Architectural

Services

real quick

The biggest advantage of working with a professional architect Ballina is the focused attention of a design professional working on your particular building site and with your individual needs. As every project is individual, challenging sites are not a problem. Sloped blocks, limited space or strict planning regulations are all issues where I can help. A thorough design process can find value in the property you have.

Briefing & Sketch Design

In the early stages of any project, it’s crucial to thoroughly establish your requirements, and as a professional architect Ballina, I emphasise not rushing this process. I dedicate ample time during the Briefing and Sketch Design stages to discuss your needs in detail and determine the best approach to achieve them. As a professional architect Ballina, my goal is to ensure that every aspect of your project is carefully considered, leading to a design that truly meets your expectations and integrates seamlessly with your vision.

Costs

A custom-designed house often comes with higher costs, and factors such as demolition work or complex site conditions can significantly increase expenses. As a professional architect Ballina, I understand the importance of a well-defined brief in identifying your priorities and determining what is achievable within your budget. By working closely with you, I ensure that as your professional architect Ballina, we create a design that aligns with your vision while managing costs effectively. This thorough planning process helps us deliver a high-quality result that meets both your aesthetic and financial expectations. Take your time and view some of my projects.

Communication

Communicating my ideas clearly is important so all projects involve 3D modelling as part of the design process. My services are broken down into stages, from your initial ideas, through Council approvals to construction and my aim is to make this process as smooth as possible.

Residential

A new build home is an exciting project, and as a professional architect Ballina, I love working with clients who seek something personal that enhances their lives. Designing for a challenging site or focusing on aspects such as sustainability or long-term adaptability often leads to some of the most rewarding solutions. As your professional architect Ballina, I am dedicated to creating bespoke designs that not only meet your specific needs but also provide exceptional value and functionality.

Renovation

Working with an existing building, whether residential or commercial, presents its own set of challenges and opportunities. As a professional architect Ballina, I dedicate much of the Briefing process to assessing what works within the existing structure and identifying where value can be added. Given that budgets are often tight, targeted spending that maximises the potential of what you already have is ideal. As your professional architect Ballina, I ensure that every decision enhances the existing framework while staying within budget constraints.

Planning & Regulation

Increasingly, many properties face significant planning constraints related to bushfire or flood risks. As a professional architect Ballina, I have extensive experience with the relevant legislation and collaborate closely with consultants in these areas to ensure safe and durable homes. Additionally, I am well-versed in working with Heritage controls and take great pleasure in revitalising buildings that have stood the test of time. As your professional architect Ballina, I am dedicated to addressing these challenges while preserving and enhancing the unique character of your property.

Getting started

Every project starts with a meeting to discuss your project and to determine the level of service you require. A full description of my design process is below and I am always happy to discuss what I can offer for your project so please get in touch.

Initial Meeting

All projects start with an initial meeting to introduce myself and discuss the project you have in mind. This is often done on-site and outlines the type of project, the scale, a preliminary budget and the timeframe. This service is free of charge.

Fee Proposal

Once I have the basic outlines of your project, I will prepare a Fee Proposal outlining the fees for each stage and the scope of services you require. Acceptance of the Fee Proposal will be the basis for the Client-Architect agreement (contract).

Briefing & Feasibility

Depending on the scale and complexity of the project, we may need to the undertake a feasibility study to assess what is possible on your specific property, taking in planning regulation, environmental factors like flooding and bushfire and also the extent of the budget.

Briefing is a very important stage that all projects go through. This is when you get to explore what it is you really want from your project – what kind of spaces you need and the quality you want those spaces to have. This stage is crucial and time spent here can save costly mistakes in the long run.

Sketch Design

At this stage we will take the Brief and turn it into a design concept. This stage is an exchange of ideas between Client and Architect and we will use sketches, basic floor plans & 3D visualisations to discuss the form and look of the building. Most people find this stage the most fun.

Development Application Documentation

Once the Sketch Design is well developed I can prepare drawings for Council Approval. This stage often involves liaising with Council and may involve input from other consultants. I can also provide shadow diagrams as required by Council and the BASIX certificate to meet your sustainability obligations.

Construction Certificate Documentation

This stage involves the preparation of documents required for certification by either Council or a private certifier. The design is further detailed and any changes required by the Development Application are made. Co-ordination with Engineers will be required at this stage.

Construction Documentation & Costing

The project is fully detailed and specified, ready to be priced by a Builder. This can either be done as part of a competitive tender priced by multiple Builders or one on one with your selected Builder. Interiors will be finalised either by myself or in conjunction with an Interior designer.

Construction & Contract Administration

During construction I can offer an on-going collaboration with the Builder to enable the best built result. I can also provide Contract Administration service, if desired. The extent to which you require my services in this area will depend on the project and the contract with the Builder.

Each stage of works will be charged separately according to the agreed Fee Proposal.
The extent of services I provide can be tailored to best suit your individual needs.