You may have noticed something a little different in how we talk about the architectural process. At Ruth Newman Architect, we want to make sure your experience is as streamlined and stress free as possible. Central to that is our unique service model: Your Architectural Concierge.

So, what does that actually mean?

Think of it as a tailored journey—where every step, from your first idea through to the final touches of your project, is guided by our expert team with your vision at heart. In this blog, I’ll walk you through exactly what to expect when you engage with us—from that first conversation right through to project completion. 

Let’s get started.  

At first contact, we would have a chat and possibly a tour of your site to see if we are the right architects for you.  After all, this is a working relationship that will develop over a number of months or years, so it’s great to connect.  

Step 1.  Research.

If you’ve read any of our articles about planning requirements, you’ll know that there are a whole bunch of potential project constraints that might affect your property that we’ll need to know about before we start your project.  We undertake this necessary research on your behalf to understand those requirements.

We highlight anything that will have a major impact on your dream ideas so we are all aware of those issues as we proceed through the design process.

Step 2.  Sketch Design

Once we have your existing drawings, or we have undertaken a site measure, we start the fun part—ideas and sketches.  

Initially we will draw the ideas you shared with us, and then offer some different options based on our experience in applying creative solutions. 

We will go back and forth a few times, working through the sketches and workshopping ideas.

Step 3.  Design Development

Once we are getting into more detailed design we develop your sketches to create floor plans, elevations, sections and all the little details we need to bring the design to life.

We also start getting into more detail about your finishes as well as engaging the necessary consultants to deliver the project. This is where you will see 3D images and work with us to create the home you are dreaming of.

Step 4.  Council Documents

Now it’s time for hoop jumping – Getting ready for the applicable Council Application.

We are talking about:  

• Compliance and Forms 
• Development Application (DA) & Construction Certificate (CC) preparation and lodgement
• Complying Development Certificate (CDC) preparation and lodgement

We will take care of all of that. We’ll prepare all of the documents for your applications, engage consultants on your behalf and get everything lodged in the right place to get your approval process underway. 

Step 5.  Approvals

This is the stage where things can slow down as the approval process is outside our control.  But rest assured we will be there checking progress and keeping you informed about what is going on.

There are regulations set by the State Government about how long an application will take, but every project is different and depending on your property some approvals may take longer than others. 

For a Development Application (DA) you can expect up to 6 months in Council, but of course some Councils are faster than others when assessing these applications. 

A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) can be much faster, usually around 20 days once the Certifier has all the information they need.

Step 6.  Construction Drawings

These are the drawings and documents a builder needs to price your project and ultimately get it built for you. This will involve specialist consultants like engineers etc. to ensure a full set of documents are prepared for your project.

This detail is required for the submission of your Construction Certificate (CC) after your DA is approved. You cannot start building without an approved CC.

If you are getting a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) we need to do these drawings as part of that submission – so technically this is part of Step 4 when it’s a CDC.  

Step 7.  Project Pricing

Once the drawings, specifications and schedules are all set, we get the project priced by a number of builders, compare the quotes and negotiate on your behalf. Alternatively, we coordinate this process with your builder of choice. 

Step 8.  Monitor Progress

If you agree to proceed with the build, it’s take-off time!  Destination dream home! 

We coordinate and project manage the building process, or you can choose to do it yourself. 

When we do it for you we deal directly with the builder to create a smooth process that takes the pressure and stress off you.  

Step 9.  Contract Administration

We ensure the project is completed on time, within budget, and compliant with the agreed requirements, including quality and workmanship.  

We also review and approve contractor invoices and any variations, and talk you through any unforeseen costs.  

Although we strive for a hiccup-free process, sometimes issues or disputes arise along the way.  We aim to resolve these for you as painlessly as possible.  

Now you know the RNA experience and the 9 steps to your dream home.

Our goal as Your Architectural Concierge is to make your project as stress free and seamless as possible. If this sounds like an experience you would like to have, think of us and get in contact so we can get started!