Our 6 Point Project Plan

Here is our six point plan that is designed to inform our clients of the overall process from concept to completion.

Architects often provide a full service to their clients that minimises risk associated with a cut down service usually provided by building designers and draftsmen. The field of architects is much wider than the training of building designers an draftmen that are trained in specific areas of the process an

A question you may be asking is what is the usual process. Whether you project is an alteration and addition, renovation or rebuild, the below road map is your essential guide to most residential projects.

Service For Busy Professionals

We offer a concierge service for the busy professional where we manage the process from concept to completion. We are beside you at every step of the way prompting you at the appropriate time so you dont` need to worry. This takes the burden off our clients where we report progress or present decisions that need to be made in the comfort of your own home or place of choice, during or after hours and at your convenience.

If this way of working resonates with you give me a call 0419 284 695

Two Immediate Services To Get You Started

If you are beginning your research for your project the logical place to start is with service 1, however you may be more advanced in your research where the logical staring point is service 2.

Your may also require a strategy review to analyse your specific needs affecting you and your site. where the circumstances may be difficult or unusual this service may be included in your needs and Options Review Service.

Talk To Allan On The Phone 0419 284 695

Immediate service 1

Free Over the Fence Feasibility Call

Immediate service 2

Schedule Your Low Fees Needs & Options Review

For the analysis stage

This your free casual project feasibility telephone call to discuss all of your immediate or burning questions relating to your project or may involve preparation for a meeting to discuss a project strategy for projects that my be difficult or contentious with neighbours.

Service Includes:

✔ What are the planning procedures via development application or complying development?

✔ What could the project process be?

✔ What can I do with my site?

✔ What are the planning assessment options?

✔ What may be some obstacles to overcome?

✔ What could my budget need to be?

✔ How do I launch my analysis stage

✔ Do I need a project strategy?

For the research stage

This your free casual project feasibility telephone call to discuss all of your immediate or burning questions relating to your project or may involve preparation for a meeting to discuss a project strategy for projects that my be difficult or contentious with neighbours.

This call may discuss the following:

✔ The writing of a design brief from the answers you give in the free guide.

✔ Planning feasibility review

✔ Prelim project schedule

✔ Survey of thermal efficiency of existing Structure by infra red thermal imaging

✔ Survey of condition of existing building fabric, structure & services

✔ Ste analysis plan

✔ Measured drawing of existing building

✔ Site Analysis Plan

✔ Scope of work assessment

✔ A preliminary schematic design

✔ A preliminary cost estimate.

✔ List of Consultants needed

Architects often work under an exclusive agency agreement with their clients, where the design and direct a project from concept to completion. They often perform pre design, site and planning analysis and extract a design brief from their clients before proceeding to the design phase. Roles in the profession differs from project types and scale and in medium to larger practices architects the specialise in different areas of the process, such as design, contract documentation, specification writing, cost analysis, practice management, Contract administration and project management etc.

Some practices specialise in selected classes of building and others where they have the most experience.

The term architect is regulated by the Architects Act where the use of the term is restricted to those who have gain the necessary qualifications and experience an d have passed a practice exam which is regulated by the NSW architects Review Board. Each practice must have at least one nominated architect that is registered with the ARB.

Our Range Of Services

This is a comparison of what we at Sydney East Architects Do and what is a normal range of services architects provide.

Our Unique Difference - What Sydney East Architects Do

We provide services in the following areas;

Architecture / Planning / Contract Administration / Expert Evidence / Mediation / Construction Adjudication

Town Planner is a disciple that usually employs people with qualifications in town and urban planning, in councils as assessors of development applications and production of planning policies an instruments. Planning consultants usually provide planning advice and produce statements to supplement development applications.

Expert Evidence

Expert Evidence is used to assist the court when certain cases involve matters on which it does not have the required technical or specialist knowledge. Expert evidence can be a written affidavit, report or testimony given by an expert witness.

When a dispute is unresolved and reaches NCAT, parties are encouraged to seek expert advice. Building disputes can be complicated as each area of a building construction uses different specialist skills. An expert witness utilises their knowledge and experience to provide both written and oral independent evidence to the Courts.

Expert evidence can help persuade the court to come up with a binding decision in the dispute. The court will rely on the expert witness report to make an assessment of the issues on the case since lawyers and judges are not familiar with the engineering process in building construction.

How an expert witness manifests his knowledge through written form supported by descriptive photos in an “expert report” can be useful in strengthening a legal argument. An expert witness’s testimony based on opinion can help determine whether a party in question met the level of responsibility associated with their job description and duties.

Often in difficult NCAT cases, liability is difficult to determine, a building construction expert can provide critical testimony on to shed light on issues.

This why those involved in building disputes should carefully consider who they appoint an expert witness.

Construction Adjudication is a contractual and statutory means of dispute resolution used largely in the construction industry. It involves the reference of a dispute to an adjudicator for determination within a strict time limit

Mediation

Mediation is an alternative to traditional litigation for resolving disputes between homeowners and builders in NSW. Mediation is a facilitated negotiation process that aims to help parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement. In NSW, the mediation process is usually overseen by a trained mediator, who is an independent third party appointed to help the parties resolve their dispute. During mediation, each party has the opportunity to present their perspective, with the mediator facilitating discussions to identify areas of agreement and resolve differences.

What Architects in a normal architectural practice DO

An architect is bound by the professional code of conduct written by the ARB an is subject to discipline by the ARB for conduct contrary to the code of conduct.

What Architects Do

Project Stages Often Included In Residential Architects s Scope Of Service

Concept Design

Concept plans are sketch plans that explain the intent of the design without much detail. They may be hand drawn or on cad. There may be 3 or more produced before the client approves the concept.

Design Development

In this stage the concept is developed and relevant planning information added for council assessment

Planning And Development Application

Plan and other documents are prepared an lodged with Council. The architects often remains at call to deal with matters for discussion with council assessment staff. These may be technical equities or discussion that may lead to amendments to the application.

Contract Documentation

When plans are approved by council or found permissible as complying development, the architect works with other professionals (like structural engineers as well as landscape and interior designers) to incorporate more technical details, like those related to plumbing and electrical work. Finally, the architect prepares construction drawings, specifications, which are written instructions that help the contractors execute the plans.

Contractor selection & Negotiating the Offer

Consultants drawings and architectural plans and specifications are collated and issued to selected builders. tenders are received an the architect negotiates with the winning tender.

Contract Administration

The architect conducts formal meetings on site with the builder to review the program, costs, compliance etc sometimes with the client and answers builders questions regarding contracts procedure and the design.

Post Construction

The architect may inspect the works after completion to assess defects under the building contract and for release of final payments to the builder. Often separate contractors are engaged for minor works in addition to the main building contract at the discretion of the owner.


We Believe we at Sydney East Architects can predict cost over runs and extensions of time which save our clients in excess of our service fees.

Our Services Wheel for Full Architectural Services Usually Provided From Concept to Completion

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