Architecture + The Design Process

Where we live is so much more than the

space itself. It’s a reflection of how we live; our
priorities, our experiences and our beliefs.
For many of us, purchasing a home is the
biggest financial commitment we’ll make,
so designing and constructing a new home
may seem even more intimidating.

But it doesn’t have to be.

Having worked on home design projects of

all shapes and sizes, we’ve compiled this
guide to help you understand the process of
designing and constructing your own home,
and how an Architect can help you.

We hope it provides the guidance and

confidence to help you move forward, in
whatever direction you decide.
Hi. We’re Field Office Architecture.
We believe in architecture as a template for people to live better lives; in spaces
that provide true sanctuary. We bring these spaces to life by designing buildings
and environments that are simple, meaningful and enduring.

Since 2014, we’ve created residential and commercial projects throughout

Australia and abroad. We work alongside clients to deliver projects that are clean,
timeless and embedded in their environment.

People drive every design decision we make. Our role is to understand and
design for you; your lifestyle, priorities, stresses and desires. By putting our
clients at the centre of our approach, we create spaces that reflect how you want
to live.
So, why hire an Architect?
Building or renovating a home is a big investment. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time or
you’ve done it a dozen times; the process can get long, complex and messy, and things can
go wrong.

By bringing on an expert who can lead the design and manage the process, you can feel
confident every step of the way, and worry less about the budget, timeline or building
process. This expert should take care of your interests during the project, while also having
the industry knowledge to solve problems and deliver the best possible outcome.

Hiring an architect means you’ll have an expert collaborator throughout your project,
designing spaces that meet your individual needs. An architect’s knowledge of functional
performance, attention to detail and ability to problem solve will help to translate your
needs into a tangible design solution.

To us, an architect is your co-creator in the home,

designing for you and with you, then guiding you through
the process from the pre-design to moving in.
What Architects
bring to the table:

• Expertise: Architects are subject matter experts

who must be registered in their respective states,
typically requiring five years of university study
followed by at least 3000 hours of supervised
architectural practice. They’re also required to sit
registration exams, attend regular professional
development study and carry out professional
indemnity insurance to protect their clients
from complications that may arise in the design
process.
• Imagination: Creative ideas and inventive
designs, regardless of your budget. In creating
work that reflects your vision while considering
every specific factor that influences the home, an
architect will take your big ideas and find ways to
turn them into reality.
• Support: An architect will be there every step
of the way, driving your vision forward and
maximising your investment.
• Value for Money: Well-designed homes are not
just better for liveability, they’re energy-efficient
with far lower utility bills, and are more attractive
for resale.
• Design Solutions: Architects are highly qualified
in a range of areas from design to construction
materials and techniques, planning restrictions,
building codes and sustainability. They can deliver
environmentally responsible and sustainable
homes, particularly through designing passive
 Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
(if required)

Concept Design Town Construction Contractor Construction

Design Development Planning Documentation Selection Phase
4-6 weeks 4-6 weeks 2-3 weeks 8-12 weeks 6-8 weeks 6-12 months
(+ 4-6 months approval times
dependent on council)

Note: Timeline based on a typical family home.

The Design & Construction timeline. Times do vary - but this is a good starting point.
Before we get started...
The Discovery Phase

The better we get to know you and your unique project,

the better we can deliver a successful solution. The design
process is so big - and so personal - that it’s important to us
that we understand and trust each other from the beginning.
Developing with a thorough brief and realistic budget is a
critical first step.
In our client discovery phase, we get to know you to make sure
we’re the right fit for you and your project. We do this through
establishing a rigorous understanding of your unique personal
context; your lifestyle, priorities, stresses and aspirations.
We’ll also assess where the design will occur, developing an
equally rigorous understanding of the site and identifying
potential opportunities and constraints in line with your project
objectives.
By the end of this phase we will have established clear project
goals specific to you, a reasonable budget based on your
tastes, and a thorough site analysis to inform the design
process.
Stage 1.
Concept Design.
We take the site analysis, brief and other influences compiled
in the Discovery Phase to kick off the design process. Then, we
develop the first ideas that will become the creative concepts,
refining them further through meetings and collaborations with
you.

Through this, we reduce a series of options down to one

preferred concept, which is used to create a concise set of
drawings and 3D renders that are sent to the cost planner for
preliminary pricing.
Stage 2.
Design Development.
With the overall concept design approved and the budget on-
track, now we get into the design development stage. We get
deep in the detail: the joinery, materials, fixtures and fittings that
will characterise each space in your home.

To draw out all your preferences, we’ll get you to complete a

detailed survey covering things from heating and cooling types
to the amount of power points you (really) need. It’s dense, but
fun - this is your home after all! By the end of this phase, we’ve
developed drawings ready for the next phase of costing.

Stage 3.
Town Planning.
Once a project is sufficiently developed, we need to arrange the
necessary approvals to continue with the process, potentially
including a Town Planning permit. There’s a few factors that
may require you to have a Town Planning permit; local planning
controls, the property size and site overlays such as heritage.
Sometimes it isn’t required, but we still need to make sure we
are designing and building to your local planning guidelines.
Stage 4.
Construction Documentation.
Before we can commence construction, there’s a dense,
in-depth documentation period in order to provide the
builder with all the information they need to turn our ideas
into reality. We document, coordinate and specific every
aspect of the design, from overall layouts and dimensions
to every finish, fixture and appliance. Then, these drawings
go to the builders and building surveyor for building
permit approval. These drawings don’t just communicate
every vital detail for the build, they’re also part of the legal
agreement with the contractor - so it’s crucial that we get
them right.

Stage 5.
Contractor Selection
Getting the right builder involved is one of the most
important decisions you’ll make during the project. But
don’t confuse the cheapest with the best - the stress,
heartache and financial cost that can come as a result of
skimping and shortcuts really isn’t worth it in the long run.
We have strong relationships with reputable, highly
competent builders that we can introduce you to, or you
can source your own. We recommend you get the project
priced by at least three potential builders, and give them
a cost period of at least four weeks (this is referred to as
a tender process), or you could also look at engaging a
builder at the beginning of the project.
Stage 6.
Construction Phase.
Now we’ve come to the Site Phase, also commonly
referred to as Construction, Contract Admin, or when
things start to feel very real. This is an exciting phase; it’s
where our design drawings come to life and the project
takes physical shape - but it’s important to remember that
construction can be a long phase. Our involvement in this
time varies as the builder is responsible for managing the
site, but we try to meet with you and the builder every two
weeks or so to observe progress.
Our role at this stage generally includes:
• Working with the builder to assess quality of work at the
key stages, ensuring contract and specifications are
complied with
• Keeping you informed on progress
• Approving any variations with you
• Identifying and rectifying defects
• Deciding when practical completion occurs for
occupancy
Once the builder finishes, the project reaches what
is called “Practical Completion” - and we pop the
champagne bottles.
Frequently Is it important to use a
Asked Questions ‘registered architect’?
The use of the title ‘architect’ is protected by law, so only
people or firms registered with the Architects Registration
Board can use it. If you choose a ‘registered architect’,
you know that person has the necessary qualifications,
completed the practical experience and passed the
Board’s examination to register. Architects are subject
to the Professional Conduct Regulations governing their
services to clients and must also maintain professional
indemnity insurance to ensure they are covered for claims
of negligence or other civil claims. So yes, our advice would
be to engage a registered architect.
What level of fees can I expect to
pay for the services of an architect?
Architects’ fees are subject to open market competition
and can vary - there is no central fee control system. Fees
can be based on a percentage of the work cost or a lump
sum. Fee information should be included in the Terms of
Engagement or Client/Architect Agreement - this must be
provided before your architect undertakes any work with
you, and you ask for clarification if anything is unclear.
Do I have to use the full range of
services or can I request services
up to a particular stage?
It depends on the architect and the project. Make sure you
discuss the stages of service and the associated costs with
your architect at the beginning of your project, and clarify
together what you need. associated with them.
Does the architect retain copyright on
drawings, plans and documentation?
Yes. Your architect retains copyright on this work. The
drawings and documents may only be used for the
purpose and on the site for which they are produced.
When am I expected to pay for work done?
It will depend on your client/architect agreement, but you
will be expected to pay for work produced at the stages
defined in your agreement. Make sure you understand the
terms of your agreement upfront to avoid confusion later.
Can I ask the architect to supervise the work
of the builder and other contractors?
The difference between contract administration and
supervision is important. Your architect will check that the
builder is completing the project according to the contract,
but the builder is responsible for supervising the ongoing
works. As part of the contract supervision, your architect
will periodically inspect the works, check the quality and
deal with the builder regarding any defects and their
rectification.
Building or buying a home is one of the Chris
most exciting and defining decisions Barnes
of your life. We hope this gives some
useful perspective, whatever choice 0401 049 053
chris@fieldoffice.com.au
you end up making.

Nicolas
Any questions? Gutierrez
We’d love to hear from you.
0421 030 857
nic@fieldoffice.com.au