New build design, knock down rebuild designs, renovations and extensions, development, or retail/commercial spaces

FEASIBILITY STUDY

A feasibility study involves the exploration of the potential of any space or site by looking at opportunities, viability, or challenges. You may be weighing up your options to better utilise your current home or space, renovate, extension or new build, or buying a block of land to build on. The collaborative process allows your ideas to be heard and guided by an experienced architect. This assists in avoiding costly mistakes and you can achieve greater clarity for your architectural design and building project.

CONCEPT DESIGN

Concept design includes discussions about your initial design and concept ideas, and the best approach for you. SIXFIVEFOUR Architects will discuss in detail what you’re hoping to achieve, agree on the objectives of the project, and the desired outcome. This stage creates a foundation or ‘backbone’ for the project.

SCHEMATIC DESIGN

In the schematic design phase of the project an architect will talk to you about the project requirements and goals. This includes mock up architectural drawings of the building and/or site. Clients receive floor plans, elevations and relevant sketches to start bringing the concept to life.  


TOWN PLANNING

The town planning phase is to gain the approval of the building works from the relevant Council. The Council provides their approval by issuing a planning permit.

The process of gaining a planning permit requires the careful consideration of:

  • the size and height of the building/s

  • green space and vegetation requirements

  • precedence in the area

  • heritage overlays

  • bushfire overlays

  • easements

  • impact on neighbours; and

  • traffic, noise, shadowing, views and the character of the area.

Many clients find that sitting down with the relevant Council (supported by your Architect) to have a ‘pre-application’ meeting can be useful in guiding the process.

WORKING DRAWINGS

Working drawings are detailed, computer developed drawings of the build. The drawings include dimensions and all the graphical information required to be used by contractors to construct the project.

To receive a building permit, the workings drawings must be in accordance with the National Construction Code (NCC) and the Australian Standards.

Once the Building Permit is received, your Architect will support you in engaging an appropriate Builder or Contractor to meet your needs.


CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

If required, your Architect can answer any requests for information (RFI’s) from the Builder, and conduct site visits to ensure that the build is proceeding as per the working drawings and permits.


SERVICE AREA

Based in South-West Melbourne (City of Hobsons Bay/Bunurong Land), SIXFIVEFOUR Architects services: Altona, Altona North, Altona Meadows, Seaholme, Westona, Newport, Williamstown, Footscray, Spotswood, Kingsville, Yarraville, and Seddon. We are happy to discuss any project across wider Melbourne.

We also service country Victoria, with strong family connections to the High Country (Mansfield/Merrijig) and the Mornington Peninsula.