This planning stage is the most important in the building process, as it is here that the fundamentals of accommodation, form and economy of the project will be established.

• Your Project Architect performs an inspection of the site, where topography, orientation and any special features are noted.  An "as existing" drawing is made.  The site is evaluated for soil conditions and other factors that may influence the type of construction required, and if necessary an Engineer is engaged to prepare a report on the site. As with all stages of the architectural design, you are invited to attend and participate at all meetings.

• An interview is held to determine your ideas for the design, your lifestyle and the accommodation required.  You are encouraged to visualise living in the home to determine your likes and dislikes.  A report is made of the comments made during this interview, which forms the basis of your design brief.

• From the findings of the interview, a Concept Sketch is drawn.  This provides a basic layout of the floor plan which is used for discussion purposes.

• At this stage we provide a detailed opinion of probable cost, based on type of construction required and the standard of finish indicated by you at the interview.

• A meeting is held to discuss the concept to date, budget and sketches.  These sketches are amended to suit your requirements, and once you are satisfied with the concept design and the cost estimates, the Design Development stage is instigated.

• 1976 East Beechboro Primary School, Dept of Works, PWD

• 1978 Toilet and Change Room facilities at Hilton Reserve, City of Fremantle

• 1979 Mater Plan for Fremantle Oval, City of Fremantle

• 1979 Modifications to Fremantle Oval grandstand, City of Fremantle

• 1984 East Beechboro Primary School additions, BMA

• 1986 Harmony Farm, Perth Zoo

• 1989 Master Plan for Perth Zoo

• 1990-93 Infrastructure Buildings, Perth Zoo

• 1994-98 Solar designed home units developments for Homes West

• 1996 Aged housing at Tammin, WA, Homes West

• 1994 Additions to the Veterinary facility, Perth Zoo

• 1994 Belmont Licensing Centre, WA Police

• 1998 Piney Lakes environmental Education Centre

• 1999 Birds of prey demonstration enclosure, Perth Zoo

• 2003 Armadale Re- development Authority urban guidelines

• 2004 Murdoch University Wilson Research Centre

• 2004 North Canningvale Primary school, DWH

• 2005 Subiaco Re-development Authority, Fine China site, urban renewal project

• 2006 Rottnest Island Hotel at Longreach

• 2008 Cottesloe Town Centre and Beachfront Enquiry by design.

• 2009 Ellenbrook Ecopad sustainable house, DHW

The Concept Stage usually is about 30% of the total design and documentation fee that as a total usually 3.5% to 5% of building contract cost, depending on the scale and scope of the project.  A fixed sum can be negotiated based on this or a time charge basis is sometimes the most preferred method of remuneration.

Interested in this service? Why not contact us for information on how we can work with you.