Walk a mile in our
Design Process
This idea and this need has been percolating in the back of your mind like a perfectly brewed coffee in one of those hip, laneway cafes with a well moustached barista - and it’s ready to serve. You’re ready.
So now what?
“A lot of people don't get it, but I design from the inside out so that the finished product looks inevitable somehow. I think it's important to create spaces that people like to be in, that are humanistic.”
— Frank Gehry
We appreciate that you may never have participated in a construction project before, or engaged an architect, so we’ve taken the time to map out some key stages.
Our process delivers clarity and transparency for peace of mind from the start.
At Whisker Architecture we divide our projects into four stages:
Masterplan [Define]
Design [Refine]
Concept Design
Detailed Design
Documentation [Control]
Construction [Create]
Note: The timeframes listed in the following sections are advisory only.
“On the whole it's been a lovely experience working with you to date. As well as giving our home a fresh new look, you have created a functional & tranquil environment.
I am very grateful that we brought you on board as you have made the experience really enjoyable!”
- David (Client)
Project Stages
Standard project stages for custom project design
An example of masterplanning for an alterations and additions project
-
3 - 6 weeks
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, this stage is about defining the direction of your next chapter.
We'll work through what can be achieved on your site through a 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.
Designs and costs are sketchy and broad - forming a launch pad for clients still deciding on direction [sell or extend, buy or build], scope [3 bed or 4], and basic configurations [should the master suite be at the front of the house or on level 1].
-
18 - 24 weeks
The design stages are where we weave inspiration, opportunities, and constraints of past and place into your personal inhabited narrative. We’ll be working with you to design every aspect of your project - from the form of the building down to your front door handle.
Concept Design
Existing Conditions
Reestablishment and Feature Survey by a registered Land Surveyor
Bushfire Attack Level Report by an Assessor (if required)
Detailed Planning
Sustainability Goals
Accessibility Requirements
Detailed Design
3D Form & Exterior Design
External Materials
Preliminary Energy Efficiency Review
Preliminary Interior Concepts
Town Planning
If your project requires a Town Planning Permit from your local council this is when we will submit a package of drawings and documentation to them for approval. Please note that Town Planning Permits can take up to 6 months to acquire depending on the council.
Cost Plan
Before lodging for the Town Planning Permit or proceeding to the next phase a Cost Plan by a licensed Quantity Surveyor is required to ensure the project is on budget.
Our Essentials Package ends here
-
14-20 weeks
Also referred to as Contract Documentation, this is a stage that is dedicated to creating a set of documents that forms a critical part of the contract you have with your builder.
This documentation package will include all of the floor plans, elevations, sections, detail drawings, and specifications needed to obtain a building permit and request quotations from builders.
Interior Design
For new builds this will also be the stage where we begin the detailed planning of the interior design - down to the detail of the handle on your pantry door, how you sort your laundry, and what kind of toothbrush you have.
Our Comprehensive Package ends here.
-
12-18 months
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?
This is when the hidden value of working with an architect is revealed. Many homeowners who work without architects find themselves caught under pressure from builders to make last-minute decisions or to pay variation fees for “hidden extras”.
With an architect by your side every step of the way we’ll be able to guide you through the nuances of contract administration and ensure the design intent you fell in love with is protected throughout the build process.
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.
Our clients who choose the Door-to-Door Package will hear from us up until the end of the Defect Liability Period - up to 6 or 12 months after construction is completed.
-
The day you’ve been dreaming of has arrived!
Oh, wait. You’re still reading about the process. Guess it’s time to get moving!
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.
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Don’t just take our word for it!
✩✩✩✩✩
“Few months ago we bought an off the plan office for our business. Being off the plan, it was just a shell. So we started planning how to design and decorate it.
Quite Often, speaking to architecture came to mind but we kept putting it off, thinking there might not be much value in seeking their help as it is only a small office so scope of design ideas would be fairly limited.
Let me tell you one thing…we were wrong…and found ourselves more wrong after we spoke to Audrey.
We were just amazed how detailed understanding and fact finding process she had. Audrey came to our office with blank slate and asked us what do we want? Not only now but in 5 years time as well.
She gave us 3 options to accommodate our business plans, explained pros and cons and helped us choose the right option. She, then also, made some very astute recommendations re flooring, ceiling, walls etc to address issues such as acoustic, team expansion, layout etc.
She also referred some suppliers and professionals who could assist us in the process.
And the list goes on!!!!
She has been instrumental in making our office, second home. Clients and business partners love coming to the meeting there and kids love spending their school holidays there, while we work.
Thank you so much Audrey for the wonderful work you have delivered, we couldn’t be happier.”
Mohit & Jodie, Capital for Castles
✩✩✩✩✩
"Working with Audrey and Winnie to renovate our first apartment has been great. Their process was really solid, and client centred. They’re great listeners and very thoughtful, as well as open minded to boot. They never put any time pressure on us and had a very human and gentle approach - a great asset because re-designing your home can become really daunting and a much bigger task than you imagined! But they held our hands all the way.
They’re all over the best choices environment wise, included great elements of bio-philia and helped us to recycle a lot of existing items and material at our request.
Lastly, they’ve got a great attitude to integrated design and project development. They were really keen to link up with our chosen trades and work together on getting things right. Our tradies really loved that and were really impressed with the drawings and elevations Audrey and Winnie provided them.
A great team to work with!“
Private Client
✩✩✩✩✩
"She took the time and went to great lengths to ensure that our vision for our home would be realised. Audrey's work was exceptional, I couldn't recommend her highly enough.“
Catherine & Neville
Delivering More
At Whisker Architecture we believe in the power of life-long learning. We’re constantly looking at ways that we can improve our clients’ experience - through creative connections across the sectors of residential, workplace, and education architecture, and by upskilling in the latest digital tools.
Pro Tip : Inspiration
“Audrey, I just had this great idea! I was talking to my friend’s girlfriend who…”
The process of designing our own home can be exhilarating, exciting, and overwhelming. Sometimes we can’t help but get sucked down a million different rabbit holes (I’m looking at you Pinterest) in search of “the perfect look”.
Run, Alice. Run down that rabbit hole and see and learn about as many different looks, and options, and opinions there are. Imagine fantastic things and believe in the impossible.
“Sometimes, I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”
— Alice in Wonderland
Then pause. Breathe. And refine.
Design is an iterative process with each design stage narrowing in on what you need, desire, and aspire to. We’ll look at a broad range of inspiration images and materials, test different ideas, and throw some out the door. The one thing I always recommend, particularly as we progress though, is to be very selective about who you talk to about your project and keep that group very small.
Why? We’ve all been influenced by friends, fashions, and trends in the past - gone on a date with somebody we weren’t that into, bought an unflattering outfit, or gone to a movie we knew we’d hate - but once your home is built it’s a lot harder to unbuild it.
It’s so easy to get caught up in everybody else’s opinions and I’d hate for you to feel like the outcome you get isn’t quite “you”. So, run down that rabbit hole, Alice. But don’t forget to follow my pro-tip and be selective about who you listen to, when you listen to them, and really think about why their opinion is important to you.
Testimonials.