During the design development (developed design) phase, architect will develop the approved concept design and provide documentation to explain it in more details to the client; coordinate the work of specialist consultants if required; provide a schedule of proposed materials and finishes; consult, and attend preliminary meetings, with relevant authorities; review the developed design against the budget and coordinate preparation of an updated estimate of the cost of the works.

Design development is the stage subsequent to concept design in which the schematic design decisions are worked out in greater detail. A clear and coordinated description of all aspects of the design, including architectural and relevant specialist consultant services, is worked out providing a basis for the preparation of construction documents.

The design team will also need some preliminary advice from our consultant team including:  

Structural Engineer to design the structural framing system based on concept design from architect

Geotechnical Engineer to determine to soil conditions of the site and to help the Structural / Civil Engineer design any required footings.

Quantity Surveyor to prepare the Cost Plan which will update their last cost estimate based on the updated drawings to guide the design team and client on the likely cost of the project.

– Depending on the project type, a Civil Engineer to design the stormwater system to discharge any waste water from the site to the main sewer

– Depending on the project type, a Services Engineer to design the Building Services required to heat, cool, power, and provide water and gas reticulation for the project

Building Surveyor to provide a draft Building Permit Application checklist made in this stage helps feed into the documentation package that the architect has to eventually prepare.  

There may be others depending on the scale and nature of the project.  These could include…

–       Landscape Architect

–       Heritage Consultant

–       Planning Consultant

–       Environmentally Sustainable Design Consultant 

Some projects are able to sidestep the Planning Process, and instead rely on the Building Surveyor to review the design against construction code and their involvement at this stage can assist.  It’s possible to gain a TIME saving if this is the case.

On completion of design development, the architect will provide the client with drafted to-scale drawings that illustrate the project. These drawings will specifically define the site plan, floor plans, exterior elevations and schedules. This is also the set of drawings typically issued to accompany the planning / development application.

Obtain the client’s written approval of the developed design and obtain the client’s written approval to submit the planning/development application when required.

-LVA Architects-