Our Project Process
This looks complex, but it’s actually a fabulously organised process that ensures our projects deliver exactly what’s needed
Visit the project pages to see the individual process for each project
We always begin the design journey together by listening carefully to the project requirements – from the client, council and or community members. Then we take the time to understand the site, and it’s context. This ensures our solutions will be tailored specifically to suit the site and the resources available. Although we do a wide range of work, we always have a clear concept – whether it’s a site design, a strategy or project graphics – it’s important for everyone to know where we’re heading. This may be all that’s needed from us, or the journey may continue together.
We have a wide range of in-house skills or, if needed, a network of colleagues with specialist skills. Whether large or small scale, we always outline the process beforehand and provide a clear and transparent breakdown of the project fees. If the process needs to change along the way or you’d like us to include extra items, we’d be happy to help. We promise to be transparent with how we use our time to ensure there are no unexpected fees.
We tailor our process to suit each project. Our designs are well resolved, the right scale for the site and the available resources, safe, equitable, welcoming and easy to maintain. We tailor them to suit local skills and materials. They are grounded in the landscape and local history. Our community based projects have a strong sense of ownership which is built together, and never imposed. Here’s an insight into the way we work:
Analysis
Careful, project specific analysis
We take the time to learn about each site. Analysis is likely to include: site levels, drainage, solar access, landscape context, site access, privacy and views. Our public realm projects generally include, an overview of local /site history, pedestrian, cyclist and traffic needs, economic and environmental context too. Our interpretation work will include general investigation into the topic and its connections to the site. Regardless of scale, our analysis clearly identifies the site opportunities and constraints. This stage forms the basis of all our design work.
Options
Explore the potential and clarify the outcomes you need
With a clear understanding of the project opportunities and constraints, we can now start to explore options to address the challenges which led you to us. We’re here to help and we’ll develop options which are at the right scale, site appropriate and suit the resources available.
Concept
A clear concept for the site provides an overall vision and outlines the project elements
We’ll incorporate your feedback on the options and develop a concept which has a clear overall structure for the individual elements. Although these plans are not developed for construction purposes, we take care to consider constraints like site conditions, the size of each space and the relationship between. Our concept plans are clear and practical.
Design development
A bridge between site concept and construction drawings
On large scale projects, translating the site concept into construction ready plans often requires careful design development. During this stage, we work in collaboration with our clients, colleagues and other specialists to refine each element of the project. Detailed service investigation often necessitates design adjustments to provide practical solutions which still retain the intent of the original concept.
On-site sketch design
Accelerating the start of a project
Long distance travel is part of regional work, so we’ve developed a process which makes efficient use of the project budget – both in terms of time and momentum. We combine on-site design with client and / or community representative workshops. On the projects where this technique has been used, we’ve found that it’s been a really positive experience for the entire team on projects. From our client’s point of view, it’s an extremely efficient use of the budget, it clarifies any potential misunderstanding and invites local expertise into the project early on. For us, it helps to ensure that our work is on track and that we receive timely feedback, so that we can continue with the next stage. It’s an opportunity for us to present our work, answer questions directly and contribute our professional skills in finding ‘win-win’ solutions for everyone.
Project documentation
Getting ready for construction
Project documentation includes all the plans, sections, details and specifications needed to build your project. Each package is carefully crafted to suit local resources, maintenance budgets, skills and materials. Our well resolved, detailed designs minimise the risk of cost blowouts on site. They are practical and ensure the project is easy to implement with clear lines of responsibility.
Contract administration
Well-built projects
We are skilled at overseeing the building of projects in regional areas, including remote sites. Our understanding of the challenges of distance and limited local resources ensures our projects are coordinated to be timely and cost effective. We guarantee that the design intent and the careful planning of the previous stages is not lost or diluted during construction.
Masterplan
Practical and achievable plans for the future
Our masterplans are directed by: the project vision, the project-specific constraints and opportunities, community/user group input, social, environmental, economic (and at times spiritual) drivers. The masterplans provide a whole project plan and may include: vision(s), site masterplan, detailed plans of key areas, an action plan with ballpark budgeting, staging. We produce reports that suit the project needs, including funding applications and liaison with authorities.
Strategy development
Long term strategies specifically for regional communities and councils
Our strategies encompass the economic, social and environmental pillars. They are the right scale and appropriate to the resources available, practical and easy to implement. We don’t just describe the change needed, we demonstrate why and to what benefit. Our processes ensure we consider problems and use a resourceful approach to find ‘win-win’ outcomes.