Project briefing and feasibility

We begin by understanding your objectives, priorities, budget expectations and timing. We consider the site and its planning context, identify key opportunities and constraints, and help define a realistic project brief.

Depending on the project, this stage may include:

• • • Initial site and planning assessment
    • Review of development potential
    • Project brief development
    • Preliminary spatial and design studies
    • Consultant and approval requirements
    • Advice on project scope and next steps

The outcome is a clearer understanding of what may be achievable and how the project should proceed.

Concept design

Concept design establishes the central idea and spatial direction for the project. We explore how the building can respond to its site, context and brief while supporting the way it will be used.

This stage may include:

• • • Site planning and building orientation
    • Floor plans and spatial relationships
    • Building form, scale and massing
    • Natural light, privacy and views
    • Connections between inside, outside and landscape
    • Preliminary material and sustainability strategies
    • Drawings, diagrams and three-dimensional studies

We work collaboratively with you, testing and refining the design until there is an agreed direction.

Planning and approvals

Where a planning permit is required, we develop the design and supporting information needed for submission. We coordinate relevant consultants and manage communication with council and other authorities throughout the application process.

Our role may include:

• • • Planning strategy
    • Coordination of specialist consultants
    • Planning drawings and supporting documentation
    • Preparation and lodgement of the application
    • Responses to council requests
    • Design revisions and negotiations during assessment

Our experience with inner-city, heritage and constrained sites allows us to anticipate common planning issues and address them early.

Design development and interiors

Once the overall direction is established, we resolve the project in greater detail. Architecture and interiors are developed together so that spaces, materials, fixtures and built-in elements form a consistent whole.

This stage may include:

• • • Refined plans, elevations and building form
    • Interior planning
    • Kitchens, bathrooms and joinery
    • Materials, finishes and fixtures
    • Lighting and electrical planning
    • Sustainability and energy considerations
    • Coordination with structural, services and other consultants

This is where the design becomes increasingly detailed, coordinated and ready for documentation.

Documentation and building approval

We prepare coordinated architectural documentation to support building approval, pricing and construction. The drawings and schedules communicate the design intent and provide the information required by the builder and consultant team.

Our work may include:

• • • Detailed architectural drawings
    • Internal elevations and joinery details
    • Materials, finishes and fixture schedules
    • Coordination of structural and services information
    • Building surveyor coordination
    • Responses to building permit requirements
    • Documentation suitable for tendering and construction

Careful documentation provides greater clarity during pricing and construction, helping to reduce uncertainty and avoid unnecessary changes.

Tendering, builder selection and contract award

We can assist with identifying suitable builders, obtaining competitive pricing and reviewing submissions. We help clarify what is included, identify areas requiring further information and support informed decision-making before a building contract is signed.

Services may include:

• • • Builder shortlisting
    • Tender or negotiated pricing
    • Responses to tender queries
    • Comparison of submissions
    • Scope and price clarification
    • Building contract coordination and contract award support

The objective is to establish a clear and well-understood basis for construction.

Construction and contract administration

Where appointed to administer the building contract, DX Architects provides services during construction to support the client, respond to project queries and help maintain the architectural intent.

Our role may include:

• • • Periodic site observations at key stages
    • Responses to builder queries
    • Review of shop drawings and samples
    • Assessment of progress claims and variations
    • Observing the general conformance of the work with the architectural documentation
    • Client and consultant coordination
    • Recording apparent defects and incomplete work
    • Practical completion and project close-out

Continued architectural involvement provides continuity from design through to completion and helps clients navigate the decisions that arise during construction.