Our process
Seven stages. No surprises.
Building a home is a long journey. Here is every stage, what happens in it and what we will ask of you. Durations are indicative only.
Stage 1: Initial consultation
Indicative: 1–2 weeks
An unhurried meeting, at our studio, on your site or by video, to understand your brief, budget and timing.
What we do
- We listen to how you live and what you hope for
- We discuss budget ranges openly
- We explain how we work and what each stage costs
Your part
- Share your ideas, images and must-haves
- Tell us your budget and preferred timing
- Decide whether to proceed to feasibility
Stage 2: Site & feasibility
Indicative: 3–6 weeks
We study the site and the rules that apply to it, and test whether your brief and budget align.
What we do
- Feature survey and soil information
- Planning and heritage review
- Written feasibility summary with indicative cost range
Your part
- Provide title and any existing drawings
- Confirm the brief and budget
- Sign the design agreement
Stage 3: Concept design
Indicative: 6–10 weeks
Two or three concept options show different ways the home could be arranged on the site.
What we do
- Sun and breeze studies
- Plans, sections and 3D massing
- Updated cost guidance from our builders
Your part
- Attend concept workshops
- Choose a direction to develop
- Approve the concept
Stage 4: Design development & approvals
Indicative: 3–6 months
The design is refined in detail and applications are prepared for council and building permit.
What we do
- Engineering and energy assessments
- Interior design and selections
- Development and building permit applications
Your part
- Make material and fixture selections
- Review and sign off drawings
- Respond to any council questions with us
Stage 5: Fixed-price contract
Indicative: 2–4 weeks
With documentation complete, we price every element and prepare a detailed building contract.
What we do
- Itemised quotation
- Construction programme
- Contract walkthrough, line by line
Your part
- Review the contract with your advisers
- Arrange construction finance if needed
- Sign the building contract
Stage 6: Construction
Indicative: 12–20+ months
A dedicated supervisor manages the site. You receive fortnightly written updates with photographs.
What we do
- Quality inspections at key stages
- Fortnightly progress reports
- Scheduled site walks
Your part
- Attend site walks
- Approve any variations in writing
- Make progress payments at agreed stages
Stage 7: Handover & aftercare
Indicative: Ongoing
We walk you through the finished home, hand over every manual and return after you have settled in.
What we do
- Final quality inspection
- Care manual for every material
- Aftercare visit and maintenance period
Your part
- Join the handover walkthrough
- Note anything to adjust in the first months
- Enjoy the home
Getting ready
What to bring to your first meeting
None of these is essential, but each helps us give more useful advice from the start.
- The site address, or a shortlist of blocks you are considering
- Photos of the site and any existing house
- A rough budget range you are comfortable discussing
- Images of homes or spaces you admire
- A list of rooms and must-haves
- Your ideal timing, and any fixed dates
For a new custom home, it is common for design, approvals and construction together to take well over a year. Renovations are often shorter. The figures shown on this page are indicative only and vary with site, scale and approvals.
You commit in stages. The design agreement covers design work only. The building contract is signed later, once the design is resolved and the price is fixed, so you know what you are agreeing to before construction is booked.
One client director stays with your project from first meeting to handover, supported by the architect during design and the site supervisor during construction.
You receive a short written update every fortnight with photographs, progress against programme and any decisions needed. Site walks are scheduled at key stages, and you are always welcome to arrange one.
Stage one
Every home begins with a conversation.
The initial consultation carries no obligation. It is a chance to talk through your site, your brief and your timing, and to decide whether feasibility is the right next step.