Our Experiences Oriented Service
Here at StudioHC, we understand how difficult and complex the process of starting, planning and executing a construction project can be. We recognise that the success of a project hinges on effective communication with our clients to carefully balance the ‘Iron Triangle’ of project scheduling, budget and scope to ensure the delivery of a high quality outcome.
We understand that the desired outcomes of each client will be different. Working closely with you from conception to completion, we believe in open communication throughout the project to guide and collaborate with you, delivering an experience which aims to ensure that we can help deliver the outcome you seek.
Our Integrated Design Process
Unravelling the complexity of achieving a project requires careful organisation and management, which is why StudioHC has streamlined the architectural design workflow into an eight stage cycle, efficiently organising the process of briefing, designing, delivering, constructing and operating a project.
Adapted from the Royal Institute of British Architect’s (RIBA) best practice guidelines, our services are tailored and incorporated into each of our detailed professional services agreements, ensuring that our clients remain informed, updated and an integral part of the collaborative design process from conception to completion.
STAGE 1 | STARTING THE CONVERSATION
Every project begins with a conversation and its success is closely dependent upon the relationship between architect and client. Using information from the initial contact form and before embarking on the design journey, we believe in sitting down and having an in-depth discussion with our potential clients, reviewing your aspirations and goals for each project so that we can tailor each project brief and scope to your needs and specifications.
STAGE 2 | EXPLORING THE CONCEPT
Our aim during the concept design phase is to refine and visualise the ideas from our early conversations, exploring the key parameters with your input and feedback. Key project scope, including feasibility, budget, planning, and timeline milestones will be discussed alongside a discovery process around form, colour, materiality and textural palettes for your project.
STAGE 3 | DEVELOPING THE DESIGN
Once a design direction has been discussed and agreed upon, the next step of the process is one of refinement, adding the next layer of detail and information as we head toward the planning approval process. Additional external input such as engineers, quantity surveyors and other specialist consultants will be sought, with their valuable feedback coordinated and integrated into the project to ensure its viability.
STAGE 4 | SEEKING PLANNING PERMISSION
Developing the design into one which collaboratively integrates your needs, alongside consultant advice and regulatory requirements into an unified architectural vision, the project is prepared for submission to the relevant authority for planning approval. Navigating the complexities of various regulatory and planning guidelines, a design may require further refinement and additional information during this process. At each step of the way, StudioHC’s priority will be to keep you, as the client, involved - explaining and unpacking the often convoluted and impenetrable language of bureaucracy to ensure that any amendments which may need to be made remains true to your aspirations and desired outcomes for the project.
STAGE 5 | DETAILING THE TECHNICAL DESIGN
Having obtained the relevant planning approval, the next step of your project is to provide detailed technical documentation, transforming conceptual drawings into a working set for building works to commence. At this stage, the relevant details of a project, from the junctions of joinery to the waterproofing of bathrooms will need to be carefully detailed, ensuring clear, compliant information is ultimately provided to the nominated builder. Often, the technical design stage will also require integration of engineering specifications alongside the regulatory requirements of the consent authority.
STAGE 6 | CONTRACTOR ENLISTMENT
Documentation in hand and permits ready to go, StudioHC will help you with the contractor enlistment process. Whether working with your trusted builder or finding one through a tender process, our role during this stage is to assist with coordinating and reviewing. Key project components, including the right building contract, the finance structure and the project timeline will form the core part of our discussions before your final contractor selection and preparing your site for construction.
STAGE 7 | REALISING THE PROJECT
With technical documentation complete and a contractor enlisted, your project can then turn from dream into reality. At this stage, the role of StudioHC also transforms, from one of designer into one of coordinator, assisting you with the on-site management and review, ensuring that as your project rises from the ground, it stays true to the original vision documented in the project plans.
STAGE 8 | POST-OCCUPANCY REVIEW
We understand at StudioHC that a project is not simply completed when construction is finished. Committed to ensuring that the experience of our clients after the initial handover remains a positive one, we generally undertake a post-occupancy review in the early months of the project’s completion, identifying, understanding and smoothing out potential outstanding issues and ensuring the long-term inhabitation of your dream will be a pleasant and positive experience.
Our Additional Services
In addition to our core architectural design services, StudioHC provides a number of other expertise to help tailor projects to your unique needs and specifications. Some of the additional services we provide include:
Environmental Law & Town Planning
Feasibility Study & Architectural Advisory
Interior Design Customisation & Styling
Ecological Sustainability Assessment
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Disclaimer:
The above staging is only a brief summary of the design, planning and construction process and does not necessarily present the specific process which will apply to your project. For additional information and detail, we would be more than happy to walk through the process with you step-by-step in person and reference should always be taken from our architectural office’s contractual agreement.