Establishing the Brief
At The Plan Centre, we aim to make the design and documentation process as easy and understandable for you as possible. The process typically begins with a no obligation, face-to-face meeting in our offices, where we discuss your wants and needs for the project. Following this we will visit your site to measure up any existing structures to be retained or modified, and identify any opportunities or restrictions related to your site’s location; orientation; or aspect, that might help to determine how the design is going to evolve.
Design
The next step is to produce a sketch design based upon your design brief, and an analysis of your site’s development constraints and opportunities. The initial sketch design will include plans, elevations, and 3D imagery to help you visualise what your project may potentially look like once complete. After presentation of the sketch drawings, we will develop the design based upon your feedback, and also begin preliminary investigation of additional factors required for later stages of the process, such as structural design, and stormwater harvesting. Also at this stage we will look into any additional features required to satisfy Building Sustainability requirements, such as increased overhangs; sun hoods; performance glazing; etc.
Development Approval
Once the developed design has been agreed upon, the next step is to prepare reports and the drawings ready to submit for a Development Application with Council or a Complying Development Certificate. This stage includes finalising the Building Sustainability requirements and preparation of a BASIX certificate.
Construction Documentation and Completion
When your project has gained a development approval we will detail the project ready for the construction certificate application and the commencement of construction. This involves working with any required consultants to produce information required by builders and the preparation of a construction specification. The Plan Centre can also help you with a tender process to select a builder and can also provide contract administration and oversee the building process on your behalf.
