5 Stage process.


Our work follows a simple, structured path. Five stages that guide your project from first ideas to finished spaces. It’s designed to keep you informed, in control, and inspired at every step.

  • 1. DISCOVERY

    The journey begins. This is an obligation-free stage to research, explore options, clarify your goals and see if we’re the right fit. We offer some free tools to support this stage.

  • ENGAGEMENT

    You’ve chosen to move forward with us!
    We confirm our agreement with a tailored fee proposal so the project can officially begin.

  • 2. DEFINE

    We get to work. We review and analyze the information from your questionnaire. Your site, budget, and vision. Then shape it into a project brief that sets the path forward.

  • 3. DESIGN

    Time to get creative! Concepts and drawings take form, bringing architecture, interiors and landscape into a cohesive vision ready for planning approval.

  • 4. DOCUMENT

    Detailed drawings and schedules define every material and finish, creating a clear package for approvals and builder pricing.

  • 5. DELIVER

    We guide you through builder selection and construction, ensuring the design is realised as intended.

Get clarity with our
Starter Tools.


We’ve created a set of free tools to help you explore your project before making any commitments. From shaping your brief and testing a budget to booking a consultation or downloading our Client’s Journey guide. Everything you need to take the first step with confidence.

EXPLORE THE TOOLS

1. Discovery:
Obligation Free


This is the first step for anyone considering a project. There’s no cost and no commitment. Try out the tools we offer to assist potential clients better understand the custom design process. If you decide to continue, we’ll prepare a tailored fee proposal and get the ball rolling once you give the go-ahead.

  • Most clients come to us when they are actively exploring options for their new project.

    You may have found us through a recommendation, online search, or by trying our Brief Builder.

  • Take some time to get to know us. Explore our process, read about our work, and review our transparent fee structure.

    This gives you clarity on how we operate and helps you see if we’re the right fit.

  • Get started with our online questionnaire to capture your ideas, expectations and requirements in one place.

    Absolutely obligation free, but a great place to gather your ideas and essential for us to understand the scope of your project.

  • We offer an obligation free initial consultation, in person or online, to explore your goals in more depth and clarify priorities.

    This is a chance to share your project ideas, ask questions, and see if our process and fee options feel like the right fit.

  • After reviewing everything, you’ve decided to continue with us.

    It’s an exciting step that confirms the fit and sets the stage for what comes next.

  • You’ve decided to move forward with us, an exciting milestone!

    At this stage we confirm our agreement with a tailored fee proposal, outlining the scope, services, and next steps. Once accepted, your project officially begins. This marks the transition from early conversations to a committed partnership, giving you clarity and confidence as we set things in motion together.

Stage 2: Define


Every project begins with conversation, understanding and analysis. In this stage we capture your vision, priorities, and budget, building the foundation for a design that reflects your needs and aspirations.

  • We begin with a meeting to discuss the findings of your Starter Guide questionnaire.

    This is where we address your questions, clarify priorities, and outline the important steps towards finalising your project brief.

  • We review the site’s context, opportunities and constraints to guide the brief and design direction.

    A full feature survey by a chartered surveyor is required before the design phase can proceed. At this early stage an initial study with basic site information such as the address and photos is sufficient to begin shaping the brief.

  • We capture the must-haves and nice-to-haves in a clear initial programme or room schedule. While this may change during the process, it is a valuable starting point for aligning expectations.

  • We compare the proposed footprint and room schedule with early budget expectations. At this stage many factors remain open, but a first comparison helps guide realistic next steps.

  • We capture how you would like to approach construction, whether with a chosen builder, through tender, as an owner builder, or by comparing options yourself.

    While this may change later, defining a strategy early helps guide the process.

  • Consolidate all findings into a clear design brief. This document sets out your vision, budget and priorities and becomes the roadmap for the next stage.

Stage 3: Design


We develop your brief into a clear design, step by step. From early sketches to full documentation, each stage is transparent, collaborative, and tailored to your needs. The fee for the design process is established at the beginning of the phase, ensuring clear expectations throughout.

  • Up to three initial options that respond to the brief and site.

    These sketch explorations give you some options for how best to proceed.

  • Development of the preferred option into a clear concept, including basic planning, 3D modelling, and an outline of form, materials and landscape.

  • Comparison of the concept with your budget expectations. Adjustments can be made early to keep the project realistic and achievable.

    This process is also repeated before documentation begins.

  • Preparation of drawings required for planning approval so your project can move forward smoothly.

  • Integration of sustainability considerations and early feedback from consultants such as engineers or surveyors.

  • Refinement of the design with consultant input, updated 3D visuals, and further development of materials and details.

  • You review and confirm the design before documentation begins.

Stage 4: Document


The document stage translates design into precise technical information so it can be built with detail and confidence. Our role is flexible. We prepare drawings, specifications and schedules that guide approvals, pricing and construction. These documents form the bridge between concept and reality, ensuring clarity for builders, consultants and authorities. Alternatively, you may choose to hand over to a draftsperson or builder after the design stage. The choice is yours.

  • If you prefer, we can hand over the design to a draftsperson or builder at this stage, giving you flexibility in how the project moves forward.

  • Comprehensive plans and details that translate the design into buildable instructions.

  • Integration of consultant input to ensure the design is structurally sound and technically feasible.

  • Detailed layouts and custom joinery drawings that bring interior spaces to life.

  • Clear schedules specifying every surface, finish and fixture for accurate pricing and ordering.

  • Documentation that meets statutory requirements and smooths the approval process.

  • Management and coordination of external consultants so all project information is aligned.

  • Fine construction details that ensure quality, buildability and fidelity to the design intent.

Stage 5: Deliver


The deliver stage ensures your project is built as intended. We can support you through approvals, builder selection, construction and completion. Our role is flexible. From full project support, to outsourced documentation and site management, to consultancy only. The level of involvement is tailored to your needs.

  • Define the role of the architect during construction, agree on the preferred pricing approach, and outline the strategy for builder selection.

  • Manage or assist with tendering or negotiation, prepare documentation, and support the selection of the right builder.

  • Oversee progress on site, liaise with builders and consultants, and provide guidance to ensure the project is delivered to the agreed quality.

  • Prepare additional details and drawings as needed to resolve challenges and guide the build.

  • Review the finished project, identify any defects, and support their resolution so quality is upheld.

  • Guide the final handover so you can move into a finished building with confidence.

  • Capture the finished project with professional photographs and documentation, creating a lasting record of the design and build journey.

  • After an incredible journey, mark the completion of your project with a well-deserved drink on us.

Keen to get cracking?


We offer an obligation-free first meeting to hear your ideas, explain our process and answer your questions. Together we can see if we are the right fit to take it further.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT