We’re a full-service building design studio in Brisbane for renovations and new builds
Working with young families through to empty nesters, we get under the skin of our clients to understand what makes them truly happy. Our philosophy is not about chasing trends or building the biggest house on the street – it’s about bringing out the story of each home and the people who live there. Here’s how we do it…
Our Services
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From grand old Queenslanders to dark brick homes, we reimagine all kinds of houses. Our skill at harmonising new and old ensures your renovation feels like it was always meant to be (plus, working with what’s already there keeps costs under control).
What’s included
Site measure and photographic survey
Two rounds of design concepts and feedback (minimum)
3D images at each design stage
Assistance with council approvals
Coordinating all relevant consultants
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Designing a new build gives you the ultimate opportunity to maximise views, light, and passive heating and cooling. Our experience also means we can work with materials in interesting ways to give your new build character (because modern doesn’t have to look generic).
What’s included +
Land survey and model of site features
Two rounds of design concepts and feedback (minimum)
3D images at each design stage
Assistance with council approvals
Coordinating all relevant consultants
Visualise your home’s design as it evolves
Trying to imagine how a set of plans will look is one of the hardest things to do as a client, which is why we produce all documentation in 3D using Revit. We go beyond drawings, so you can be confident that what we design is what you want (we can even place your existing furniture in a plan, so you know exactly how it will all look). These 3D documents are included in every service.
How we personalise the process
(because this is all about you)
‘Enoughness’ benchmark
We’re constantly asking, ‘What is enough for you?’. Your answers help us to make those big, juicy decisions at every step of the design process, ensuring the project stays in scope.
Full-service offering
We’ll do whatever it takes to get your project built. Our full-service approach connects you with engineers, certifiers and builders, and helps with council approvals (and it’s fully tailored to you).
Collaborative mindset
The last thing you want is a designer pushing ideas at you without listening (after all, they won’t have to live there). We get to know you, so you feel like a valued collaborator rather than just a client.
Robust design
Looks are just one consideration. We also think about aspect, passive design, sustainability and multi-use spaces that will evolve with you, so you can enjoy your home for the long term.
Detailed drawings
Builders love our drawings. Our plans are meticulously detailed to alleviate any ambiguity during construction. This makes for a smooth build, because the builder can easily see our vision.
Problem-solving approach
You don’t need to have it all figured out when you come to us. Tell us how you want to live, and we will share ideas to achieve the layout, feel and functionality you are striving for.
With us, there’s no agenda
We’re not focused on winning awards or using your home to test out trends. We show up every day to design awesome houses for our awesome clients. It’s that simple.
We will work well together if you’re looking for…
A studio that sees you as a person (not just a client)
Joyful, functional spaces that serve your lifestyle
A full-service studio that can offer fresh new ideas
3D drawings for easy visualisation of new concepts
A staged process that’s never overwhelming
Well-considered design (rather than something that purely looks good)
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No you don’t, but we’re happy to work with your builder if you already have one. Over the years, we’ve established a select network of builders we can recommend if you need a hand finding a trusted tradesperson. We can also collaborate with your builder during the design process to ensure they understand the vision before construction commences. This helps the build progress smoothly.
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Simply put, our client’s style is our style. Our portfolio showcases how we respond to different briefs without adhering to a predetermined design style. Instead of following a house style of design, we aim to harmonise new works with existing structures, and respond to the lifestyle and tastes of each client.
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Every project is different, which is why you receive a custom fee proposal with costings specific to the scope of your project. We’re completely upfront about these fees and what they include before you sign on with us, so there are no hidden surprises.
Plus, budget conversations continue throughout the entire process, to put you at ease. Fees range from 3-6% of your construction budget, and will depend on your project’s scope and complexity. We can put together a clearer fee indication for you after an initial chat (and you can book a free phone consult here).
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This is a completely normal feeling (even for those who have renovated before)! When you choose us, you’re investing in our design knowledge as well as our expertise in navigating the construction industry. That means you’re never left to figure things out alone; we explain the whole process in person before you begin, to ensure you understand what’s ahead. Plus, we also connect you with consultants, engineers and builders, and help you to navigate council approvals.
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Great question! There are a few ways we do this:
We talk about budget from day one. This isn’t just a chat about how much you can spend overall – we want to know the specific things you truly value spending money on, versus the things that would simply be ‘nice to have’.
We constantly ask what’s enough for you. As projects progress, it’s very easy to add more and more. But a few extra costs here and there quickly add up. If we see that your project scope is increasing, we will sit down and ask, ‘What’s enough for you?’. This helps us to keep the project on track, while ensuring we still deliver design that meets your individual success goals.
We do early costings to give you a realistic cost of your vision from the outset. From there, we are open to adjusting the design or the budget as necessary (our full service gives you the flexibility to change scope, so you’re never locked into anything if budget changes). For accuracy, we use either a quantity surveyor or a builder to do these early costings.
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The biggest test of how well a building design studio interprets a client brief is how many of their projects actually go on to get built. At our studio, it’s rare for a project not to progress to the construction stage. That’s because our process gives you plenty of input along the way, and we use 3D design to help you provide constructive feedback. Plus we really do care about what you’re trying to achieve.
You can check out our projects to see the type of work we produce. If you like our work, the best way to decide if we’re a great fit is by chatting to us (and you’ll quickly know whether we click or not)! Book a chat here.
What to expect
You don’t have to be a design expert to work with us…
Before kick-off, you get a personalised roadmap tailored to your project, so you know exactly how the process works (the diagram below gives you an idea of what’s involved, and we’ll explain each step in simple language before any work begins).
Then monthly updates remind you of where we’re up to, so you’re never left in the dark. And because we’re full service, we’re only ever a phone call away if something’s on your mind.
Tell us your ideas and challenges
There’s nothing more satisfying than a brain dump with someone who gets what you’re trying to achieve. Let’s schedule a time for that all-important first ‘brain dump chat’, so you can see if we’re a good fit (and get those thoughts out of your head).