Design Process
We Use The Latest 3D Archicad Software
Using the latest Archicad software, we design our buildings as 3D Models.
We aim to establish an open friendly relationship with the client in order to achieve the best result. The design process is broken down into the following simple stages with opportunity for client feedback at each stage.
Feel free to give as much or as little of your ideas as you like, and we will enhance them with our expertise.
Design Brief & Agreement
We begin with a phone call where the client explains the specifics of their project. Based on the client description, we give an initial design cost estimate.
If the client is happy with our verbal proposal, we set up an introductory meeting at the proposed building site to meet the client, discuss their requirements, dreams & ideas.
A written brief would be helpful, outlining your requirements and desires. (with some pictures & ideas that appeal to you.)
After this initial meeting, a design agreement is drawn up detailing the project specifics. The client signs the agreement and pays the required deposit, providing they are happy with the specifics of the agreement.
Stage 1. Concept Design
- A Survey /Contour Plan, showing any existing buildings and services on site, is required before we begin. We can provide this upon request.
- We research planning bodies, & the council etc, for any required information .
- We create the initial idea, based on the discussions with the client, the written brief, the site characteristics and our own design judgment.
- We demonstrate how we intend to achieve climatic comfort for your building. We show the relationships between the rooms, the landscape, the winter and summer sun and the natural airflow through the building.
Stage 2. Sketch Plans
- While being mindful of your budget, we modify the concept plans until you are satisfied with the final design. By this point, we will have a completed computerised 3D model of your building that can be spun around to view the building from all directions.
- We can take you through the building to view any room and experience the indoor /outdoor relationships between the living spaces.
- Before proceeding to working drawings, we can get an initial semi-realistic construction cost estimate from the potential builders. At this stage, if required, final modifications are made, so that the final design corresponds with the realistic building budget estimate.
- NOTE: The final accurate building estimate can only be achieved from finalised engineered, detailed working drawings. (End of Stage 3)
- Drawings provided: Site, Floor Plans, Sections, Elevations and 3D Model & Images with window and door openings.
Stage 3. Working Drawings
- Builder's Plans – Completed working drawings to council requirements, with enough detail for the builder to be able to construct this project are completed.
Extra Services
Details – Kitchen, electrical, landscape and other details as requested. (NOTE: Enough detail is provided on the working drawings for consultants to make their own detail drawings.
Contract Administration:
- Calling of tenders and supplying builders with the required information for the quotation purposes.
- Quote comparisons and helping the client select the best value builder.
- Keeping an eye on the building process for the client so the building is built in accordance to the plans.
- Providing solutions for any on site problems.
- Assistance with town planning – we can attend to any town planning applications and liaison with all required parties.