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OUR PROCESS

 


Although these stages may seem rigid, our approach is very flexible.

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Our clients have the option to engage us for a full architectural service or a partial / staged process.

 

Our fee structure is based on a lump sum agreement with out of scope hourly rates.
 

Design

A.

Feasibility / Concept

 

This stage consist of initial site and massing assessment designed to clarify your project brief and identify key design opportunities and constraints early in the process. As part of this service, we will:

  • Organise a focused meeting to gain an in-depth understanding of your family dynamics, lifestyle, and long-term goals — to shape a concept that truly reflects you.

  • Provide concept plans that respond to your goals and site conditions

  • Recommend the most suitable authority approval pathway

  • Assist in initial construction cost estimate via introduction of builders or Quantity Surveyor

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B.1 & B.2.

Design Development & Documentation

 

We then progress to spatial design, developing the external form and initial 3D concepts (B.1). This stage is where the project vision begins to take shape through detailed design exploration.

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Once the overall direction and massing are confirmed, we move into architectural documentation (B.2) and report preparation for council submission.
At this stage, external consultants (e.g., structural engineers) are typically not yet required

Documentation

C.

Building Documentation

 

When council approves the design, additional documentation are required for Construction Approval. Secondary Consultants are engaged and we incorporate their feedback into the architectural drawings. Once approval is obtained and a builder is awarded, construction can commence.

D.1 & D.2

Construction Documentation

&

Interior Design

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Although this stage has no formal authority submission, it is an important stage to ensure the project will be detailed exactly the way you want - your vision.
 

A simple Construction Documentation (CD) and Interior Design (ID) are suitable for an owner builders. It consist of detailing the primary functions only.

 

A detailed CD and ID considers the whole building in detail. Not only does it provide a more accurate tendering process (which leads to less time and cost variation during construction) but all areas of the built process will speak smoothly with each other across all consultants, trades and parties.
 

We're here to discuss the level of CD that's right for you, to fit within your expectation and budget.

Build Process

E.

Tendering

 

There are different types of contract available.

We will coordinate with the tenderers to ensure the contract is suitable for you.

F. 

Contract Administration/

Design Project Management

 

For contracts that incudes an assessor (3 party contract. Builder, owner and assessor) We act as an independent assessor as well as your representative to ensure the project is on track and is constructed as per documented. We assess the build and we (not the builder) issues out variations and progress claims. This arrangement reduces miscommunication between the owner and the builder.

 

For contracts that do not have an assessor (Builder & Owners only), we purely act as a consultant to the client. We are not part of the contract but will answer any questions from the builder or the owners to ensure a high quality built to bring you a stress free process.

Keen for a fee proposal within a week?

Not ready to commit but want expert advice?

Schedule your service

FREE 15 minutes initial enquiry

Check out our availability and book the date and time that works for you

or

 

BOOK A

FREE & NO OBLIGATION 15 MINUTES PHONE CHAT 

DID YOU KNOW

We offer a once off consult?

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GET IN TOUCH:

Tel: 0403 122 859

Email: info@thamarchitects.com.au

Sydney & Melbourne

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© 2025 by Tham Architects

Ophelia Leung Architects P/L Trading as Tham Architects

Registration Nos:  VIC #20536 | NSW #9096 & Class 2 DBP DEP0003030, BDes Arch, March, Associate RAIA | ABN: 48 169 181 079

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