FAQs

What is an Architect? 

Architects have been coined the ‘master generalists,’ knowing a lot about everything in order to tie together all the specialist consultants involved in a project. As well as creative input, architects provide project management along with cost planning management, especially on smaller scale jobs. This part of the job isn’t too glamorous or exciting but are intrinsic aspects of any building project.

Architects offer good design, space efficiency, functionality, cost effectiveness, passive design, good orientation to the context of the site all the while being sustainable and aware of practices that are better for the world. These all assist the production of a building that has a superior design outcome and ultimately, a longer lifespan.

What is good design?

After some discussion, our office agreed that good design is something that withstands the test of time. A space that is comfortable and enjoyable to live in. To us, in summary, this means a building that prioritises passive solar design, good views, good circulation and connectivity between different spaces while being flexible and allowing for different users to occupy the space and make it their own.

Architect Vs. Draftsperson

What we do as architects, is based on all of the experience we have as well as the study and knowledge that we’ve acquired. On the other hand, a drafting service only produces technical drawings. We also, as designers are lateral thinkers and we try to understand the client and context to then find the outcome that best reflects their desires. Inadvertently, the best outcome we can hope for is when presenting a design to a client and the response is ‘Oh, I hadn’t thought of that!’

What can I expect when working with an architect?

As architects, we’ll take you on a design journey. Upon a design journey, we’ll assist going as far as you’re comfortable in terms of sustainable design, budget etc. to maximize the outcome and inherent joy of the building.

The initial stages involve retrieving all the information a client has so we can understand what they are trying to achieve. An architect will be able to view a projects parameters and culminate ideas and concepts through a different way of thinking and testing. A whole lot of testing! If this process is missed and you jump straight to drafting, you may be off on the wrong track because the design hasn’t been tested in a fundamental way.
Through this process, a concept design will be developed. After this, along with the application for a town planning permit if required, the design progresses through the design development phase which is followed by a technical drawing and documentation stage to enable tendering the project to the market where we then manage negotiation with builders. Once on site, we deal with the contract and administration of the building process.

How do I choose an Architect?

You’re going to be involved in a reasonably lengthy process with the architect or team that you engage. When choosing an architect, you want to make sure you feel comfortable, heard and that the architects are approachable and excited about being on a journey with you. A question you can ask yourself when choosing an architect is, how do you imagine communicating with this person as there’s always going to be things you don’t agree with. Alongside being a generalist, an architect is also a mediator. Within the architectural journey, there are always differences in personalities and priorities but fundamentally, all parties should see value in striving to make good architecture within the set parameters.