Architect Issues
design addict
7 years ago
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bigreader
7 years agoUser
7 years agoRelated Discussions
Hamptons style architect
Comments (7)Cathy, do you already have a concept design or plans, and a builder in mind? Reason I ask is because you can find many examples of this style of home from numerous US sites, purchase them and then download them. Then take plans to a design engineer/draftsman in your area and have them redesigned to Australian dimensions. It's a the process, but during meetings you and designer can suggest and make alterations or changes, and address any issues with the conversion (sometimes things don't fit exactly once converted) to arrive at the plan that suits you. Mynhusband & I went through that process with our previous house and had a successful outcome. Fortunately for us and the builder, the designer's converted drawings were perfect and everything fit together exactly. MB Design & Drafting's advice is spot on. BTW! I just quickly looked up Hampton's style home builders and this one popped up. Sounds like they have their own design which may interest you. Here's the link. https://customhomesonline.com.au/hamptons-in-glen-iris/...See MoreArchitect, building designer, drafts person, oh my!
Comments (47)Jacinta, am very sorry to hear that you've had no luck with your project pursuits......but may I also add your story is unfortunately not too uncommon and it doesn't surprise me...........after doing this for a fair while now may I add a comment or two.....skimming through the post above, a completely underestimated and often overlooked skill required by a design professional, whether categorised as an architect, designer, drafty or whatever is their capacity to manage the client's expectations of what is viable in a certain situation for a certain budget with their experience and knowledge. Yes construction costs have risen, and will continue to do so, and that's nothing new. $350K depending upon what you're doing and where, once upon a time was a healthy budget, but not anymore when you stack up the components. that is not to say that you cannot do anything, but to achieve something you'll need to be working with people who are all over the current construction costs and can help you strategically and logically consolidate your priorities simultaneously within the design/creative process to resolve an appropriate solution. There is always a (creative) solution to a scenario and a way to successfully navigate/negotiate challenges such as council limitations, challenging context, budget or whatever. Honestly, as a designer that's the easy bit, the hard(er) part is managing people in negotiating their particular "wants" and expectations and relative costs. What I understand really gets to people (like you have clearly experienced here ) is the unpleasant surprise and disappointment down the track after investing time and money with a company/designer in believing that you're working towards a feasible outcome when in reality the concept/direction is revealed to be non-viable, stonewalled or beyond budget. To avoid exactly this issue I service the front end of projects very broadly considering hard costed concept scenario options and hence "cutting to the chase" in order to appropriately align project requirements and project budget against the relevant specific contextual backdrop. Very quickly we endeavour get a realistic and accurate handle on whether a particular project direction is going to be viable or not and manage the client's expectations appropriately and fairly with minimal time and investment from their end. Depending upon the client and situation this step of the process initiates recalibration of client expectations (on budget or brief) and identification of what is possible one way or another so moving forward can occur with confidence and efficiency. From experience this has proven to avoid the exact situation you've unfortunately experienced. This should not be a "nightmare", rather it should be an exciting time in the process. At the end of the day it all comes down to money, it is invariably the ultimate controller of the decision-making process and accordingly you need to find and work with people who inherently understand this and can design honestly for you with respect to this factor and your specific needs. I hope this helps in some way and completely understand and sympathise with your situation :)...See MoreWhich pro? Architect, builder, building designer? Help!
Comments (8)Hi RJ, There seems to be some dangerously incorrect criticism floating about of using area rates to map out the cost for a project in the early stages, however we can use this to highlight to the Houzz community the appropriateness of using area rates to cost your project in the early stages. RJ you have done everything right in using an approximate area rate to map out your project costs before a designer is appointed!! Although there is some merit to note it is helpful to source your area rates from similar projects from the industry at that point in time - which can be obtained from a QS/Cost Planner/architect/designer - at least you are starting to think in realistic budget terms terms. $2K/m2 may/may not reflect what a builder can deliver for a bespoke design - depending of course on whether structure or kitchens / bathrooms are affected (i.e. check out this amazing kitchen / bathroom calculator from realeastate.com.au!! https://www.realestate.com.au/calculators/renovation-calculator/) ........however this is still getting you close to what might end up being the budget or the revised scope of work. The first thing your designer should do - almost before ANY drawings are done - is check your project budget matches your brief/scope of works by using Cost Plan A area rates and an 'Opinion of Probable Cost".. They can also identify if you are touching other parts of the site or scope that need to be taken into account that you may not have realised. At the start of a project, when there is no design yet, only plans with an approximate area scope of works (floor area schedules), it is what is referred to as "Cost Plan A" stage. Refer to this helpful description from the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services; "Due to the very nature of information available, cost plan A is developed in conjunction with floor area schedules and should be based on data gathered from other similar projects, surveys of existing conditions and major project specific issues such as the suitability, age and condition of existing facilities, including upgrade of site services, asbestos removal, topography, heritage issues and so on."....http://www.capital.health.vic.gov.au/Planning_and_evaluation/Cost_plans/Cost_plan_stages/ One of the benefits of using an architect is that we are rigorously trained and registered to provide "Cost Advice", and right from the early stages using area rates. Building designers must provide this advice however are governed by consumer law and not by an Act of Parliament. When your project is at this stage there is clearly no 'Trade Breakdown" as the design hasn't even started yet!! And yet we must guide you as to an appropriate budget to match your scope of works. A responsible architect / building designer will test these area rates with industry-standard costings to identify an appropriate budget right from the beginning, so that we can make adjustments to the scope to ensure we can get excited about what you can really afford to build before the design is finished. Refer also to this helpful article by Choice on "what can go wrong"......but also what can go right when using an architect/building designer; https://www.choice.com.au/home-improvement/building-and-renovating/design-and-trades/articles/architects-designing-to-build-budget I love that you are already excited to begin looking at a shortlist of Pros in the Brisbane area and I wish you Good Luck!...See MoreHow long does an architect take to draw inital concept plans?
Comments (11)I allow approx. 3 weeks for an initial concept if I have contour surveys, etc. already at hand. This also includes working around other projects not just a solid 3 weeks on yours only. If it was complex then allowing more time would have been obvious to the designer. Basic concept plan could be a floor plan/s or could be a quality rendering in 3D with floor plans and elevations? Most jobs have site specific challenges but these are well known usually as the fee proposal would have been adjusted to suit. What were the fee's? Is there an initial start engagement fee thats already paid? What are they covering such as design and plans only or the full architectural service from start to finish? Could be better to cut your losses and go elsewhere. Choosing the right designer is equally important as choosing the builder and this may not be reflected in the fee's! Paying more may not be the better outcome as is paying too little....See More- PRO
MB Design & Drafting
7 years ago 
siriuskey
7 years agodesign addict
7 years agosiriuskey
7 years ago- PRO
MB Design & Drafting
7 years ago User
7 years ago- PRO
MB Design & Drafting
7 years ago siriuskey
7 years agolast modified: 7 years ago
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