How it works
From the first phone call to the day you move in.
Every project goes through the same six stages, in the same order. We tell you up front what each stage will produce, what it will cost, and how long it should take. So there are no surprises along the way.
01
1–2 weeks
First conversation
We meet, walk the site if there is one, and talk through what you're trying to do. By the end you'll know whether we're the right studio for the project, what the realistic budget is, and what the next step looks like. No charge.
You receive
- · Site visit
- · Initial brief
- · Fee proposal
02
3–6 weeks
Concept design
We develop two or three sketch options that respond to the brief and the site. You react, we refine, and together we settle on a direction. By the end of this stage the building has a shape, a footprint and a feel.
You receive
- · Sketch plans
- · Massing & siting
- · Visual references
03
4–8 weeks
Design development
We take the agreed concept and resolve it: room sizes, window positions, materials, levels. By the end you have a design with enough detail to be costed, drawn up for council, and presented to engineers.
You receive
- · Developed plans
- · Sections & elevations
- · 3D visualisation
04
8–16 weeks (council-dependent)
Council submission
We prepare and lodge the drawings the municipality needs to approve construction. Different councils take different amounts of time. We keep the file moving, answer queries, and bring the approval back when it's done.
You receive
- · Submission drawings
- · Liaison with council
- · Approved plans
05
4–8 weeks
Working drawings & tender
Once the council has approved the design, we produce the drawings and specifications a builder needs to price and build from. If you want competitive quotes, we run a tender and help you compare them on like-for-like terms.
You receive
- · Construction drawings
- · Specifications
- · Tender comparison
06
Build period
Construction & handover
We stay involved while the building goes up: visiting site, answering the builder's questions, coordinating with engineers, and making sure what gets built matches what was approved. At the end we walk through with you and snag.
You receive
- · Site visits
- · Build coordination
- · Snagging & handover
A note on time
A typical residential project runs 10–14 months from first call to keys.
The biggest variable is council approval. Some municipalities turn around in two months, others take six. Commercial and industrial projects often move faster on design but slower on approvals because more departments are involved.
We give you a realistic timeline at the fee proposal stage, not the optimistic one. So you can plan around it.
Ready to start at stage one?
The first conversation is free. Send us a few details and we'll set up a time to talk.
Begin