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the process
This is an interactive process where you can be involved as much, or as little as you desire. You can be hands on helping design, or sit back and let us take care of everything for you. The design can always be modified and every step is checked and confirmed with you before we proceed.
Below is a summary of the steps taken to design and document your home, extension or project.
step 1. the introduction
The first step is to meet in person and discuss any thoughts or ideas you might have, the project brief, and the budget. From this initial meeting a fee proposal for the discussed work will be sent to you for review, and upon approval of the fee proposal we will move to step 2.
step 2. concept design - the site and the brief
A thorough assessment of the site or existing building is undertaken to determine the most appropriate design outcomes for the project in relation to the brief and budget. What we consider appropriate is a design that is:
functional
It meets and exceeds all needs of the user
beautiful
Pleasing to the eye, and it fits in with the environment. It looks like it is meant to be there, and it compliments the surroundings
ethical
There is never any concession made to quality for any reason. A low budget does not mean a low quality outcome. The use of ethically produced and sustainable products and materials, with design considerations for the local flora and fauna, any and all neighbors to the site, and the environment
why do we do this?
Each site is unique and brings with it a number of opportunities and constraints. These range from the natural such as views, sunlight, wind and rain through to imposed restrictions like planning and development guidelines, specific suburb and council rules, and of course the budget or 'time and money'. Every factor is carefully considered, with the outcome being the best possible design solution that takes advantage of all site opportunities, whilst mitigating any imposing elements to the project.
Once a concept design has been agreed upon, we then proceed to the next step of documenting that design...
step 3. documentation
With a design concept in place, this is where we begin to transfer that concept it into a digital model to further workshop and develop the project. The site and building will be accurately modelled in 3D, with plans, sections and elevations being produced to communicate all aspects of the design. The documentation produced here will be used for all future application processes and eventually become the 'construction drawings'.
Toward the end of step 3 these will become a highly detailed set of drawings, which are then used for all application purposes and to tender (obtain quotes from builders) which will form part of the contract of works with the chosen builder.
step 4. approvals
The approval process can be different depending on the type and size of the project. In some instances a Development Application (DA) may be required, whilst in other cases the project may be exempt from this and instead require a different application process. We can help to explain the different types of application processes, the options you have available and which is most suitable for your project.
Additionally, the following link to the ACT Government planning department has a thorough description of when and how different application processes are required to build or renovate in the ACT
https://www.planning.act.gov.au/build-buy-renovate/build-buy-or-renovate/approvals
step 5. construction drawings
Finally are the construction drawings. the building has been designed, it has passed all checks and approvals, now it is time to build. you can think of this process like building IKEA furniture or a LEGO set. The instructions / drawings are there that explain how it needs to be built and show what it should look like as a finished result, but how well drawn those instructions are greatly determines how easy it is to understand and therefore build. This is very much the same in construction. the more detail and information that is present, the easier it is to work with, and the higher a chance of the finished project flowing with no issues.
During this step any remaining fine details are added to the documentation, including any relevant engineering and consultant information and then the you are ready to start construction
common concerns
Some of the common and recurring statements that past clients have made which can be easily answered. If you do have any questions, feel free to call and we can discuss any thoughts you might have before we proceed with meeting up
I have never had something designed and built before, it all seems a bit confusing....
If you are new to having something designed and built it might seem a bit confusing to know what kind of documentation or services are required, what all the different application processes are, and when any of that is needed or relevant. Designing with Hart can assist with all project types at any stage of the process. If you are ready to build and already have the perfect design in mind and just need it to be documented and approved, or if you have absolutely no idea what you want and are starting from the first step, we can assist you along the journey to realizing the finished build, and provide all necessary design, documentation and advice along the way.
so there seem to be lots of different types of applications and approvals before I can build anything. It's a bit overwhelming....
There are a number of different application and approval stages on the way to having a completed project. the most common of these would be the Development Application (DA) and the Building Approval (BA). Depending on the type and size of a project, a Development Application is not always required, but other approvals and applications will still be relevant and with each new approval and application process, there can be a different level of information and detail required. Designing with Hart take the stress out of this process and manage everything for you from initial consultations with council through to managing the project in it's entirety and coordinating all necessary consultants, applications and approvals so you can have peace of mind knowing you just need to sign some forms, and relax,
The following link to the ACT Government planning department has a thorough description of when and how different application processes are required to build or renovate in the ACT.
https://www.planning.act.gov.au/build-buy-renovate/build-buy-or-renovate/approvals
I want to renovate or build, I just don't know what and probably not for a few years....
You might have the thought of maybe renovating something in a few years time and aren't ready to make any decisions on what you want. Then taking measurements of your home or building and producing an accurate 3D model and building plans makes the perfect coffee table reading whilst you spend the years sketching down thoughts and drawing ideas onto the plans. It's never too early to start, the project with the longest deadlines often produce the best results.
I don't have anywhere to build or renovate yet, but I am looking to buy some property somewhere and I'm not really sure what to look for....
If you don't own any land or property at all, then don't fret, we can still work together. Designing with Hart also offer a pre-purchase consultation service where we help you to choose an appropriate site or property to purchase that will best suit your needs. ultimately the decision on where to buy will be yours, but with a thorough pro's and con's list you can purchase with confidence. We can even advise on which apartment is the best in a new build so there is no need to worry if you will be getting enough fresh air or sunlight. at an extra cost, there is even the ability for us to model a building or property in 3D prior to purchase so you can experience it in 3D or VR and put in furniture before you make a decision on purchasing.
The pre-purchase service provides information on the style and design period history of the building (and the architect/designer profile if available), a thorough site analysis taking into account everything from views, sunshine and prevailing winds, to possible near by noise, nearby infrastructure installations, relevant government planning codes and any future limitations or opportunities. If you are looking to buy soon, get in touch and buy with confidence.
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