The design, resolution of a project solution and the progressive development and documentation required involves a process, a commitment to and front-end investment in the project. Through structured services and staged process the project scope is methodically defined, prioritised, negotiated, balanced and resolved to varying degrees of detail as required appropriately for the project's approval and construction.
A project generally involves and progresses through the following service stages and steps:
Stage 1: (A) FEASIBILITY STUDY & (B) SKETCH DESIGN
The preliminary design stages in which project goals are defined, project viability and feasible options are explored, alignment of Project Brief and Budget is achieved. In most circumstances the Feasibility Stage is recommended to be performed as a first step of the process. Following establishment of a viable project direction, the design process will progress into Sketch Design and detailed solution resolution of the brief requirements, following completion of which the Client will receive a comprehensively resolved Sketch Plan and accompanying projected construction cost estimates.
Stage 2: (A) DESIGN DEVELOPMENT & (B) PLANNING/COUNCIL CONSENT APPLICATION (if applicable)
The design detail is developed from the Sketch Design and the proposal is further refined as required. The building form and articulation is progressively developed and resolved in appropriate detail. If applicable services for this stage will extend to cover the necessary development of required documentation and submission for Planning Approval and or any potential identified Council Consents involved and management and administration of the processes involved accordingly.
Stage 3: CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION / DETAILING / SPECIFICATION
Once the Design and solution has been appropriately developed and obtained the required Consents or Planning Approval, the process moves into Stage 3_Contract Documentation to attend to the comprehensive technical documentation of the project in preparation for the construction stage. Stage 3 is often the "largest" component of our services covering the development and finalising of various working drawings, detailing and specification, including the engagement, management and integration of necessary advisory consultants such as Structural Engineer, Energy Rater and Geotechnical Surveyors. This stage can be optioned to develop various degrees/spectrum (whether basic or fully comprehensive) of the working documentation and specification for Building Permit and Building Contract purposes, and tailored appropriately the circumstances and the anticipated nature of pursuing the Construction Stage of the project.
Stage 4: CONSTRUCTION STAGE / CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
Continuing consultation can be provided throughout the construction stage to assist with (a) administration to Building Surveyor to achieving building permit approval (b) selecting/engaging a builder/establishment of building contract and (c) navigating the build phase with on-going decisions and ensuring particular and intended design detail is translated through to engaged contractors. This generally involves periodical and appropriate inspection of the work (site and workshops/manufacturing), resolution of various detail including preparation of additional detail drawings if required, advising on selection of finishes and fittings, and colour schedules, regular and/or speciality site meetings and assisting coordination of specialists and of course general advice and client support throughout the construction period.
