Otium Building Design is a dynamic building design studio based in Somerton Park that specializes in high quality residential design from home extensions, renovations and new homes. Our expertise and experience ranges from new buildings to alterations and additions, refurbishment and interiors. Our primary aim is to incorporate light, clean and open spaces in residential dwellings and we recognise the importance of accommodating our client’s specific needs and preferences. We gain immense satisfaction from taking our client’s ideas and making them into reality, and to be able to achieve this within a set budget is our main objective. As we are a small firm, the personalised service that we offer means you will deal with the same people and develop a mutual working relationship throughout the project. Additionally, we have good connections with several excellent builders and have extensive experience in dealing with local councils. We strongly believe that this is pivotal in order to facilitate the path from conception through to building and completion. Otium represents a passion for architecture and residential living, and a belief in the potential for architecture to positively influence lifestyle. Process Briefing The formulation of a complete and accurate architectural brief is essential to achieve a result that meets your needs and expectations. The brief is a written document that will generally cover: project vision occupiers (who will use this space) vsite conditions existing conditions of buildings and / or site, if applicable project requirements, physical project requirements, non-physical (quality of light, privacy …) likes + dislikes (at times includes images) budget program (time frame) list of consultants required list of authorities + requirements Concept Design Following on from the briefing stage where information on the project is gathered, Otium will research, analyse and explore then illustrate using sketches and diagrams the design concept for your project. Our concept design service will include: holding / attending meetings with the client (authorities and consultants as required) prepare concept drawings including sketches, diagrams + other information to adequately explain the design prepare design briefs for consultants prepare preliminary selections of materials + finishes obtain the client’s approval to proceed with design development Design Development Following approval of Otium’s concept design, we will further develop the approved concept design finalising a design solution, to a point where a planning application can be made if required. Our design development services will include: a review + update of the brief development of the approved concept design to a final design solution integrate the preliminary consultant’s work with the architectural design provide schedule of external materials + finishes prepare the necessary documents for planning application assist in obtaining approval by negotiating, attending meetings obtain client’s approval to proceed with documentation Contract Documentation Once a planning application approval is obtained, or if an approval is not required approval of design development is given, Otium will proceed with documenting your project. The level of documentation sufficient to obtain a building approval. Otium’s services will include: reviewing the design against the planning approval and any conditions of permit a review + update of the brief prepare drawings at an appropriate scale including plans, elevations + sections, together with other details + schedules to enable to obtain building approval prepare a specification describing the quality of materials, finishes + workmanship necessary to complete the project in accordance with the drawings schedule of external finishes prepare larger scale sections + details co-ordinate + integrate the work of consultants with the architectural drawings Otium will communicate with the private certifier to achieve the required building approval.