What size of projects do you do? 
We work on medium-to-large projects, from new builds to renovations and extensions, retrofit projects and fit-outs. Unfortunately, Architectural services are offered for projects with budgets of $500,000 and above. Interior fit-out projects (ie: Kitchen and bathrooms) can be provided for budgets of $250,000 and above, and furnishing and decorating services for projects with budgets of $60,000 and above. We offer lower-cost consulting or package interior design services if your project budget is below these thresholds.

How much will my project cost? 
We can't give you an accurate cost for a project at this stage. However, we can identify an indicative build budget range based on an area calculation and current industry general rates. This range will be used to create your 'working build budget' and to base our design fees on. The build budget and fees are subject to change as more information becomes available during the design process. We often seek preliminary pricing at the end of the Design Development stage to clarify costs and adjust the scope before final documentation.

How are your fees set?
Our fees are based on a percentage of the build cost. Smaller projects are set at a higher percentage rate, and this rate goes down as the budget increases. This is because the amount of work required for a smaller project can be similar, sometimes more, than a larger one. We have found percentage rates to be the most accurate way to tie the number of hours spent to the fees, therefore fees move with the budget and build pricing. Our percentage rates for Architectural design services are 8-20% of the construction budget.

Are design fees part of the build budget?
No. Design fees are on top of the build budget and are paid for during the design process before the build commences. They form part of the total project cost, including consultant and statutory fees, landscaping, rentals, furniture, soft furnishings, etc.

How long does the design process take?
Anything from 6 -24 months, depending on the project scope and the necessity for planning permission etc. We spend hundreds of hours on each project over many months of development and have many meetings with stakeholders. This time and the level of collaboration is the difference between business-as-usual solutions and highly resolved, responsive and enduring outcomes.  

Are you available? 
We are a small boutique studio that takes on a limited number of projects at a time to offer the attentive and individually resolved outcomes we are committed to. This means just a few new clients are engaged every year, and when you engage us, there will often be an interim period before we can begin your project.  Timing, location, project size, and budget feasibility are critical factors we assess in our capacity to offer services. Please get in touch with us as soon as possible if you are interested in working with us.

What is the consultation service? 
Our consulting services offer our highest value: our design thinking and expertise. This service is suitable for homeowners who need guidance in turning their brief into a conceptual floor plan but do not require our full end-to-end design services. Whether you are an owner-builder or working with another designer/draftsperson/builder, we apply our best thinking to your project for you to realise with your team.

Is sustainable design more expensive?
Sustainable design is only as expensive as any other type of good quality build. When you engage an architect or interior designer, you are opting for a quality outcome with customised solutions specific to your needs and situation, so you are opting for a high-quality custom build.