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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 entail.
Architectural Design Process
Stage 1 – Getting Started
If you’re ready to explore your project ideas, please reach out by phone or email to schedule an introductory conversation. During this initial call, I’ll review your property online and ask a few questions to clarify your goals and expectations. This first chat allows us to determine if we’re a good fit and provides a clear sense of the next steps.
This initial consultation is complimentary.
Stage 2 – Fee Proposal & Brief
After our introduction, I can begin crafting a custom fee proposal (quote) for your project. Since each project is unique—considering site requirements, planning regulations, and individual client needs—this involves thorough research and often a site visit. Together, we’ll establish a written brief that serves as our project foundation. This phase can be time-intensive but essential to ensure the project aligns with your vision.
As mentioned on my profile page, I believe that housing should be accessible to everyone. To that end, rather than charging my time for Stage 2, I ask clients to make a donation to a charity that supports youths facing homelessness.
Stage 3 – Concept Design
With the brief established and our contract signed, the architectural design phase begins. Here, your ideas start to take shape in the form of concept plans. Drawing from expertise and experience, I explore designs that are functional, visually engaging, and tailored to your requirements. Concept design is a collaborative process, where schematic designs are developed and refined with your input.
This service is covered under the fixed fee proposal.
Stage 4 – Budget Review
Once the concept design is established, it’s beneficial to engage a quantity surveyor to assess estimated construction costs. This review provides a clearer picture of the project construction budget and helps us make any adjustments early on.
This service is undertaken by an external consultant, exclusive to our contract.
Stage 5 – Town Planning
Many projects require Town Planning Approval from your local council. This process involves preparing detailed plans and formally lodging all required documents.
With extensive experience navigating council regulations across various municipalities, I help make this process as efficient and hassle-free as possible. I aim to preemptively provide the information council is looking for in a clear and concise manner. This dramatically speeds up the process by giving them everything they need upfront.
Want to know more about Town Planning and the process? Follow the link for a detailed guide to Planning Permits.
This service is covered under the fixed fee proposal.
Stage 6 – Design Refinement and Interior Design
Design refinement continues throughout as the project increases in detail. A well-designed building achieves consistency across both exterior and interior spaces. Key factors such as material selection, layout, and lighting are carefully considered to express the design concept established during the concept phase.
This service is covered under the fixed fee proposal.
Stage 7 – Construction Plans
As the design is refined, I also prepare the technical documentation needed for construction. I take pride in producing clear, concise, and accurate construction plans that facilitate approvals, assist the builder and prevent on-site confusion.
This service is covered under the fixed fee proposal.
Stage 8 (or earlier) – Builder Selection
Traditionally, builders were selected only once construction plans were finalised. However, I’ve found success in involving the builder earlier in the process, around Stage 6. Engaging a builder during the design phase allows them to provide valuable input, helping to guide decisions and align the project with budget goals, ultimately leading to a smoother transition to construction.
Builder selection, whether through tendering or direct negotiation, is a collaborative discussion, but the choice is ultimately yours. While contract price is important, it’s also essential to consider the builder’s experience, reputation for quality, and ability to meet project timelines. My role is to assist you in making this decision.
If required, this service is offered on an hourly basis, with estimated costs provided in the initial fee proposal.
Stage 9 – Building Permit
Once plans are ready and a builder selected, we apply for the building permit, allowing construction to begin. If you’re unfamiliar with building permits, you can read more about the process here: Building Permits.
This service is covered under the fixed fee proposal.
Stage 10 – Contract Administration
During construction, I can act as a neutral liaison between you and the builder. I oversee the building progress, certify payments, review and approve variations, address defects, and ultimately confirm when the building is complete and ready for occupancy (your move in day!!!).
If required, this service is provided on an hourly basis, with estimated costs included in the initial fee proposal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Costs 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 Costs & 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, Banyule, Boroondara, Darebin, Glen Eira, Hepburn Shire, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Macedon Ranges, Monash, Moonee Valley, Melbourne, Merri-Bek, Mornington Peninsula, Kingston, Knox, Port Phillip, Queenscliff, Stonnington, Surf Coast, Whitehorse, Yarra, and the Yarra Ranges.
Want to know more about MOA.studio?
Learn more about me and my values that shape my practice and the work I do.
See some of the projects that clients have trusted me with over the years. Includes home renovations and new builds.
Read about my thoughts on sustainable architecture and how I think we should instead be building better.