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Frequently Asked Questions
From construction tips to favourite Architects, our FAQs are such know-it-alls.
This page is to help you with all the nitty gritty SDA Architect details. But don’t believe me, I’m just the voice activated dictation robot. Believe the firm when they answer all of your Architecture queries and design questions with this comprehensive FAQ and tip megabase.
WHY DO I NEED AN ARCHITECT?
Our biggest assets are our homes.
When designing and building your home, the guidance and professional advice you receive during the early stages can be the catalyst for determining the final outcome of your project. The role of an Architect is not only to draw and document your building, but to act as a superintendent over the development aspect of the project. This can include; liaising with consultants, achieving approvals from building authorities and ensuring the right finishes and materials are applied to the intended budgets and site requirements in order to give you the best return for your money.
As well as providing a philosophical and conceptual solution, combined with a creative and artistic design approach, Architects are held to a higher professional responsibility in Australia. While other building designers and draftsmen, are not regulated by any statutory or non-statutory bodies, Architects are expected to provide a professional service and are held responsible for their work by the Local Registration Board and the Architects Act 1991.
An Architect’s vision of a building thus transcends beyond bricks and mortar; with the creation of a space for specified use being generated from a deep understanding of Geometry and spatial awareness. Architect’s ultimately approach design through the following four principles: scale, proportion, aesthetics and coherence.
Next time you ask yourself, why do I need an Architect? Contemplate the value that Architect’s bring to the table and the role that Architect’s have played throughout history in shaping our built environment.
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CAN YOU PROVIDE A COST ESTIMATE OF THE WHOLE PROJECT?
This is probably one of our most frequently asked questions, rightly so, however is a difficult one to answer! When it comes to budgeting, we cannot provide a cost per square metre rate. It is often the client’s responsibility to determine their overall budget and based on this budget we can provide advice on the scale of the works that can be achieved and the finishes that should be applied to the design.
In some cases, we recommend clients seek the advice of a quantity surveyor to develop an accurate estimation through understanding their design brief and full intentions behind their project requirements. In order to maintain accurate design to suit the budget, we seek the advice of a quantity surveyor both at DA stage and Construction stage. This allows us to ensure that the project remains on-budget at each stage of the design process.
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WHAT ARE THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING MY NEW HOME (APPROVALS ETC.)?
At SDA Architects, we understand that the process in applying for Development Applications (DA), Building Approvals, Environmental Requirements and maintaining requirement standards is incredibly complex. We understand the different local and state environmental policies that apply to each development.
In some stages, there could be up to twenty different polices needing to be addressed in order to achieve a Development Approval. Sometimes taking a Private Certification pathway may be available for projects that fall under CDC policies which can make the approval process much easier and quicker. This information is not often readily found on your title deeds or with a quick online search.
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HOW LONG WILL THE DESIGN PROCESS TAKE THROUGH TO CONSTRUCTION COMPLETION?
Once we receive the client’s brief and attain a concept design approval, SDA Architects can produce drawings for the DA within two weeks from the concept design approval date.
Depending on who the certifying authority is (Private Certifier or Council), and the size, location and scope of works involved in the project, the approval process can take between 21 days and 6 months for residential development. Due to our relationship with Local Sydney Councils, we often achieve approvals within 3 months on average for standard domestic residential projects.
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WHAT EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS OR TRAINING DO YOU HAVE TO MAKE YOU THE RIGHT FIRM FOR THE JOB?
Experienced in High-End Residential Architecture and as a Project Manager as well as Stonemason, with a Masters in Architecture and Heritage from the University of Sydney. Skills include; familiarity with the construction process, council requirements and planning codes, in conjunction with an extensive network of subconsultants that facilitate collaborative environments to achieve successful projects that meet cliental expectations.
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IS THERE A PARTICULAR ASPECT OF ARCHITECTURE THAT YOU SPECIALISE IN?
High-End Residential and Heritage Architecture.
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HOW DO YOU CHARGE FOR YOUR SERVICES?
Our pricing varies with each project depending on the nature of the client's needs and the scale of the project. The three ways that we use to charge for our services include: a percentage rate on the overall budget of construction, a lump sum fee, and hourly rates.
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WHAT MAKES YOUR PRICING COMPETITIVE?
We are a small scale firm with a small number of highly skilled members and very low operational costs. This gives us the opportunity to reduce our prices due to lower overhead costs.
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HOW CAN A CLIENT SAVE MONEY BEFORE STARTING WORKS?
The best way to ensure you achieve the most out of your project is to request for a feasibility study allowing you to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your potential development for a small fee before fully engaging the Architect. Secondly, the client should clearly identify and finalize their design brief as well as their requirements before approaching the Architect. Thirdly, client's clarifying their budget is vital prior to approaching the Architect.
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WHAT INFORMATION DO YOU NEED BEFORE PROVIDING CLIENTS WITH A QUOTE?
It is important to identify a client's brief and budget before any work or pricing is provided.
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ARE YOU AN INSURED BUSINESS AND DO YOU GUARANTEE YOUR WORK?
Yes, SDA Architects is an Australian Propriety Limited Company in Australia and we pride ourselves in the quality and detailing of our work.
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WHAT QUESTIONS DO CUSTOMERS COMMONLY ASK AND HOW WOULD YOU ANSWER THEM?
Customers usually ask about construction costs involved and the difference between a Draftsman and Architect. We have provided blog posts answering these questions on our website to advise potential customers.
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WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD A CUSTOMER ASK TO HIRE THE RIGHT ARCHITECTS?
Customers should ask for the professional's qualifications as well as which statutory law makes them accountable for their work. As an Architect, I am bound by the NSW Architect's Act 2003 to ensure the highest standards of services are provided to clients. This accountability is not imposed on any other Building Designers or Draftsmen in Australia.
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WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
I enjoy navigating through the design process closely with clients and seeing their design vision develop in three-dimensional form to ultimately shape the way in which they live and experience spaces.
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HOW DID YOU GET INTO YOUR LINE OF WORK?
With a background as a fourth generation Stonemason and an interest in history, creation and innovation, Architecture allowed me to utilise both my existing skills, knowledge and experience within the building industry, allow me to provide creative design solutions to cliental briefs and the freedom to detail new spaces as well as aid in heritage restoration, particularly in the specification of Sandstone application.
16 WHAT AREAS DO YOU SERVICE?
Although we are based in Dural, we service all areas within NSW and are happy to meet clients on-site.
