Even if you have been here before, creating and constructing a project, be it a new build or a renovation, can be a daunting task. At Mont Architects, we appreciate the trust you have placed in us, and we are committed to guiding you through every step of the process, from start to finish.
Our services cover everything you need from sketch designs to obtaining necessary approvals to managing consultant teams, choosing builders, overseeing budgets, monitoring construction, and providing post construction assistance.
For every project, regardless of size or type, our approach typically involves six stages, each tailored to meet your specific needs and requirements.
The Architectural Design Process
Designing and building a home or planning and constructing a new space is a complex task. One of the ways to make a complex task seem more manageable is to break it up into smaller task, and architects apply a similar strategy to the architectural design and construction process. At Mont Architects, we typically refer to these stages as:
1. GETTING TO KNOW YOU AND THE SITE - Brief and Site Information.
2. FIRST IDEAS ON PAPER – Initial Sketch Design (SK1)
3. FINE TUNING THE SKETCH DESIGN - Full Sketch Design (SK2)
4. BUILDING APPROVAL – Design Development to Development Application (DA)
5. CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS, SPECIFICATIONS AND FINDING THE RIGHT BUILDER - Contract Documentation to Tendering (CD)
6. CONSTRUCTION - Contract Administration (CA) or Advice During Construction (ADC)
Having a basic understanding or what is involved with each stage and their milestones and deliverables is important because architects typically organise contracts and project schedules around them. At Mont Architects, we value clarity and want to make the experience working with us to be as straightforward and as stress-free as possible.
We have put together an outline of our architectural design process, a description of their deliverables, and the length of time if would take on a typical project.
Step 1: Getting to Know You and the Site - Brief and Site Information
This is an information gathering stage that will be the foundation for the design phase to come. The focus on this stage is to learn everything about our client’s lifestyle and needs as well as consider how they may like to use their home in the future. Our clients will be required to do some homework and write a simple brief. This stage also includes gathering information about the site, including obtaining a detailed survey and an initial site inspection.
Duration: usually around 3-4 weeks
Step 2: First ideas on Paper - Initial Sketch Design (SK1)
In this stage, we begin to explore the design concepts and testing options to get the general idea of the look and feel. The focus on this stage is to get the general planning and flow of the spaces right before making more specific design decisions, such as material selection and details.
During the initial concept design meeting we will typically present floor plans, sections, and 3D imagery. We will present a flythrough model to help visualize the scale, shape, and the relationship of spaces to one another. We consider and refine the ideas according to your feedback on the design direction and further develop these in the following stage.
Clients can be expected to be quite engaged throughout this phase and will be asked for approval of the initial concept design before proceeding to the next stage.
Mont SK1 Deliverables: Site Analysis and Planning Control Summary, Master Site Planning, Concept Floor Plans with Furniture and Built in Joinery, Concept Sections, and 3D imagery. Client Meetings.
Mont SK1 Duration: usually 4 weeks
Step 3: Fine Tuning the Sketch Design - Full Sketch Design (SK2)
During this stage of the architectural design process, we develop the design based on the approved floor plan. This will include incorporating your feedback from the initial sketch design where we progress the design and develop additional sections and elevations.
We also prepare a preliminary selection of finishes, mood boards, and schedules to help potential builders for preliminary cost estimates. If it is necessary to adjust the project scope to align with the construction budget, it is more efficient to do this early on.
Mont SK2 Deliverables: Plans, Sections, Elevations, Mood Boards and Provisional Sum Schedule. Client Meetings.
Mont SK2 Duration: usually 4 – 6 weeks
Step 4: Building Approval - Design Development to Development Application (DA)
In this stage, we add any additional information required to obtain a development application (DA). This is the information needed to show the project complies with the Council’s controls, water, energy standards and any other regulation required for approval.
It may be necessary for you to engage other consultants such as a planner, hydraulic engineer, landscape architect, or other specialist consultant to prepare drawings and reports to support the development application. We work closely with these consultants and will liaise with them on your behalf. Once complete, the development application is then lodged to Council.
During this stage, very little of your time is required. Our goal is to get your project through Council as quickly as possible. The time it takes to have Council determine a project, will depend on the Council, complexity of the project and any community feedback.
In some cases, your project may not need to go to Council and can be dealt with via a complying development certificate (CDC). We provide strategic advice on which legislative instrument approval process we recommend for your project.
Mont DD to DA Deliverables: Developed Design, Full Set of DA Drawings or Preliminary CDC Drawings, Consultant Coordination, Coordinate Reports and Forms for DA or issuing to a Private Certifier.
Mont DD to DA Duration: usually 6 – 8 weeks
Step 5: Construction Drawings, Specifications and Finding the Right Builder - Contract Documentation to Tendering (CD)
During this stage, we develop the design drawings into a comprehensive set of construction drawings.
These drawings and specifications have all the details, dimensions, and notes necessary to clearly convey the full design intent to the builder. We show how the building components should be detailed, specify all the materials, finishes and fixtures, and coordinate our drawings with the structural engineer and any other consultant drawings.
The construction documentation stage is often the most time intensive for the architect, however it is a critical step in the process of successfully and accurately executing the design you have invested in.
Clients should be prepared to make decisions throughout this stage, with regular meetings to finalise built-in joinery, materials, selections, and various components of the building’s design.
It is our job to make recommendations and guide you through your options, enabling you to make informed final decisions before the contract documentation package goes out to builders for tendering.
We have a network of trusted builders that we can call on to tender for your project. Alternatively, if you already have a preferred builder, we are happy to collaborate with them as well. We coordinate the tenders, answer any queries they have during the tendering period, negotiate the contract inclusions, and award the building contract on your behalf.
Mont CD Deliverables: Detailed CAD Drawings, Specifications, Schedules, Coordinated Architectural and Consultant Drawings for Tendering and Construction, Contract Documentation Tender Negotiations and Contract Signing.
Mont CD Duration: usually 8-12 weeks.
Step 6: Construction - Contract Administration (CA) or Advice During Construction (ADC)
Whilst most of the architect’s work is completed before the construction has commenced, our regular presence during the construction stage is equally important to ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible.
We will schedule regular site meetings to address any issues that may come up and assess that the materials and workmanship are to the agreed quality in the contract.
We will also take photographs and prepare site meeting minutes to ensure that there is a constant line communication between all parties involved.
During this phase, we act as the client’s agent for administering the building contract, including assessing the builders progress claims, variations, and extension of time claims.
Overseeing a project is vital for keeping an eye on things and ensuring the finished project meets your expectations. Inevitably there will be some decisions that will need to be made on site and our involvement and ability to work quickly with the builder to resolve issues is essential for helping you avoid delays and costly variations.
At the end of the project, we will help you prepare a defects list to ensure all work is completed to your satisfaction.
Mont CA Deliverables: Periodic Site Inspections, Contract Administration, Defects List, Site Meeting Minutes
Mont CA Duration: Concurrent with construction period and through to the completion of the defect’s liability period.