Building in Australia is a complex process due to the stringent construction regulations. Even for the simplest projects, like a Class 1 (residential) building, the development process must go through several critical stages of design, approval, and construction.
1. 💡 Concept Design: Designing from a blank slate by architect is the most crucial step, as it shapes the entire project. Spaces are arranged logically, providing a foundation for the next stages.
2. 📐 Design Development: Based on the defined spaces, the architect creates a detailed 3D model showing the entire space in three dimensions. This is when the architect designs the concept for all other disciplines, including structure, mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, interiors, landscape, etc., providing a basis for sub-consultants to develop detailed designs in the next phase.
3. 📝 Development Application: This stage requires the architect to coordinate with various consultants. Depending on the project, different sub-consultants may need to be required, including:
- 🌳 Arborist Consultant: Assesses the current state of trees, determining which can be removed and which must be preserved.
- 📏 Surveyor: Conducts surveys of the existing building and land.
- 🏗️ Structural Engineer: Develops detailed plans based on the architect’s concept to ensure the building’s structural integrity.
- 💧 Civil/Stormwater Engineer: Ensures proper drainage outside the building, based on the architect’s site plan and elevations.
- 🚰 Hydraulic Engineer: Designs internal plumbing systems based on the architect’s layout.
- ❄️ Mechanical Engineer: Designs detailed HVAC systems based on designated locations.
- 🔌 Electrical Engineer: Designs detailed electrical systems based on designated locations.
- 🔥 Fire Engineer: Provides fire protection advice for complex projects, a challenging area that requires experience architects to coordinate with fire engineer.
- 🛠️ Waterproofing Consultant: Advises on waterproofing for complex projects.
- 🌿 Landscape Designer: Designs the garden and landscape.
- 💡 BASIX Report: Provides detailed advice on energy and water-saving devices.
- 🌏 Statement of Environmental Effects: Assesses the project’s environmental impact.
For special projects, additional sub-consultants may be required, such as:
- 🏛️ Heritage Consultant: Provides advice on preservation if the house is in a conservation area.
- 🌊 Flood Report: Evaluates flood risks if the house is in a flood zone.
- 🔥 Bushfire Report: Advises on fire protection design in bushfire-prone areas.
The construction approval process demands careful coordination by the architect to ensure all sub-consultants do their best work, resulting in a complete application package for submission to the Council.
4. 📄Construction Documentation: This phase requires meticulous attention to detail and close collaboration with sub-consultants to produce construction documents for the building contractor.
The final step in the design phase is 🔨 Tendering, leading into the 🏗️ Construction phase.
_LVA Architects_
