Welcome Rick and Bernadette Ottaway have been involved in the architectural building design and construction industry for over 30 years. For the last 10 years Bernadette has also brought her qualifications in interior design to the business. Design Studio Tasmania offer a complete package from the design concept right through to the finishing touches in your home or extension. Due to ever increasing Energy costs and changes to our environment we are very focused on Sustainable Energy Efficiency. A good energy rating is important, but what is also important is how that energy rating is achieved. We aim to help you achieve the highest rating possible whilst using the most economical building methods and products available. Our focus is to make the building process a pleasant experience for all our clients. Design Firstly, we will meet to discuss your requirements and budget. Once that is established we will then develop a brief from which we can prepare some concept designs. We will visit and assess the proposed site to determine the most appropriate design solution for the environment, considering the orientation, solar access, views etc. as well as local planning requirements. Next we will prepare preliminary plans for you to approve and amend as needed. Once you are happy with the design solution we prepare the Planning Application for the relative Council to obtain planning permission. In this ever changing building climate we are committed to helping you design your dream home so that it will have as little impact on the environment as possible. This includes design which incorporates building practices and materials as ecologically sustainable as possible. Consideration is given to the use of items such as solar energy, orientation of the building, size and fabric of windows, external cladding, lighting and heating, all of which impact on the Energy Efficiency of our homes. Documentation Once planning permission has been received we will prepare the structural drawings to comply with the Building Code of Australia, energy efficiency provisions and all relevant Australian Standards. These drawings provide all the relevant information required for construction. We work closely with local engineers who are required to prepare or certify some of the structural drawings. These drawings are then submitted to the Building Surveyor to obtain the building permit. Construction We are committed to Sustainable building practices and are constantly doing research and working at keeping up to date with new products as they become available. That may mean we suggest using a product you have not heard of before. Be assured if that is the case that we have done our homework and are convinced that this new product is the best for your project. Alternatively, you may have heard of something we haven't yet had time to check out. In that case feel free to let us know and we will follow it up for you. Building projects we have undertaken in the past vary greatly, from a bathroom renovation, to a complete renovation and extension or a brand new build. Each project is specific to our client's needs. In the 15 years we have been building in Tasmania, no two jobs have ever been the same. From our experience we all like to have something slightly different to "the house next door". Prior to moving to Tasmania we were also building in Queensland for a number of years. It is a known fact that building can be stressful, but at Design Studio Tasmania we work very hard at making the process as stress free for everyone as possible. For our clients who have used us right from the design process to construction they have found that seamless transition is one of the best decisions they have ever made. Testimony to that fact is when previous clients contact us again for more work as well as their referrals to friends and family. Energy Assessment We offer a new residential homes Energy Rating Service to meet the requirements of the Building Code of Australia nationally. After an Energy Assessment of your project we provide a Thermal Efficiency Report which complies with all current legislation. This report provides an accurate assessment of the insulation, glazing and ventilation in the building enabling you to confidently achieve the best results. Whilst our focus is on Energy Rating and Sustainability we strive to achieve outcomes that are sensitive to the design, adhere to policy and are cost effective. If you already have a home, but want to know how to improve its impact on the environment, improve its energy consumption, make it more comfortable and generally find out how to live more sustainably we are here to help you. We offer a professional, friendly and personalised service tailored to meet your individual needs. Interior Design With over 10 years experience in interior design we can project manage the entire design process, providing a seamless transition from initial concepts through to the selection of paint colours, furnishings, lighting, joinery, decorative features and even full home renovations, specialising in kitchens and bathrooms. If you simply need advice on how to pull a room together we can help. Bernadette has a creative flair for interiors, knowing what will best express your personality and tastes with a keen eye for detail and what makes a house a home. She is always on the lookout for unique pieces at design fairs and shows locally and interstate. If you chose us to build your dream home we provide an interior design service to help you decide on all your finishing touches.