The Design Process

Architecture should be an enjoyable, two-way creative process that involves the client every step of the way – from concept to completion.

I know that planning a renovation or building a new home can be one of the most emotional and financial decisions you will make. That’s why I make it my job to understand your lifestyle needs and motivation, as well as your budget and timing constraints. My process is all about partnerships. I will work with you, not for you, to achieve exceptional outcomes in design and functionality.

I will listen intently, spend time explaining design, approval and building processes, identify any risks or challenges upfront, and keep you fully informed along the way. While taking an artistic and creative approach to every project, I will ensure that all proposed design and building solutions are practical, functional and affordable.

Here’s my seven-step architectural design process.

Preliminary Meeting
Investigation
Concept Design
Design Development
Building Approval Documentation
Building Tender
Supervise Construction

1. Preliminary Meeting

We can meet wherever and however it suits you; at your home, on site or online. I will present a comprehensive portfolio that showcases my experiences and hopefully offers creative inspiration. We will discuss:

your lifestyle and family aspirations
the design, approval and building process
involvement of other parties (eg builders, conveyancers, council)
your budget and timing constraints
fee structure.

This meeting will inform our project brief and quotation for services.

2. Investigation

We will investigate all opportunities, conditions and restrictions associated with renovating, restoring or building your home. These include:

government planning regulations and requirements
title searches
comprehensive site information
site survey and/or soil test (if required)
documenting existing building structures.

From these investigations, I can advise any implications to your total budget, source quotes from trusted consultants as required and seek your approval prior to commencing Concept Design.

3. Concept Design

Now the exciting stuff begins. With my years of training and experience, and my passion for design, form and function, I will transform your project brief into creative, innovative, workable design solutions. During this stage I will:

develop and present a range of concept design options, supported by plans, sketches, free hand perspectives or diagrams
discuss the advantages and challenges associated with each option
help you choose the concept that best reflects your lifestyle needs and budget (or go back to the drawing board until we find the right solution)
work with you to select preliminary materials and finishes
prepare a detailed cost estimate for your approval.

4. Design Development

We will be talking often during this phase – in person, by phone and online. This is an integral phase of the architectural process, when all the fine details are considered. My job is to:

present drawings (e.g. site plan, floor plans, elevations and sections)
present drawings that identify building materials and the structural, mechanical and electrical systems
integrate advice from all consultants
source advise, as required, from a structural engineer, mechanical engineer, building certifier, town planner and quantity surveyor
liaise with you to appoint consultants as required
lodge a Town Planning Development Application if required
engage a Quantity Surveyor if needed to provide an accurate and itemised schedule of current market building costs.

5. Building Approval Documentation

It’s all about the details and compliance in this stage of the project. I will be responsible for:

submitting Approval (Permit) Drawings for Council approval
reviewing and integrating all input from consultants in the architectural drawings
producing a final set of detailed drawings for approval
finalising interior designs, joinery drawings and selections
preparing a specification that describes the quality of materials, finishes and workmanship required to deliver the project to an exceptional standard
providing drawings and specification to the Quantity Surveyor to develop a final build cost.

6. Building Tender

You now have a set of detailed, accurate architectural drawings that form the basis of your tender. These drawings enable different builders to quote on exactly the same project, minimising the risk of any cost blowouts during the building phase. As part of this phase, I can:

prepare all tender documentation and specifications to ensure all aspects of the project are fully and accurately quoted.
help you create a shortlist of reliable builders and discuss tender process options
assess, compare and negotiate the tenders
prepare your building contract
facilitate the signing of your contact.Now the building begins!

What people say about OC Architects

During 2012 we engaged OC architects for the design of a new detached dwelling for our investment property at Tugun. Jill proved extremely helpful in developing a scheme that addressed our budget, and responded to the difficulties of a steep sloping site, maximising outlook and orientation to the north and east while not compromising the aspect of the existing dwelling on the block. Jill’s awareness of planning issues gave us a clear understanding of the site and associated approval requirements and the confidence in the way forward from an approval perspective. Jill’s clear communication, eagerness and exceptional design skills make her a pleasure to work with.
Gerard McCormick and Jillian ParkesPalm Beach
We first met Jill when we were commissioned as engineering advisor on a project that she was collaboratively working on for the GCCC. We were very impressed with her no fuss, down to earth, easy approach manner and her design flair and keen eye for detail. When we needed some exciting fresh new design concepts for our street furniture product range, Jill was the first person we thought of. Working with Jill was extremely easy. She was always approachable and very receptive to what it was that we were trying to achieve. Jill was always professional, keeping us up to date on the progress of designs and always keen to receive feedback and make changes as the concepts evolved. Ultimately, we were very satisfied with the work that Jill did for us. Some of the design concepts have been incorporated in to our own range and we feel that it has been extremely beneficial to our business.
Gary & Claire AllanUrban Furniture & Fountains
We approached Jill to help us renovate an aging rental property prior to selling, this was our first time working with an architect and Jill's architectural plans and specifications were complete, precise and extremely detailed. Jill provided us with great ideas and plenty of local high quality tradespeople and most importantly, provided realistic, creative input into our project. The added advantage was that she is also friendly, down-to-earth and fun to work with. Jill embraced several design challenges during the planning of the project. For us, she simplified the entire process. Her ability to listen, interpret and design is outstanding. We would like to take this opportunity to recommend Jill to anyone who has the good fortune of an opportunity to work with her.
Grainne SmithTerranora
Jill recently assisted us with plans for the renovation of an investment property. This was our first time working with an architect, and throughout the process Jill added tremendous value in terms of her extensive experience in design and drafting, products and suppliers, and assistance in coordinating quotes from builders. Jill is a great communicator and very easy to work with. She really listened to our ideas around the project and did a brilliant job to streamline the costs and keep us within our budget. We would not hesitate to recommend Jill for her architectural expertise in any upcoming project.
Dr. Adrian SmithTerranora
My experience with OC Architects was fantastic. I had bought a place in desperate need of renovation and the first decision was to use a draftsman or a qualified architect. I had initial consultations with both but from the moment we spoke, Jill instilled me with confidence in the quality of her design work, skill and professionalism. During the process, Jill considered all options while maximizing function and flow of the house. Not only did she draw brilliant plans, she was comprehensive in providing me all the information I needed, not only for the design, but all the tricky components including Council approvals and engineering. Throughout the building process, the quality and detail of the plans were continually commented on by the builder and trades who said ‘you must have a good architect’. This made it easy for me to talk from the plans and keep track that work being done was to specification. Everyone who walks into my home is shocked by the size, flow and ambience. We managed to preserve the bones of the house and some of its unique characteristics. Together we turned a very tired and small beach bungalow into a modern property with strong street presence on a very tight budget. Jill was flexible to work with, but maintained her recommendations during certain aspects of the design – which I am grateful for. I only wish I had another place to build or renovate. Thank you!
Marion HorsingtonMiami