We start with your brief and a review of the property, planning controls and site opportunities. The design is then developed through three sketch-plan steps:

1. Sketch Plan 1: initial site-based design, presented with 3D computer modelling.
2. Sketch Plan 2: refinement following your review and feedback.
3. Sketch Plan 3: final design direction, including the proposed external material and colour intent.

The standard new-home design scope provides an initial meeting, up to two further meetings and up to two design revisions.

During design, the material normally includes a site plan, dimensioned floor plans, elevations, sections where needed and 3D visualisations. The later working-drawing stage develops the architectural documents for approvals, general builder pricing and residential construction.

Depending on requirements, these can include roof and area plans, window and door schedules, energy-rating and bushfire notes, shadow diagrams and other supporting plans.

A current survey prepared by a registered surveyor is normally needed. For new homes, the standard agreement requests this in DWG/CAD format, showing site boundaries, levels, existing structures, services and significant site features. Preliminary discussions can happen before the survey, but proper design documentation may need to wait until it is available.

The standard new-home agreement allows approximately three to six months for the design stage. This depends on the site, decisions, consultant information and any indicative builder feedback. Later documentation and statutory approval periods are separate and depend on the project.

We examine the likely ACT approval pathway for the design. Where eligible, a development-approval-exempt approach may be considered; other sites may require an Exemption Declaration or full Development Application. Building Approval is a separate requirement. Statutory submissions and specialist reports are additional services or can be arranged through your chosen certifier or consultants.

Rural or complex sites may also require bushfire, geotechnical, wastewater, stormwater, ecological or other specialist advice. Residential energy ratings can be undertaken by the practice or by a separate qualified assessor. Read about residential energy ratings.

The first step is to understand the existing house and the changes you want to make. We review the original plans and current site survey, consider planning constraints and explore design options before choosing a preferred direction.

The design then develops through preliminary, revised and final sketch plans, with floor plans, elevations, sections and black-and-white 3D form studies to help communicate the proposal.

As well as the ordinary architectural drawings, an alteration project may require demolition plans, building-envelope information, shadow studies, protection of existing landscape, waterproofing and accessibility details, and erosion-control documentation. The extent depends on the design and approval pathway.

The standard alteration agreement asks for the original residence drawings and a current site survey. When original plans are missing, extra work may be needed to establish the existing conditions before design can proceed reliably.

For typical alterations and additions, the standard agreement allows about two to three months for design and documentation before an approval submission, depending on feedback, the existing building, design changes and other project requirements. Approval assessment periods are additional.

Yes, where agreed. Depending on the property, an eligible minor-approval pathway or a full Development Application may be needed. Additional clearances can also arise for trees, driveways or services. The client, builder or certifier may alternatively manage the applications.