Architectural Design Services
MOA.studio is a Melbourne architectural design studio, servicing the suburbs and regional Victoria, I help my clients through the entire design and building process, a process that can be complex and unfamiliar to many. Below is a brief overview of the design process and what my services at MOA.studio have to offer you.
What Services does MOA.studio Offer?
As mentioned, MOA.studio offers a full scope of architectural design services. Surprising to many people, architectural design services can often begin before you even have a building site…
Pre-Design and Feasibility
If required, MOA.studio can assist with and provide crucial advice on choosing a building site (or advise on the suitably of an existing site) that is fit for your needs. This advice draws from a breadth of accumulated knowledge pertaining to environmental considerations, local town planning and building regulations along with common construction practices / techniques.
Architectural Design and Obtaining Approval (Town Planning)
After establishing your brief (budget, needs and hopes for the project), MOA.studio will begin the design process. Initially I will use my extensive knowledge and experience to appropriately respond to your brief in a functional yet aesthetically pleasing outcome. The design process is a back-and-forth dialogue between architect and client where you will be presented with schematic designs, that with progression and development lead to the final design.
A large proportion of projects will require permission from local council, usually referred to as ‘Town Planning Approval’. Obtaining approval requires formally lodging documents and responding to council’s queries in a knowledgeable and timely manner. MOA.studio has extensive knowledge of council regulations and experience across a wide range of councils. My expertise in handling these matters promotes efficiency in conforming to this process.
Want to know more about Town Planning and the process? Follow the link for a thorough look at Planning Permits
Contract Documentation and Design Refinement (Interior Design)
With design approvals granted, its time to prepare the technical documentation for a builder to quote from and use in construction. These construction plans are comprehensive, needing to convey a myriad of essential information. I pride myself on my ability to produce clear, concise and legible construction plans that make approvals quicker, assist the builder, and avoid confusion on the building site.
The design process isn’t over once the construction plans are produced; MOA.studio will always continue to refine the design as the project increases in detail. During this stage I largely undertake the interior design. A well-designed building will be consistent and complimentary across the exterior and interior. Key elements that enhance consistency include material selection, layout and the use of lighting. With careful consideration, these three elements will express the overarching design concept that was reached in the initial architectural design stages.
Builder Selection, Building Permits & Contract Administration
Once the construction documents are in place, MOA.studio can help in the selection of a builder through a process of tendering or direct negotiation. It is imperative that tenders are not selected on contract price alone. Importantly, consideration must be given to the builder’s experience, their reputation for quality, and their ability to meet the project schedule.
Now with the plans prepared and the builder locked in, we have all the information we need to apply for the building permit and construction can begin! If you are unfamiliar with building permits, I have written more on this here… Building Permits
Once construction is underway, MOA.studio can act as the go-between you and the builder, liaising in an impartial manner. I will assess the progress of the building work and certify payments, assess and approve any variations, administer the rectification of defects and decide when the building is complete for occupancy.
Cost of Architectural Design Services
Each project is unique, tailored to specific site requirements and planning regulations, necessitating individual quotes. For reference, my fees for residential projects typically range from 6% to 12% of the construction cost, depending on the project’s scale and complexity. This is only a guide, as I provide a fixed fee structure customized to your project’s needs, rather than basing fees on percentages. When a fixed fee isn’t applicable, such as for administration services during construction, I offer transparent hourly rates, clearly outlined with estimates before engagement.
Follow the link for a more in depth look at Architect Fees
Areas of Service
I service all of greater Melbourne (and parts of regional Victoria) with projects and experience across numerous council areas such as Bayside, Boroondara, Glen Eira, Hepburn Shire, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula, Merri-Bek, Knox, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Surf Coast, Yarra, and the Yarra Ranges.