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Design Services Menu
Clarity Starts with a Call
Starting a project can seem like a daunting task. Engaging an architect can seem even more so. You're going to be working with this person closely for quite a while so you really need to get to know each other.
Let's start with a call.
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you need more space. Maybe you just need your space to work for you, instead of against you. Or maybe you have a vision you need help bringing to life. Whatever it is, making us a part of your story can shed light on that much needed next chapter.
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Let's get started! We'll work through what can be achieved on your site through a Home Masterplan Report before moving forward. This initial stage is where we begin to weave inspiration, opportunities and constraints of past and place into your personal inhabited narrative.
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Did you know that architects are involved in a project from the initial idea, to coordinating with structural engineers, all the way through to choosing the precise handle on your front door? But more than that, we will also arrange and administer your contract with the builder and be there as superintendents not just up to when the keys are handed to you, but until the last defect is rectified.
Hear From One of Our Amazing Clients
“Richmond Terrace” - Whisker Architecture Project - Client Testimonial
"Hi, I am Andrea and my partner and I, have recently renovated our kitchen dining area and our laundry and bathroom. We finished off our Victorian home, creating a more modern space that suits our lifestyle of living in this open new area out onto our courtyard, which is an extension of this room.
My favourite part of the kitchen is enjoying the pull-out pantry where everything's stored at ease and certainly makes getting things out to cook a lot easier. Looking for our joinery through the phase of all our planning, and our tiles, and all the hard surfaces was great. Whisker Architecture came along to help me make those decisions.
That was fabulous because obviously you have to deal with living in the house a long time, and we went for neutral tones here, but in the greys and the whites. Given that this is something we wanted to live with for quite some time and thoroughly enjoyed doing that part of the job.
My overall experience with Whisker Architecture was fantastic.
All the builders on the job were, were great, all their workmanship was excellent, faultless. And people working here in the home were great. Nothing was too much trouble and overall really enjoyed the experience and I'm so, so happy with the result."
- Andrea, Client Extraordinaire
Obligation Free
Strategic Starters
Instead of jumping in head first with an architect, dip your toe in without comitting to a long-term relationship.
Save time, money, and heartache by clarifying your scope and budget - setting expectations from the start.
“Location, Location, Location!”
Have you found the perfect property - but with the wrong house? Whisker Architecture’s Prepurchase Design Advice service could be the clarity you need when you need it most.
Inclusions:
1hr Briefing Call with Audrey
Site Analysis (including Dial Before You Dig review)
Council Planning Scheme Review
Inspiration Page
1 No. Project Masterplan Diagrams
Opinion of Probable Cost*
Initial Project Budget including forecast costs for all consultant and contingency allowances
“Prescription without diagnosis is malpractice”
Whisker Architecture produces Home Masterplan Reports so homeowners can make well-informed decisions from the start. The reports clarify scope and budget, to set client expectations. This obligation-free service ensures you have the knowledge to communicate what you want to any professional.
Inclusions:
1.5hr House Call with Audrey
Site Analysis (including Dial Before You Dig review)
Council Planning Scheme Review
Inspiration Page
3 No. Home Masterplan Diagrams
Opinion of Probable Cost* for the construction cost of each Home Masterplan
Initial Project Budget including forecast costs for all consultant and contingency allowances
“Those who fail to plan, plan to fail”
Building on the success of our Home Masterplan Report, we’re introducing a new service for our developer clients - the Developer Masterplan Report for projects from 2-6 dwellings.** This obligation-free service ensures you have the knowledge to communicate what you want to any professional.
Inclusions:
1.5hr House Call with Audrey
Site Analysis (including Dial Before You Dig review)
Council Planning Scheme Review
Inspiration Page
3 No. Project Masterplan Diagrams
Opinion of Probable Cost* for the construction cost of each Home Typology
Initial Project Budget including forecast costs for all consultant and contingency allowances
* This is a loose indication of probable cost for the purpose of informing budget. Whisker Architecture is not a Quantity Surveyor. This is not a Cost Plan. It’s just a handy guide to get us started. A minimum requirement is a Cost Plan by a licensed Quantity Surveyor or quote from a licensed builder before lodging for Town Planning or proceeding to Contract Documentation. If a client chooses to exclude this service in favour of a Quantity Surveyor Cost Plan or Builder Estimate at this stage it is at their cost and results in no reduction in Whisker Architecture fees.
**For single investment dwellings we recommend our Home Masterplan Report. For developments with 2-6 dwellings we recommend our Developer Masterplan Report. For developments 7 dwellings please contact us for a price upon application.
Save time, money, and heartache
In a profession that’s notoriously mysterious and absurdly over-budget, Whisker Architecture is pulling back the curtain on architectural fees and construction costs.
Our obligation-free Home Master Plan Reports saves clients time, money, and heartache on their new build or renovation with the right advice from day one. We clarify scope and budget, to set client expectations before they invest in costly design services.
And the best part? This unique diagnosis tool enables our firm to commit to fixed fee architectural services – bucking the trend of % of construction or hourly rates fees preferred in our industry.
Our Home Masterplan Report allows homeowners to make well-informed decisions - clarifying scope and budget, and setting client expectations.
Fixed Fee
Architectural Services
Designing and building can be exciting and baffling - but your fees don’t have to be.
Rest assured that our fees remain fixed, regardless of material costs, allowing you to plan for the precise level of service you require.
The price ranges below are indicative only. A fixed fee proposal will be provided with your Home Masterplan Report.
All packages follow on from the Home Masterplan Report or Developer Masterplan Report.
Essentials Package
Design the broad strokes up to a Town Planning Permit* level of design detail.
Catherine and Neville live interstate, had a great idea of what they needed, and had already chosen a builder to work with. This package offered them the design input and clarity they craved with the cost efficiencies* of working with a builder from an early stage.
Neville works in the construction industry, so he has enough knowledge to make sure he’s getting the detailing and finish he’s after. Some clients may find their design is ‘commercialised’ if they go down this path.
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Existing Conditions & Demolition Plan (Land Surveyor plan required)
Site Plan
Floor Plans (up to 3 Iterations)
Site inspections & Client meetings as required
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Artists Impression (1 No. External)
External Elevations (up to 3 Iterations)
Sections (2 No.)
Preliminary External Materials Palette
Preliminary Structural Engineer Coordination
Preliminary Energy Efficiency Assessor Coordination
Preliminary Quantity Surveyor Coordination
Consultant meetings as required
Site inspections & Client meetings as required
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Town Planning Package Preparation (if applicable)
Town Planning Report (if applicable)
Optional Extras
+ Town Planning Amendments*
+ Additional design options or iterations
+ Additional Artist Impressions
Indicative Architectural Town Planning Fee for a Single Custom New Home:
$72,000 - $28,800
Comprehensive Package
A comprehensive Building Permit package of works compiled - just add builder.
Rachel and Steven knew they wanted to design an extension to their home. They were passionate about design choices and the end aesthetic and wanted to be sure they were getting a good price.
They chose a full design and documentation package to lock in those design decisions early and give them the opportunity to get competitive quotes from different builders. They chose to manage the contract themselves as one partner was working part-time.
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Existing Conditions & Demolition Plan (Land Surveyor plan required)
Site Plan
Floor Plans (up to 3 Iterations)
Site inspections & Client meetings as required
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Artists Impression (1 No. External)
External Elevations (up to 3 Iterations)
Sections (2 No.)
Preliminary External Materials Palette
Preliminary Structural Engineer Coordination
Preliminary Energy Efficiency Assessor Coordination
Preliminary Quantity Surveyor Coordination
Consultant meetings as required
Site inspections & Client meetings as required
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Town Planning Package Preparation (if applicable)
Town Planning Report (if applicable)
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Artists Impressions (2 No. Internal)
Custom Joinery / Cabinetry Design (up to 3 Iterations)
Building Permit Plans, Elevations & Sections
Compliance Construction Detailing (waterproofing, termite resistance, code compliances etc)
Custom Detailing as required
Building Surveyor Coordination
Structural Engineer Coordination
Energy Efficiency Assessor Coordination
Quantity Surveyor Coordination
Specification Document
Finishes, Fixtures & Equipment Schedule (everything from the walls to the door handles and kitchen sink)
BONUS - 8-hour allocation toward contractor Requests for Further Information (RFIs)
Optional Extras
+ As per Essentials Package
+ Additional consultants to coordinate
+ Premium Service Upgrades - Listed in the section below
Indicative Architectural Building Permit Fee for a Single Custom New Home:
$125,000 - $50,400
Door-to-Door Package
Complete architectural service, including Contract Administration with your builder.
Ian and Llyn are looking to enjoy the finer side of retirement. They’ve got grand ideas of how and where they want to spend their twilight years and have requested a full-service architectural package.
With this package we’ll work with Ian & Llyn from the moment they put their land deposit down to the end of the defect period 12-months after they’re handed the keys. They’re involved in every design decision with our expert guidance.
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Existing Conditions & Demolition Plan (Land Surveyor plan required)
Site Plan
Floor Plans (up to 3 Iterations)
Site inspections & Client meetings as required
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Artists Impression (1 No. External)
External Elevations (up to 3 Iterations)
Sections (2 No.)
Preliminary External Materials Palette
Preliminary Structural Engineer Coordination
Preliminary Energy Efficiency Assessor Coordination
Preliminary Quantity Surveyor Coordination
Consultant meetings as required
Site inspections & Client meetings as required
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Town Planning Package Preparation (if applicable)
Town Planning Report (if applicable)
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Artists Impressions (2 No. Internal)
Custom Joinery / Cabinetry Design (up to 3 Iterations)
Building Permit Plans, Elevations & Sections
Compliance Construction Detailing (waterproofing, termite resistance, code compliances etc)
Custom Detailing as required
Building Surveyor Coordination
Structural Engineer Coordination
Energy Efficiency Assessor Coordination
Quantity Surveyor Coordination
Specification Document
Finishes, Fixtures & Equipment Schedule (everything from the walls to the door handles and kitchen sink)
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Advice on Procurement Method
Package prepared for chosen Procurement Method
Comparison of Responses (e.g. Tender Submissions)
Recommendation on Next Step
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Fortnightly Site Meetings & Minutes
Contractor Claim Assessment
Unlimited Contractor Request for Information (RFI) hours
Contractor Variation Assessments and Recommendations
Budget and Program Tracking
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Defect Inspections & Reports (Up to 4 No.)
Defect Troubleshooting
Optional Extras
+ As per Essentials & Comprehensive Packages
+ Additional site visits
+ Premium Service Upgrades - Listed in the section below
Indicative Architectural Full-service Fee for a Single Custom New Home:
$160,000 - $80,000
Our fees typically land within the 5%-10% range of the construction cost depending on the scale and complexity of the project. In comparison, a typical builders margin can be between 15%-30%.
All agreements are fixed prices for standard inclusions and inclusive of GST.
*A Town Planning permit is not required for all projects. An exemption from requiring a Town Planning Permit does not result in a reduced fee.
Walk Through Your New Home
Ever wanted to walk through your home before it was built?
Do you struggle to read 2D drawings?
The team at Whisker Architecture create 3D views of your home and a 3D Walkthrough of your space you can virtually “walk” through.
These self-guided walkthroughs are available for every client and can be accessed on any computer with an internet connection via your private link.
The best part? The model you’re seeing is the same model used to prepare the drawings for your permit submissions and 2D drawings with your builder - mitigating risks of version control or miscommunication during the process.
Save time, money, and heartache with a process that delivers clarity and transparency from the start with Whisker Architecture.
Premium Service Upgrades
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Certified Passive House Design
Take comfort and efficiency to the next level with a Certified Passive House Design. This gold-standard of design is tested on site and certified by head office in Germany - perfect for bushfire zones, allergies, sustainability, and legacy.
Upgrade requires collaboration with a trusted industry professional to complete certification of our design. -
Integrated Interior Decorating & Styling
For a truly sophisticated outcome the furniture and decor should complement the architecture of the home. Integrate interior decorating and styling from the beginning of the project to truly elevate your design.
Upgrade requires collaboration with a trusted industry professional who specialises in this field.
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Escalation & Acceleration
Has the baby due date been announced? Have you agreed to host Christmas or a family wedding? If your project needs to be delivered by a specific date let us know.
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Investment Advice Coordination
For commercial and investment-minded clients we can coordinate with external advisers who can advise on your investment opportunities and reduce the risk of over-capitalising.
Upgrade requires collaboration with a trusted industry professional. Always seek independent financial and investment advice from professionals you can trust.
Architecture Services
Feasibility Reviews
Masterplanning
Concept Design
Design Development / Detailed Design
Town Planning Services
Construction Documentation / Tender Documentation
Floor Plans, Elevations, Sections
Interior Design, Custom Cabinetry Designs
Construction Detailing and Drafting
Specification Writing
Procurement and Tendering
Contract Administration
Project Management
Consultant Referrals
When you engage an architect you are granted access to a select network of consultants and contractors for your project.
Whisker Architecture is not affiliated with any of the companies we refer and do not accept or receive any benefits or kickbacks.
Mortgage brokers
Quantity surveyors and estimators
Builders & tradespersons
Structural and civil engineers
Building services engineers and lighting designers
ESD assessors
Building surveyors
Acoustic engineers
Landscape architects
Interior designers, decorators & stylists
Marketing renderers (stills and video)
Photographers
And for the clients who decide a build will be too stressful for their family and choose to not to go ahead with a construction project
Buyers Advocats
Real Estate Agents
Conveyancers
Top tip: When comparing fees for architecture or building design services it’s best to ensure you understand which consultants are included or excluded from the fee being quoted.
Start your journey today
Testimonials.