END TO END ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

Care, trust and personal guidance at every stage

Engaging an architect is the start of a collaboration that often lasts years. That’s why it’s important to understand exactly what we do and what you can expect at every point, allowing things to change and evolve. Most clients come to me because I offer a full service - from start to finish - and I work with a range of budgets, welcoming all projects..

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architecture design

Types of projects

I offer three key project types for families, couples, professionals and downsizers, largely in Bayside, Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. Whether you are going through a major life change or simply wishing for a new type of home, my projects include:

  • Alterations & Additions. Also known as extensions, these are where I adapt and add on space, taking cues from the landscape to bring in light, space and views.

  • New homes. One-off projects requiring a full house build on your site, often with a higher consideration of consultation with relevant authorities, council and stakeholders.

  • Renovations. These projects are typically contained within the building envelope, reworking rooms and space to help them work and perform better.

Bringing older homes to life

If you have a Californian Bungalow, Art Deco, Federation or Victorian terrace – you own a beautiful piece of Melbourne’s heritage architecture.  But you’ll know their limitations too: natural light, coldness, boxy rooms and a lack of open plan living and modern conveniences. As an advocate for older architecture (especially mid-century design!) I have many years’ experience unlocking these homes to their fullest potential reflecting you and your lifestyle.

While I’m known largely for my work on older homes, some of the other types of homes I design include beach homes, holiday homes and small house designs.

Modern backyard with swimming pool, inflatable float, green outdoor chair, patio with dining table and chairs, white brick house with large sliding glass doors, and clear blue sky.
Minimalist home workspace with a marble desk, wooden shelves with artwork and plants, a large window with greenery outside, a small stool, and a white wall.
Beautiful Client Transformations

My 3-stage design process

After 20 years as an architect, I understand that creating a new home can be stressful and time consuming. My 3-Stage process outlines clear milestones and deliverables but allows time and space for flexibility too:

Stage 1 – Pre-design, Schematic Design, Design Development and Planning Application

Stage 2 – Construction Documentation, Contractor Selection

Stage 3 – Contract Administration

Architectural drawing showing south and north elevations of a house with pitched roof, windows, and brick exterior details.
Modern brick house with a large outdoor area and wooden frame structure, surrounded by green trees and a lawn, with outdoor furniture and a patio.
See how it works

Your journey starts here

There are three ways to work with me, depending on where you are on your architectural journey. You may have been watching renovation programs, have someone who engaged an architect or are simply exploring your options. I’m here to help:

  • Discovery Call: Free. Schedule a no-obligation free call at a time that suits you. We’ll chat about your vision, what’s possible and the next steps to take.

  • Feasibility Study: $3000 + GST. If you would like to take your ideas to the next level, but are not sure you’re ready to go further, a feasibility study is a great option. I’ll create a floor plan and options for you based on your site and needs and discuss what it might look like working together as your architect.

  • Full-Service: Project fee as discussed. For those who see their home as an investment in the future, value sustainable design and quality construction and are ready to invest thoughtfully. Architectural services typically represent 9 – 12% of the construction cost.

Modern living room with large glass doors opening to a lush green backyard, featuring a white sofa, an armchair, a TV on a wooden stand, a round coffee table, and a bar area with stools.
I'm ready to get started

With 20 years of experience and a trusted network of consultants and builders, I’ll help you create a home that’s thoughtful, enduring and built with care. Clients often tell me the journey feels easier and more enjoyable because they know I’m by their side from start to finish.

Get in touch

FAQ

  • We will guide you through all stages of design and construction

    CONCEPT DESIGN

    The concept design stage is a very creative part of the architectural process. We split this stage into two parts.

    Part 1 starts by getting to know you, the site and your brief. The big ideas are formed and refined. We develop two sketch plan options with opinions of cost for each. 

    Part 2 is focused on further defining the architectural plan and developing the external form and spaces. We show you the first 3D images of your home and key materials. 

    At the end of the concept design stage a preliminary cost plan is prepared by a quantity surveyor, to help you manage your budget as the project takes shape.

    DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

    We work with the consultant team to develop the design and produce more detailed drawings and selection of materials. We work with you to develop the design of the interior and joinery elements. If required, the drawings are lodged for planning approval.

    CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION

    The construction documentation stage produces technical drawings and specifications to invite tenders, obtain a building permit, and for use in construction. We will also oversee the documentation by other specialist consultants.

    CONTRACTOR SELECTION AND TENDER

    We guide you through the contractor selection stage by advising on suitable contracts and on a process of tender or negotiation. We prepare a shortlist of potential builders who have the relevant experience and capabilities to undertake the project. We then put the project out to tender or negotiate with your preferred builder. Upon receiving tenders, we assess each one and provide a report for your review. Once you accept a tender, we negotiate with the preferred builder if required and prepare the contract documents for signing. 

    CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

    We liaise with you and the builder when your new home is under construction. We administer the contract, assess the quality of work and ensure that contract drawings and specifications are complied with. We manage site meetings, assess variation and progress claims, identify defects and administer their rectification, and decide when practical completion occurs for occupancy. This is a critical stage as we work hard to make sure that the original design intent is carried through until completion.

  • If you’re unsure what you can do on your site or how your building might be adapted or added to, a Feasibility Study is the perfect project starter. It’s a great way to explore what’s possible without any obligation to engage us for further work.

  • All too often there is a difference between the cost of a project when first considered and when finally produced. And the reason is simple, costs and budgets are either not realistically planned or contained as the project proceeds. To help you manage your budget, we work with a quantity surveyor (cost consultant) who will prepare a detailed cost plan report at the end of the concept design stage. The quantity surveyor can also be engaged for further advice as the design and documentation progresses. 

    During the architectural process we will always let you know when a decision will affect the budget. You can then weigh up what value you put on that addition and instruct us to include it or exclude it.

  • We have a high rate of success in obtaining planning approvals. Before we begin sketching, we make initial inquiries regarding authority regulations and requirements. Prior to submitting a formal planning application, we attend a Council pre-application meeting to confirm their requirements and seek feedback. After submitting the formal application, we assist the client in obtaining the planning approval by responding to the Council’s requests for additional information and where directed, negotiate with Council or other parties. This may include changes to drawings due to neighbour objections or Council feedback.

  • The architect does not supervise the building works, that is the role of the builder. We will liaise with the builder to assess quality of work and ensure that contract drawings and specifications are complied with, keep you informed of progress, assess variation and progress claims, identify defects and administer their rectification, and decide when practical completion occurs for occupancy. This is a critical stage as we work hard to make sure that the original design intent is carried through until completion.

  • The best outcomes come when the builder, architect and client are working as a team to create something beautiful. At regular site meetings, the program (time) and design are reviewed. Potential issues are identified and discussed so they don’t create problems. If the builder submits a claim for a variation or an extension of time we assess and approve it. This gives our clients comfort that they won’t incur extra cost or time delays that aren’t legitimate.

  • A bespoke home will inevitably cost more than a mass-produced project home, regardless of whether the design is led by an architect, building designer, or builder. The two key factors that make up the cost are project size and quality. We live by the mantra of quality over quantity and we are skilled in designing spaces that you will use, and enjoy, for many years to come. We will help you refine your brief so that your home is just the right size for you (and not too big!). Our recent projects Red Brick House worked hard at 194sqm and the Gable House at 217sqm. 

  • Yes. Your architect retains copyright on this work. The drawings and documents may be used only for the purpose and on the site for which they are produced.

  • For full architectural design and documentation services we charge a percentage fee based on the budgeted and then the final cost of the project. Once a building contract is signed, we shift to a monthly retainer for contract administration services.

  • A renovation to the right building can be a great result from a design, sustainability and cost perspective but only if it passes the test. The house should be in good condition, it should feel solid, with no large cracks appearing and no dampness. The majority of rooms to be reused should be a good size. And the house should have some architectural details you like. If it has some charm or holds many wonderful memories the case for renovation is the way forward.