Frequently asked questions
Here you’ll find answers to common questions about working with our studio – from how we begin, to approvals, budgets and delivery. If your question isn’t covered here, we’re always happy to talk.
Getting started
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Most of our work is with councils, government agencies, community organisations and developers on public, institutional and multi-residential projects.
We also design homes and smaller projects for private clients and smaller organisations where there’s strong alignment with our approach and the project is a good fit for the studio.
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The earlier, the better. Engaging us at the outset – even before a brief is finalised or funding is confirmed – allows us to help test options, understand constraints and uncover opportunities. Early input often saves time, reduces risk and leads to a clearer, more robust project.
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Our first conversation is about understanding your objectives, project drivers and constraints. We’ll talk through context, budget, program and the people involved, and share relevant experience. It’s an opportunity for both sides to confirm there’s a strong alignment before we proceed.
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Yes. Our studio is based in Brisbane and we work on projects across Australia where our experience is a good match. For interstate work we combine site visits with digital workshops and online review to stay connected with your team.
Services & scope
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We provide full architectural services from early feasibility and briefing through to design, documentation and contract administration during construction. We can also deliver specific stages – for example options studies, concept design, masterplanning or peer review – depending on your needs.
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Yes. Interior architecture is integrated into our work. Planning, materials, joinery and furniture layouts are considered as part of a cohesive whole, to support how people actually use and experience the spaces.
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Yes. We regularly lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams, including structural and services engineers, planners, landscape architects, quantity surveyors, access consultants and other specialists. We work with you to establish the right team and keep everyone aligned with the project vision.
Process & program
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Our process allows for investigation and inquiry. We begin by listening – to your brief, your stakeholders and the site – then develop options through research, workshops, sketches and models. These ideas are refined into clear, coordinated documentation that supports planning approvals, funding milestones and construction.
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Timeframes vary with scale and complexity, but as a guide:
Early investigations, options and concept design: several weeks to a few months
Detailed design and documentation: a few months or more, depending on scope, procurement method and approvals
At project commencement we prepare a tailored program that aligns with your internal governance and decision points.
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We strongly recommend it. Acting as your architect during construction allows us to respond to queries, review shop drawings, monitor quality and certify payments. This supports risk management, protects design intent and helps deliver a built outcome that aligns with your expectations.
Approvals, governance & procurement
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Yes. As registered architects we can guide you through relevant planning and building approval pathways. This includes preparing and coordinating documentation for Development Applications, Building Approvals and design review panels, and working closely with planners and certifiers.
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Yes. We regularly respond to formal procurement processes for councils, government agencies and institutions. We’re comfortable working within probity requirements and structured evaluation criteria, and can provide concise, targeted submissions.
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Yes. Many of our projects sit within established frameworks – for example, internal gateway processes, funding milestones or design review committees. We align our deliverables, workshops and reporting with these structures so the project progresses smoothly through your internal approvals.
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Yes. We can advise on procurement strategies, prepare tender documentation, assist with shortlisting and tender processes, and review submissions. Where you already have a preferred contractor panel or builder, we’re happy to work within that structure.
Budget & Fees
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We design with cost in mind from the outset. Early conversations focus on aligning scope and ambition with a realistic budget. We often work with quantity surveyors and cost planners at key design stages to test options and support value management without undermining project quality.
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Our fees are tailored to the project’s scale, complexity and scope of services. We typically work on a percentage or fixed-fee basis, aligned with clear stages such as feasibility, concept design, design development, documentation and construction phase services. All fees are outlined in a written proposal before you commit.
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Yes. We’re used to working with quantity surveyors, project managers and client teams to review scope, test alternates and refine the design. Our aim is to retain the core project qualities while meeting budget and funding requirements.
Design approach & sustainability
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We create place-responsive architecture that is grounded in context and community. Each project begins with listening and observation – understanding how people use the place now and how it might work in the future. We translate this into clear, robust design outcomes rather than a single signature style.
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Yes. Sustainability is embedded, not added at the end. We consider orientation, climate, natural light and ventilation, thermal performance, material selection and long-term adaptability. Our goal is to deliver buildings that are efficient, resilient and comfortable for users over time.
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Our projects share a commitment to clarity, generosity and integrity, but each one is particular to its site, brief and community. The outcome is shaped by your project’s objectives and context rather than a predetermined aesthetic.
Working with our studio
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You’ll work directly with our small studio team, with senior involvement throughout the project. On most projects you’ll have a clear day-to-day contact (often Anna), supported by the wider team as needed.
At the start, we agree how we’ll communicate – for example, regular meetings, email updates or online calls. For larger organisational projects this might include project control group or steering committee meetings; for smaller or residential projects it may be more informal check-ins.
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Many projects involve a range of people – from internal teams and decision-makers to community groups, neighbours and future users. We tailor our approach to suit the project.
We structure workshops and presentations so that technical and design issues are explained clearly, and people feel comfortable asking questions. Feedback is recorded, shared and fed back into the design in a transparent way.
For community and public projects, this can include formal engagement processes. For private and smaller projects, it might be focused discussions with the key people involved.
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Clarity around your aims, constraints and priorities is invaluable. Early alignment on scope, budget and timeframes helps us give you realistic advice and advocate for the project with confidence.
Throughout the process, timely feedback and decision-making help keep things moving. We’ll be clear about what we need from you at each stage so you know what to expect and when.
Private residential & smaller projects
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Yes. Alongside our public and multi-residential work, we take on a small number of private residential and smaller community projects each year.
Because we’re a small studio, we look for strong alignment with our approach, values and capacity so we can stay closely involved and deliver a thoughtful result.
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If you’re considering working with us on a home or small project, it’s helpful to have a sense of your budget range, timeframe and key priorities. We can then have an initial conversation to understand your brief, share how we work, and confirm whether we’re the right studio for your project.