01. Say g’day

Drop us a line and tell us all about your residential or commercial project.

02. Let’s lock in a site meeting

Next up is a site visit to talk through your vision for the project.

03. Client briefing

From here it’s time to fine-tune the client brief. We’ll send you a password-protected questionnaire to fill out that dives a little deeper into how you see yourself functioning in each individual space, and what is most important to you along with drilling down on details like scope of works, budgets and rough time frames. At the end of this process we’ll have a thorough understanding of your wants, needs and budget.

04. Site survey

Before any design work can begin we ask our clients to engage the services of a registered surveyor to carry out a detailed site survey. During this process, existing conditions such as boundaries, easements, neighbouring dwellings, and established vegetation are identified along with services and site contours.

05. Let’s talk architectural fees and costs

We take all of the information garnered from our site meeting, your client questionnaire and site survey and provide you with either a fee proposal to carry out the design, documentation and lodgement of your project OR, if you prefer us to work hourly, we provide an estimate of hours to complete the aforementioned design and documentation process. Hourly is a more transparent relationship between client and architect and often works out to be more affordable for the client.

It is about this time that you should start talking with local builders and ascertaining their availability. We are always on hand to assist you in finding the right builder for the job, as we pride ourselves on working collaboratively with your builder of choice until the keys are safely in your hands.

06. Concept design

Once we have the client’s blessing to move forward, it’s time to dive into the fun part - concept design. During this stage we will return to site and conduct a deeper site analysis which allows us to gain a better understanding of various sight lines and vantage points. Sun and wind studies are also undertaken. From here we’ll produce a mood board and materials schedule along with preliminary sketches (sections, elevations and floor plans), all of which will allow you to get a general feel for the proposed dwelling or space. 

07. Design development

After client feedback we proceed to the design and development stage, making any necessary changes to ensure the proposed design is both practical and functional in relation to the client’s needs and budget. We encourage clients’ involvement throughout the design process. We utilise the latest 3D CAD software, allowing you to easily review every aspect of your build. We’re in regular contact with you during this phase, ensuring we stay on budget in relation to architectural fees, should you have opted to work with us hourly.  

08. DA documentation

Once we have sign off on the design it is onward and upwards to the development application and lodgement, as we work to compile any additional approval documentation (ie: Development Application, Construction Certificate or Exempt & Complying Development Certificate). Additional documentation varies depending on the nature and scope of each project. These may include but are not limited to - Demolition Plan, Shadow Diagrams, Landscape Plan, Notification Plans, Stormwater Management Plan and/or Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.

Rest assured we work regularly with a talented group of consultants which enables us to streamline the development application process. A BASIX certificate is also generated for your project and any BASIX commitments are included on the DA plans. We also look after other council requirements such as the Statement of Environmental Effects report and Waste Management Plans and ascertain estimated DA fees from council on your behalf. 

09. DA lodgement

We issue a DA set of drawings, have you sign and return any necessary paperwork that pertains to the lodging of your DA and lodge said DA with the local council (BGA works primarily with the Sutherland, Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla, Wingecarribee, Byron, Tweed and Ballina Shires). We check in regularly with council throughout the assessment period and, should council require any additional information, supply said documentation in a timely manner. We’ll keep you kept up to date with how things are progressing during this time.

Still have questions? Check out our FAQ page for more frequently asked questions.