Design & Build
One contract from the first sketch to the day you get the keys back. Design, documentation, permits and construction — with nobody to point at but us.
Concept
Start with what you actually need
Most people come to us with a rough idea and a budget they're not sure is realistic. That's the right time to talk — before there are drawings that can't be built for the money.
We start with the brief and the budget in the same conversation, sketch options, and get to a concept that works on both counts.
- Brief and budget discussed together, not separately
- Concept sketches and options
- Early feasibility on planning and site constraints
- Realistic cost ranges before documentation starts
- No design work billed into a scheme you can't build
Documentation
Drawings that can be built from
A set of pretty renders is not a set of construction documents. What actually prevents variations is detail — junctions resolved, structure coordinated, fixture positions decided.
Because we're going to build it, we document it the way we want to receive it.
- Full working drawings and specifications
- Structural engineering coordinated
- Energy rating and compliance documentation
- Finishes, fixtures and joinery scheduled
- Building and planning permit applications lodged
Build
Same team, straight through
The handover between designer and builder is where most projects lose money and time. Removing it removes the argument about who owns a problem.
The person who drew it is still on the job when it's being built, and the price you signed is the price that was designed to.
- No design-to-build handover gap
- One contract and one point of responsibility
- Programme and cost tracked against the original scheme
- Variations priced in writing before work proceeds
- Defect close-out and handover documentation
Why us
Why clients choose us for this work.
One responsibility
No arguing between the architect and the builder about whose problem a detail is.
Budget in from day one
The design is developed against a real number rather than costed after the fact.
Faster to site
Permits and procurement start while design is still finishing, not after it.
Buildable detail
Documented by people who have to build it, which changes what gets drawn.
FAQ
Questions we get asked.
What's the difference between design and build, and hiring an architect?
With design and build you have one contract and one company responsible for both the design and the construction. With a traditional route you engage a designer, then tender the drawings to builders. Traditional can give you more design exploration; design and build gives you cost certainty earlier and no gap for problems to fall into.
Can you work with plans I already have?
Absolutely, and we often do. If you've already got drawings, send them through — we'll price them as documented and flag anything that will cause trouble on site before you commit.
Do you charge for the concept stage?
The initial consultation and quote are free. Detailed design and documentation is paid work — we'll set out exactly what it covers and what it costs before you commit to it.
Who handles the permits?
We do. Building permits, planning permits where required, engineering, energy rating and inspection bookings are all part of the service.
What if the design comes in over budget?
We'd rather find that out at concept stage than at tender, which is the point of pricing as we design. If it does happen, we come back to you with options for what to change rather than quietly substituting cheaper finishes.
Free quote
Get a quote for your design & build project.
Tell us what you're planning. Paul will come back to you, book a site visit and put an itemised quote in writing.
- No obligation, and no charge for the site visit
- An itemised quote in writing
- Paul runs the job he quotes
Get a free quote
Four quick questions. Paul will come back to you to book a site visit.
More services
What else we take on.
Extensions & Additions
Rear extensions, second storeys and reconfigured floor plans that add the space your family actually needs.
Learn moreHome Renovations
Whole-home and room-by-room renovations — structural changes, new joinery, fresh services throughout.
Learn moreKitchen & Bathroom Upgrades
The two rooms that make or break a house. Custom joinery, stone, tiling and waterproofing done properly.
Learn more