We are often asked what's involved in the process of engaging an architect. Each project is different, and often the potential outcome of a project from the outset can seem quite obvious, while other times it can feel quite elusive, particularly when the many factors involving construction are considered. If you've ever watched Grand Designs, the starting point of each episode is usually at a point in the project that is quite late in the piece in terms of your architect's involvement. What does an architect do? Architect's services are tailored to each project, and are broken down into distinct stages. As a brief summary, the following is typical: STAGE 1 - Concept Design also referred to as Schematic Design or Sketch Design. This stage involves discussing your brief requirements, undertaking a series of pre design exercises including measuring and recording the site, reviewing town planning and authority requirements, assessing limitations and possibilities and getting a sense of the urban, environmental and social context. We then undertake our design response(s) which include a selection and mix of hand drawn sketches, 3d computer and physical modelling, montage and other illustrative techniques to help communicate the design response(s) to your brief. STAGE 2 - Design Development also referred to as Detailed Design. Once the concept, scope and construction budget reach a point of equilibrium, we then move onto fine tuning, refining and elaborating the proposal in a series of discussions and presentations with you. STAGE 3 - Town Planning Application also referred to as Development Application. Not all projects require Town Planning approval, and we are able to help confirm this requirement. Having had extensive experience with a range of councils throughout Victoria, we are able to discuss the proposal with council on your behalf, attend pre application meetings, produce concise and complete town planning application packages, submit the application on your behalf, liaise with local council town planners and referral authorities. We also follow up throughout the application, provide additional information as required and where necessary assist with VCAT/ tribunal hearings. STAGE 4 - Construction Documentation also referred to as Working Drawings, For Construction Drawings or Contract Documents. Here, we form and co-ordinate a specialist consultant team, produce detailed drawings and specifications to enable the project to be tendered out, costed and built. The complete scope of the work is detailed and specified from the footings to the cabinet drawer runners to the downpipes. The building permit is also applied for and issued prior to the construction phase. STAGE 5 - Contractor Selection also referred to as Builder Procurement or Tendering out to Builders We are able to advise you on range of builder procurement techniques suitable for your project. Typically, the project is tendered out to selected suitable and interested builders of your or our choosing. We prepare the Tender documents and manage the tender process including providing the Tenderers with any additional information they might need and to assess the tenders received with you. STAGE 6 - Contract Administration during the Construction Phase, often incorrectly referred to as Project Management Prior to construction work starting on site, as the "Contract Administrator", we prepare the Building Contracts for signing by yourself and the selected builder. Throughout the construction phase, we administer the Building Contract, which essentially involves keeping you updated on the time, cost and progress on site, visiting the site to observe the conformance of work with the Contract Documents, undertaking and recording site meetings, responding to builder queries, providing additional information as needed, assess variations and builder claims and preparing the required certificates under the Contract. It is quite an involved process and the above is an attempt at being clear and concise and is hopefully helpful to you. As mentioned above, the beginning of a typical Grand Designs episode is often after Stage 5 above. Call us on 9482 2201 or email us at info@statkusarchitecture.com.au to discuss how we can help you with your project. We would be happy to meet with you either at your property or here in our office. If you have any queries, please don't hesitate in contacting us by email or phon on 9482 2201.