Most people only build a forever home once, so it’s very common to be working with clients that have never used an architect before. You are in good hands.

Working with an architect is an iterative process of design resolution attuned to your brief, budget and needs. Rather than choosing a home from a catalogue we start from scratch, learning about you and your family, the site and a range of other inputs to guide us on a resolution over time. The design is bespoke to you and your needs.

We start with a free initial conversation to learn about you and your project aspirations. If we all think we’re a good fit we will arrange a time to meet to discuss in detail. If you like our ideas and approach we will present a proposal to you which clearly outlines the phases, outputs and timeframes.

Simple.

This couldn't be further from the truth and is a misnomer on both accounts.

Architectural fees account for a small part of an overall projects cost, yet having a trusted professional from start to finish, with a holistic design focus is valued highly by clients.

In terms of build cost, base materials cost the same, and with structured cost management processes we ensure budget is of key consideration and managed effectively throughout.

The idea that quality, considered design is inaccessible or unaffordable, or that project budgets are not managed is simply false.

We’re small and nimble, and we like it that way. You deal with one of two directors personally and if we take on a project, we’re ‘all in’, so we’re selective. We like to think we’re easy to work with and can enjoy a laugh along the way.

Our backgrounds are of course in design, but also project delivery. We’re qualified project managers as well as architects, something a bit unique. We work at the trade level on many projects, not just the design in isolation. We speak builder fluently.

We see homes as places for people, families and stories. Whilst we tend to gravitate towards simple, well resolved forms and concepts, we try to bring warmth and a sense of homeliness in everything we do.

Lastly we’re all about process. Great projects happen in phases, over time, with clear outcomes and resolution. We take great pride in ensuring our clients are completely in sync with that process, what comes next and where we are heading. We see our clients as core members of the team and see collaboration as mandatory, not aspirational.

Designing a home may be complex, but getting started is as easy as a chat. Follow the links to our 'Start Here' page and choose a time suitable to you. We will give you a call, run through some basics, get to know you a little and from from there.

Easy.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that for a custom home, speaking to a builder first is the best economical and design outcome. Let’s look at both.

We will preface this that there are many wonderful builders out there. It’s a tough gig and we have the utmost admiration to the people on the tools physically creating the homes we design.

From a design outcome, most (not all) custom builders outsource their design, or have a small team of draftspersons, rarely architects. The design is custom in some respects, but also carefully controlled and often limited in specification, approach and detailing - it’s a business after all. An independent architectural studio designs solely with you in mind with no limitations or restrictions.

Economically it depends. A builder driven volume home will be fairly economical in most instances, this is true. For custom homes however, beware once you start with a single builder, you are bound to them on cost and terms. There is no opportunity for tendering or seeking secondary price, product or trade advice and in many cases can be a more expensive project overall.

Generally speaking, speak to an architect first. If we feel a different approach is better, we will give you the free advice to keep you moving.

Good question. For the record, there are some great draftspersons out there, but the approach is generally quite different.

Firstly, architects are formally licensed professionals, hold professional degrees, have sat exams and demonstrated competency gained over a long period of time, before being able to call oneself an architect. Such is the high bar it’s a protected term with penalties for misuse. If working with an architect, its design and client focused seeking a truly tailored response to you and your brief.

From consideration of light, texture and material, to how spaces feel, how they interconnect, the response to site, locale, community and environment. Architects tend to see things, test things, explore things, in ways others tend not to. From framing a window for morning sun, to a deck that is also seating, to a textural material selection that speaks to the clients childhood - resolution of space, envelope, mass, flow and palette in a unique manner.

Building designers operate under differing licensing (VBA/VIC) and generally approach projects with a more tried and tested, technically focused approach, which in some instances is perfect.

Unique to using an architect is that they are on your team from first conversation to final keys, oversee the design inside and out as well as coordinating all consultants, authorities and builders.

Which is right for you depends on your needs and objectives. A complex site, a bespoke brief, a forever home or a genuine appreciation for well considered design outcomes both in and out, an architect may be the right choice.

Our core focus is residential architecture and interiors - extensions, renovations, new builds and heritage projects in Melbourne. Projects that are a home for families, carefully considered and attuned to you. We love the personal nature of these projects and the collaborative approach.

We have at times been approached for commercial interiors projects and welcome enquiries of this typology.

Your chosen architect is with you from start to finish. From analysing the site to working through your brief, to resolving a feasibility, producing a design resolution specific to you and of course, drawing and documenting that design to a set of plans with clarity, detail and precision. They coordinate permits, approvals and consultants, oversee and manage town planning applications and resolve all details, selections and requirements both inside and out.

More than that however, is that architects assist with the builder engagement, be it a tender or alternate approach, and are your eyes and ears on the ground during the construction, assisting the builder and ensuring the design intent is delivered as planned.

It’s our expertise. Whilst a clear brief is one starting point, it’s quite common for the first phase to be brief resolution, working closely with you to develop the list of needs, spaces and interfaces specific to you.

Our briefing process is detailed and extensive, not simply a list of bedrooms needed, but the way you live, your family, current and future plans - all things that can, and should, influence the design and approach in a way a volume build simply never will.

If unsure, we are always available for a chat.

Firstly we’re completely transparent in our fees, and generally prefer a fixed fee approach for cost certainty for our clients. Some studios charge on a percentage basis of construction costs, others on hours over time - we take the time to clearly and accurately understand the requirements of a project before putting forward a fee rather than guessing.

For starters be a bit wary of anyone giving you an outright figure either in gross or $/m2 for construction unless it’s with a detailed set of plans, specifications in hand and trade coverage - the variance in design, approach, specification and site is simply too great. Whilst it is true an architectural home will cost more than a growth corridor volume build, other factors of sustainability, efficient use of space, long term performance and home unique to your needs should be considered.

Rather than assumptions in an FAQ, as one of the first conversations we have with clients is to discuss the wider industry, work through a feasibility and develop a budget that works for you, that we all believe is viable, applying facts and rigour rather than guesswork. Throughout the design process we then iteratively check cost often using external cost professionals and our own quality assurance processes to keep things on track.

Much like firm statements on cost, time can be variable. We take the view that within reason, we’re happy to take longer earlier in the process and ensure the design is absolutely right, than need to make changes later. You’ll never feel rushed, yet we will keep moving things along and keep you informed at all times where we are, and what’s next.

As a guide, project design timelines can be 6-10 months subject to complexity and any town planning requirements. In recent years timeframes for construction have prolonged, often as a risk mitigation by builders and we suggest working to 12 months for a large scale renovation as a guide. All highly subjective pending scope, brief and design.

We serve metro Melbourne and are based in the inner north.

We’re increasingly asked to consider projects in the wider regional areas and are happy to chat about projects in these areas.

It’s an interesting question and one that was asked in 2019 in a formal study undertaken by the University of Melbourne.

In summary

• Houses that are renovated by architects increase in value 1.2% per annum, amounting to a substantial 256’000 increase on a $1.2m property over 10years.

• So for every $10’000 in fees, a $114’000 increase in value.

Google: ‘Archteam RAsP - the results’ for the full findings.