Architecture

What Do We Do?

We are able to handle all manner of residential, commercial, industrial and adaptive re-use projects within our office. Our strength lies not only in our proven skill as architects but in the breadth of knowledge and expertise offered by a complimentary range of disciplines that are integrated and co-ordinated in-house.

How Do We Do It?

Architectural services generally fall into one of the following four categories which comprise our involvement in a project:

Sketch Design

This stage is also known as concept design. It involves the inspection of the site to assess the conditions and constraints as well as meetings for briefing purposes to establish the master planning or long term objectives for the site, detailed accommodation requirements, and discussion of design aesthetics before we undertake the conceptual design. Preliminary analysis of authority regulations and requirements is also undertaken during this stage - if necessary, we meet with the authorities on your behalf as required. We then prepare sketch design drawings including concept sketches, diagrams and other information to explain the proposed design solution for your approval. This stage normally includes preliminary selections of materials and finishes.

Detailed Design

This stage involves further resolution of the constructional systems, materials and finishes in accordance with the project budget, site constraints and your own feedback. We now have the ability to offer full 3D visualisation including computer generated graphics and "fly-throughs" via the latest computer technology so that you can fully grasp the design proposal. We then develop the approved sketch design into a final design solution and prepare the requisite drawings and schedules listing materials and finishes to explain the scheme. During this stage we co-ordinate the design work being undertaken by the other consultants to ensure that they comply with the architectural intent of the scheme. This applies whether the other consultants are our own Sustainable Earth Technologies consultants or others that you may have selected. We then prepare the necessary documents for any planning applications that may be required by the authorities and assist you with lodging the application.

Contract Documentation

This stage involves the preparation of drawings including plans, elevation and sections, together with other details and schedules to enable the project to be approved by the authorities, tendered and constructed. We also prepare a specification of works describing the quality of materials, finishes and workmanship necessary to complete the project in accordance with the drawings and your own requirements. During this stage we co-ordinate and integrate the work of the other consultants to ensure the success of the project. We prepare and assist you with the lodgement of documents for building approval and then call tenders for the works.

Contract Administration

This stage involves the organisation of the tender process so that you can obtain a number of competitive prices from reputable builders before choosing which builder you would like to engage for the construction of the works. We respond to enquiries from tenderers and provide extra information to them as required. After closing the tenders we then analyse and assess the submissions before preparing a tender recommendation for you. Once you have selected the builder you would like to engage we prepare a three-party contract that is approved by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and the Master Builders Association for signing by all parties. This contract allows us to act as your representative in all negotiations concerning construction quality and monetary payments, thereby offering you a degree of protection in an area that you may not be familiar with. During construction we undertake periodic site inspections, check work in progress regarding design quality control, materials selections and performance requirements as described in the contract documents. We also review shop drawings and other builder's submissions and provide extra details, information and instructions as required to ensure the success of the project. During this stage we also arrange and attend site meetings, administer variations to the contract if required, provide you with regular reports regarding progress, assess claims from the builder and issue progress certificates accordingly. We also assess and dis/approve claims for extension of time co-ordinate the other consultants, prepare defects lists prior to practical completion and assess rectification work before processing the final contract account.

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