I’m sure you’re familiar with the expression: “It takes a village..”. The same adage applies to designing your new home or renovation.
Architects don’t design in a vacuum – in fact they work with, and manage, a team of expert consultants on your behalf. Architects and builders tend to hog the limelight when it comes to projects, but it’s our consultant teams that are the unsung heroes.
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While the type and number will depend on the complexity of your project, your consultant team, including the architects, have a duty to provide honest, professional advice that is in your best interests.
Where do I find these experts? Below is a go-to list, and some tips, for your next project. Cut it out and start planning now!
Land Surveyors (www.surveyorswa.org.au) – A full contour and features survey of your property is mandatory for planning approval. I recommend including significant landscaping and the height and setback along your boundary of neighbouring houses.
Urban and Regional Planner (www.planning.org.au) – A planner helps navigate the complex planning regulations and local government policies especially if your design pushes the boundaries.
Heritage Consultant (www.stateheritage.wa.gov.au) – If your property has heritage significance I recommend working with a heritage architect or expert.
Quantity Surveyor (QS) (www.aiqs.com.au) – A QS provides independent cost advice and estimations to you during the design and/or construction phases giving you piece of mind that your design is within budget.
Engineers (www.engineersaustralia.org.au | (www.consultaustralia.com.au) Engineers are pivotal members of the design team. Structural engineering drawings and certification is required on all projects for Building Licence approval. On complex projects mechanical, electrical, civil and/or hydraulic engineers may also be consulted.
Interior Designers (www.design.org.au) – The interior design of your home needs to reflect your personality. Most residential architects love designing the architecture and interiors in parallel. Ask if your architect’s fees include interior-design or if they sub-contract out this service. If so, start talking to the interior designer sooner rather than later.
Landscape Architects (www.aila.org.au) or Landscape Designers (www.apld.org): Our beautiful climate means we spend a lot of time in our gardens. Landscape Architects ensure the design of the gardens, pool, decks and paving sits comfortably within the architecture and, most importantly, suits your family – green thumb or not!
Building Surveyor (aibs.com.au): To achieve a design that complies with the Building Code of Australia regulations, energy efficiency requirements and the National Construction Code for Building Licence Approval I recommend engaging a private Building Surveyor to certify your design.
First published in The Subiaco Post 080619 | Architects Brief with Suzie Hunt