Architecture & Design

BSS offers flexible design, documentation and contract administration services for a wide range of residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional projects. Because BSS specialises in both architectural services and building consultancy problems we provide innovative design solutions within a practical framework and sound building construction principles.

Initial Design Services

Design Advisory Service - Alterations & Additions
Design Advisory Service - New Homes
Design Advisory Service - Unit Developments

Our Design Advisory Service is a preliminary consultation in which one of our Architects or Designers meets with you at your property to:

• listen, discuss, and appraise your requirements
• establish existing conditions and possible limitations
• suggest and discuss specific or alternative design solutions

The consultation service will provide you with:

• a sketch plan, developed on site with you
• advice on the viability of the overall project, including design ideas, construction possibilities, energy efficiency and any Town Planning implications
• an approximate cost estimate of having the work done
• a quotation for architectural fees (refer below)

The on site consultation usually lasts 60-90 minutes; the report is posted out to you approx. 10 days later

Fees

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Downloads

Design Advisory Service - Alterations & Additions (118Kb pdf)
Design Advisory Service - New Homes (121Kb pdf)
Design Advisory Service - Unit Developments (119Kb pdf)

Full Architectural Services

Client/Architect Agreement & Brief Development

We work with you to prepare a brief. The brief is a statement of your needs, and forms the basis for the Architect to work from. These requirements are formalised as part of the Agreement between you and BSS, prior to working through the following stages:

Schematic Design

Sketch drawings are developed to reflect the design proposal and a preliminary cost estimate is established by BSS. This information is then discussed with the client and altered if necessary for client approval.

Detailed Design

The design is further developed in close and continuous discussions between you, BSS, and any specialist consultants such as a structural engineer or building surveyor. It may be necessary to apply for a planning permit from Council at this stage. The cost estimate is revised and your approval sought again before proceeding to the next stage.

Contract Documentation

Complete working drawings, details, specifications, and tender documents are now prepared. These fully document the project to allow competitive tenders from builders.

Fixed Price Contract

Tenders are called from selected builders, then received and analysed for recommendation to the client. BSS then arranges the signing of a properly reviewed fixed-price contract thereby maintaining cost certainty for the Owner.

The building permit application is lodged by the builder with the local Council or private building surveyor.

Contract Administration - Inspections

BSS can carry out site inspections and provide answers to any queries from either client or builder that may arise during construction. BSS can also administer the provisions of the contract, check & certify progress payments, variations and/or time extensions and make a final inspection to ensure the job is satisfactorily completed before the client makes the final payment to the builder.

References

The following are extracts from our long list of satisfied clients. Please contact us if you would like more information or references.

Janet & David SCHLOEFFEL
75 Coppin Street, East Malvern
"We are very happy with all that has been done and are loving living in our new areas. All of our objectives were met and we are still excited with the results six months later…We were nervous about undertaking this project, especially with some of the horror stories one hears. But we were confident that with your obvious knowledge of building, your down to earth approach and your humanity, that this would all result in a great success."

Henri & Lana MALAKUNAS
Mt Macedon Rd (cnr. Pinchoff Lane), Mt Macedon
"We are most appreciative of BSS's role in integrating an extension into our 1860's cottage ('Haversham') - it is now practical, fits in with our lifestyle and is still unique…we appreciate being able to state what we required in a home and then let BSS design it."