Approach
Projects are approached with rigour and discipline — to identify requirements, expectations, opportunities, and constraints as early as possible, and to inform high quality design decisions.
Stages
The project moves through defined phases: , , , , and . Each one has a specific scope, a deliverable, and a resolution point before the next begins.
Feasibility
Before design begins, feasibility of the project gets assessed. Site conditions, building classification, compliance requirements, existing services and infrastructure, change of use implications, and landlord or body corporate approval processes are analysed.
The outcome is a clear position on viability. If the project can proceed, we define the constraints and move into design. If it can't — or if the cost to make it work exceeds the project's budget — the client is informed before further costs are incurred.
Design
Design is developed in two stages.
Concept design establishes the complete direction for the project — layout, spatial sequence, materials palette, lighting intent, and compliance resolution. Every constraint identified during feasibility is addressed at this stage. Where specialist input is required — structural, mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, fire — coordination with client-appointed specialist consultants begins here.
Final design refines the concept based on relevant feedback and locks in every remaining decision.
Documentation
Documentation translates the final design into a complete set of construction-ready design drawings and specifications.
This includes site location plans, site plans, existing conditions, demolition, proposed layout, partitions, wall finishes, flooring, reflected ceiling, doors and windows, joinery layout, joinery details, shopfront details, sections and elevations — all dimensioned and clearly annotated. Custom joinery and feature details are drawn at appropriate scale. A full schedule covers fixed and loose furniture, equipment, and finishes. 3D views communicate design intent where drawings alone cannot.
Services such as electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, fire safety, and data are positioned on the design drawings to serve the layout and define requirements for engineering. The engineering design and certification for these services must be carried out by client-appointed specialist consultants. We coordinate with them throughout to ensure their drawings are fully compatible with the design.
Compliance Approval
The completed documentation is submitted to a registered building surveyor for certification, and to the landlord or managing agent for approval. Once the Certificate of Design Compliance is issued, the building permit application can be lodged with the local council as the permit authority.
Client-side Project Management
Once the documentation is complete, we can represent the client through construction — from tendering to handover. This includes issuing the approved documentation to builders for pricing, reviewing returned quotes against the documented scope to assess accuracy and identify discrepancies, and providing a clear comparison for an informed appointment decision.
During construction, we monitor progress on behalf of the client — reviewing work against the documented design, coordinating with the builder on site queries, and ensuring the finished project matches what was approved. This service is engaged and billed independently from the design and documentation scope.
Timeline
* Compliance approval and client-side project management are not represented — their duration depends on third parties. Coordination with specialist consultants and delivery of their plans may also extend the timeline, as these are outside our control.