy to the local council for approval. This is called a Developemnt Approval or DA. More often than not, this is not required.

This is only 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, you will be made aware early in the process and then the application will be prepared and lodged after the design development phase, with support from a qualified planning consultant.

If ia DA is not required, you will only need a Building Approval which is required to commence construction. A Building Approval is required for every home in Australia.

STEP 5 – Construction Documentation

Before construction begins, we prepare a full set of detailed drawings and documentation for your builder. These are essential for securing building approval and ensuring your home is built exactly as designed.

This documentation covers everything from structural layouts to the smallest design details — like lighting positions and kitchen hardware — and forms the foundation for accurate pricing, clear communication, and a smooth construction process.

We also coordinate the building approval at this stage, ensuring everything is in place for the project to proceed legally and with confidence.

STEP 6 – Tendering & Construction

With your detailed drawings in hand, we help you find the right builder for your project—someone who not only has the skills but is also a good fit for you. We compare quotes carefully to ensure you're getting great value, not just the lowest price.

The relationship between you and your builder is just as important as their reputation and capability. That’s why we encourage meeting early, having open conversations, and making sure it feels like the right match from the start.

Once the contract is signed, we stay closely involved—working alongside the builder, answering questions, and guiding the process. Our role is to look out for the integrity of the design and help make sure it’s brought to life just as intended.

And if anything unexpected pops up (as it often does), we’re right there to help you weigh the options and make confident decisions that keep things moving in the right direction.