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FAQ-tastic!
Everything you wanted
to know (and maybe a bit more)
OK, we get it — hiring a building designer is a big step. Our goal is to reduce the risk and make it easy. We want you to feel confident and supported from the very beginning, so we’ve pulled together answers to the most common questions we get asked. It’s all part of helping you understand the journey and make informed decisions with clarity (and a lot less stress).
Don’t worry — most of our clients are in the same boat. The first step is simple: reach out and book a chat with us. We’ll guide you through the whole process, explain what to expect, and tailor the next steps to suit your project.
It’s also a great idea to come to us with the big picture in mind — what you want to achieve, how you want to live in the space, and a rough idea of your budget or what you’re comfortable spending. That gives us the best starting point to shape your design journey.Our initial 20-minute call is completely free — it’s a chance to introduce ourselves and see if we’re the right fit for your project.
If we both feel there’s a good connection, we’ll book a 60-minute follow-up consultation either at our studio or at your home. This is where we dive deeper into your ideas, talk through the project in more detail, and explain the full design journey and associated fees. You’ll walk away knowing exactly what’s involved.We work on a fixed-fee structure with hourly rates for additional time, all broken down into clear, easy-to-understand stages. That way, you know exactly what you’re paying for at every step.
As a guide, for full-service design (from pre-design through to final construction documentation including interior design), we typically charge around 5% of build cost for homes under $1 million, and 3–4% for projects over $1 million.
Keep in mind — this is a general guide only. Each project is different, and we tailor our proposal to suit your needs, complexity, and scope.The short answer? It depends on your project.
Most projects will take at least 9 to 18 months from design through to construction, depending on complexity, council approvals, consultant timelines, and build time. We’ll give you a tailored estimate early on and keep you informed throughout — we’re all about realistic timeframes and zero surprises.Yes — and not just any builder.
Over the years, we’ve developed strong working relationships with a select group of builders we trust, the kind we’d use ourselves.
We don’t hand out names lightly. It takes time and proven performance for a builder to earn our trust. When we recommend someone, it’s because we’ve seen their quality, communication, and care first hand.Budget is the big conversation — and we don’t shy away from it.
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It’s the first question we’ll ask at your consultation.
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It’s discussed at every design meeting.
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We’ll design with it in mind from day one.
We also encourage early involvement from a builder, and we’re happy to facilitate that. This helps ground the design in real-world pricing. Adopting a "budget-first" approach is one of the most powerful ways to avoid surprises and keep everything on track.
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Absolutely. Sustainable design isn’t an add-on — it’s woven into the way we think. We constantly keep up with the latest developments in energy efficiency, passive design, materials, and construction methods. Our design software allows us to test and view environmental impacts in real time, and we work closely with a leading energy consultancy team to ensure our projects meet and often exceed expectations for sustainable performance.
Yes — and more.
We take care of coordinating council approvals, whether it’s a straightforward Building Approval (BA) or a more complex Development Application (DA). We also coordinate all the necessary external consultants — think town planners, engineers, certifiers, energy assessors — and make sure everyone’s working together with the same end goal. We manage this process so you don’t have to.Yes! We have our very own interior design team in-house. This means your interiors can be seamlessly integrated into the overall design, creating a cohesive space inside and out. From mood boards and finishes to detailed wet area drawings, our interior design service is optional — but highly recommended for a smoother, more complete process.
It’s a fancy way of saying we don’t just design once and hope for the best.
Our process is collaborative — we explore ideas, present concepts, gather your feedback, refine, and repeat. Every step moves us closer to a design that fits your vision, your needs, and your budget. You’re involved in the process from start to finish — no guesswork, no one-size-fits-all.
Still have questions? Let’s chat.
Every project starts with a conversation. To find out if we’re the right fit for your design journey, head to our contact page and kick things off with a quick online inquiry We’re here to listen and make it easy.
