Initial concept drawings are developed by your architect on the day of the initial visit. You can see quickly what works, what doesn’t and refine ideas then and there.

With these drawings, you will:

• have a clear design direction for your project
• be able to receive initial planning advice on whether you may need a planning permit
• gain a ballpark idea of costs
• be in the position to consider the types of finishes you might like, such as zoning of floor finishes as well as ideas about amount of natural light, spatial aspects, orientating windows and doors
• know where new additions and alternations will be located in relation to existing spaces in your home
• be able to approach your bank for initial finance discussions
• be able to roll out your plans or email them to discuss with family and friends.

Like to know more about the initial visit?

Our director, Robert Harwood, explains…
“The 3.5 hour initial meeting is a one-to-one session between the architect and the customer. It usually begins with a walk through your home and around the property and a discussion about what you would like to achieve. Your architect will survey initial dimensions and draw up an existing plan based on any plans you may have, or from scratch. They will then develop up sketch layouts. This usually takes about 1.5 hours.

Over the next hour, first round concepts are developed, discussed and workshopped with you over your kitchen or dining table. Your architect will generate quick sketch views to help test out ideas and variations to the layout.

In the final hour, the architect completes an agreed version that sums up and concludes the design session. Site photos are taken and any further dimensions needed to develop the concept sketches.

Finally, your architect will discuss cost factors such as new vs refurbishment work and the implementation process including town planning, building approval, tendering and construction contract arrangement.

Your architect will let you know when the concept drawings will be emailed and posted (usually within 7 days), and will give you a booklet outlining the next steps to proceed with your project.”

Some clients have clear ideas about the design they want. Others less so. How does that work when an architect is involved?
“The architect’s goal in this session is to assess your brief with an architect’s eye so that a conceptual solution is developed that is realisable and appealing to you. It includes planning and budgetary considerations. The result may be a completely fresh idea or an evolution of what you had in mind. It depends on the project.”

What do customers think about this approach?
“Customers appreciate the fact that a healthy amount of time is devoted to discussing their needs, understanding how they live and what they’d like to achieve with their project. They like the fact that we work through solutions with them directly and immediately.”

Does My Architect do other kinds of projects?
“My Architect is all about personalised, architect-designed home projects. We’ve examined closely what residential customers are looking for and we’re focussed entirely on providing architectural services that are accessible, affordable and flexible to Australian homeowners.”