Stages of the Design & Building Process - Initial Service

Oct 23, 2026

All Australian Architecture describes its staged approach to designing and building projects for new homes, renovations, and extensions. The process is organized into independent steps, allowing full or partial services based on client needs and budget. Each stage outlines aims, typical scope of work, considerations, deliverables, fee guidance, and timeframes, beginning with an initial service followed by site measurement and feasibility planning.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

Overview

Stages of the Process

0-Initial Service

1-Site Measure

2-Feasibility Planning

3-Concept Design

4-Design Development

ALL AUSTRALIAN ARCHITECTURE Stages of the Design & Building Process Overview At All Australian Architecture we consider each project in terms of self contained stages (see below). Each stage is independent and does not tie you into completing every stage of your project with us. For both new homes, renovations and extensions, each stage of the process is the same, and the extent of our service is up to you. We can do full or partial services and work at hourly rates. During our initial service we can‘workshop’your project and work out the best approach for you. | | Stages | | --- | --- | | 0 | Initial Service | | 1 | Site Measure | | 2 | Feasibility Planning | | 3 | Concept Design | | 4 | Design Development | | 5 | Approval Submission | | 6 | Post Submission | | 7 | Interior Design | | 8 | Tender Document | | 9 | Construction Certificate | | 10 | Contract Admin | 0-Initial Services We start every project with an initial meeting. It’s a specific process that we follow to help our clients get the best results. Aims: Professional advice to get you started and moving in the right direction from day 1. Likely scope of work • Initial research (in office) • Site meeting (approx. 2hrs) • Recording brief, taking notes, checklists • Discussion of budget, property values • Construction cost assessment • Design ideas and feedback • Retainer agreement to engage us for our services Some of the things we consider • Current and future needs / looking ahead • Approval options ie. DA / Complying / Exempt work • Value for money, resale, masterplanning and staging Work we usually produce Professional advice on site Fee guide $ 396 (including GST.) Timeframe 1 weeks notice to make booking (approx.) Other services we offer • Pre-purchase advice • Hourly rate service • Architectural & Interior Design Before you begin any design work-get professional advice to ensure your project is well founded and viable. ALL AUSTRALIAN ARCHITECTURE Stages of the Design & Building Process 1-Site Measure Aims: The usual starting point is to get measured plans / 3D model of the existing property and surrounds. Likely scope of work • Systematic measure • Site photos • Site notes Some of the things we consider • Existing site / property integrity • Opportunities and constraints • Existing set-backs including neighbours • Privacy, overshadowing and overlooking issues • Construction materials and sizes • Site drainage, sewer and easements Work we usually produce • Colour coded measured plans at 1:100 (A3 size) • Measured 3D model of property and surrounds • Walkthrough of existing building / site • CAD files Fee guide Generally between $1500- $3000 depending upon size and complexity Timeframe The site work usually takes between 2.0-4.0 hours, and completion of measured drawings / model can take 1-2 weeks. Working off accurate drawings can save you money during the build, as it can reduce mistakes. 2-Feasibility Planning Aims: Most projects require some initial design and costing to determine their viability and to help define the proposed scope of work or explore options. Likely scope of work • Initial concept planning off a site measure, previous renovation drawing or existing plans • Adding up areas, refining scope of work • Exploring design ideas and options quickly • Applying costs to the work proposed Some of the things we consider • Value for money • Future design needs • Likely approval process and controls • Timeframe & time planning • Current and improved resale value discussions • Masterplanning, staging • Overall feasibility and viable options Work we usually produce • CAD sketch plans at 1:100 • Building cost summary for budgeting purposes Fee guide Generally hourly rate service is required to investigate options and feasibility. Timeframe Usually 1-2 weeks for the first planning sketches Th

FAQs

Can clients choose to complete only some stages of the project?

Yes. Each stage is independent and clients can request full or partial services rather than completing every stage with the firm.

What happens during the initial service stage?

An initial meeting sets professional advice for day one, including initial research, a site meeting (about 2 hours), recording notes and checklists, discussing budget and property values, and providing a construction cost assessment.

What deliverables are typically produced after the site measure stage?

The firm usually produces colour-coded measured plans (1:100, A3), a measured 3D model, a walkthrough of the existing building/site, and CAD files.

Oct 23, 2026

Upload by Alex Sinclair