Why engage the services of a professional design team

For most people building or renovating their home is one of the most important projects they will ever undertake and potentially one of the most stressful. Most of us will only do this a small number of times throughout our life and the thought of it can be daunting.

Engaging a professional in this area can take a great weight off your shoulders as, working in the industry, they are kept up to date with statutory regulations, environmental strategies, the latest trends, and products available for your specific needs. In other words they can guide you through the entire process, ensuring you plan your project efficiently and correctly.

Why planning is so important

You should never underestimate the importance of accurate planning and documentation when undertaking a building project. This is the single most important step in your building process as this lays the groundwork and the guidelines as to how the building process will proceed. If it’s documented there’s no question, no grey areas.  A few thousand dollars spent on correct planning in the early stages can potentially save you tens of thousands of dollars and much heartache down the track. Remember FAILING TO PLAN IS PLANNING TO FAIL.

How design studio 22’s design process works

For new home and larger renovation projects you will be allocated a building designer and interior designer (small projects may require only one or the other) who will guide you through the exciting process of creating your new living environment. During the entire procedure they will work very closely with you ensuring the result makes best use of your site, satisfies your family’s requirements and provides you with a home you’ll be delighted to live in.

Where it all starts

The first stage is the concept or schematic design stage where your building designer or architect will discuss with you what you hope to achieve. They will examine the extent of the project; the orientation of the building and potential energy efficiency; whether the block is sloping or level; whether you require single or two storey; the capacity of the building i.e. who will live there, their ages and lifestyle needs; ingress and egress for people and vehicles; what style of home you would like; your proposed budget and much more.

design studio 22 designers are trained to interpret this specific information and use it in the creation of a stylish, effective living space for you. It is important to remember that good design can cost the same as bad design. This efficient use of space, it’s allocation, materials and correct orientation dramatically effects the dynamics of your family and how they relate to each other. A badly designed home can disrupt your family life and make it disjointed and uncomfortable whereas a well designed home greatly assists in family harmony.

Timing of the building design stage

Each project is very individual and normally involves an initial concept being presented to our clients after about 3 – 4 weeks to critique over a week or so.  The clients then come back to the designer with comments and amendments which are discussed and analysed as to their workability, effectiveness and cost implications. The designer makes the resultant amendments and re presents the design to the clients, normally in around 2 weeks.

These brainstorming sessions between client and designer can result in some amazing outcomes as the design evolves in 3 or 4 meetings over 6 to 8 weeks. During this time your interior designer will be making suggestions and having some input into the aesthetics and interior features of the building.

Why include Landscape Design in the process

Including the Landscape Design in the planning process ensures that you create a holisitic living environment to unify your internal and external spaces. In our climate outdoor rooms are equally as important as indoor rooms and can be created at a fraction of the cost. Our landscape designer will create a sustainable easy maintenance garden to compliment the architectural features of your home.

When the design has been finalised

The mechanical part of the process is next where the concept design is translated into working drawings in preparation for council application and the builder, which takes about 3 to 4 weeks. If required, it is then forwarded onto an energy rating consultant to produce a BASIX certificate and an engineer to prepare an engineering report for which you should allow approximately 3 weeks.

How the selection process works

Your interior design consultant will have been working behind the scenes making suggestions to the building designer and collecting ideas based on the initial discussions regarding the feeling or look the clients wish to create. Once plans are finalised the interior designer will arrange a meeting with the clients to go through the plans and items which require selection. You will need to allow approximately 2 hours for this or if preferred we have a simple questionnaire which can be complete which gives us enough information to start the process.

Over the two weeks following this meeting the interior designer will collect materials, samples and colours related to the client’s requirements along with some creative suggestions ready to present to them for approval. They will also complete a base electrical layout which will be expanded upon at the next meeting.

How design studio 22 presents the final selection

The interior designer will assist the clients in selecting materials and colours while guiding them through the process in 2 to 3 meeting over 4 to 6 weeks. Once completed the clients will be presented with a comprehensive selection schedule of around 40 – 60 pages detailing every item and colour which has been selected for their home. From external materials to taps, toilets, kitchen colours and fittings, doorhandles, power points, etc, etc, to ensure everything flows and works together.
Why select at this point and the advantages design studio 22 offer

The first advantage in selecting everything up front is that you can ensure it all works together as the interior designer lays the whole scheme out in front of you to show how each colour and items relates to the other.

However the biggest advantage is that design studio 22 can obtain discounts on quotations from suppliers and some tradespeople for their clients. You can be assured that design studio 22 do not receive commissions from any suppliers or tradespeople and all savings are passed onto our clients and recommendations are based upon quality, service and value for money.

What the final package contains

The client’s total package includes an extremely extensive selection schedule containing the documentation of all their selections; an external and internal layout showing colours and materials and how they relate to each other; quotations on all the Prime Cost items selected; full working drawings; BASIX Certificate (if required); Engineering design (if required); electrical layout; external finish and colour plan; internal finish and colour plan; internal wet area tile layout; layout showing position of taps, towel rails etc.; information on products selected.

Clients also receive up to three separate duplicate packages to take to builders for quoting. They are all identical and this allows the builders to give accurate quotations as they are all quoting with exactly the same inclusions, the inclusions the client has selected right from the start. Also included in the builders folders are separate details for each of the sub trades i.e. electrical details; plumbing detail; painting detail; tiling detail. This is a truly comprehensive package which takes the guesswork out and aids in a smooth building process.

Council application

design studio 22 will include a quotation to submit plans to council on the client’s behalf if required. If the project involves council, bushfire or environmental liaison we are available to undertake this on the client’s behalf as well.

What design studio 22 charges for these services

• Each project is looked at on its own merit and charges are calculated according the amount of time, work and detail anticipated. Clients are issued with a fixed price quotation detailing all the services in stages as they occur which allows clients to plan and make progress payments as the designers work through each process. Looking at past projects the average cost for clients undertaking this complete service normally calculates to approximately 5-7% of their total building costs, a small outlay to ensure all the planning is undertaken correctly.

Other services offered by design studio 22

In Studio Colour + Interior Design Consultations

Clients who are renovating, building or redecorating can come to design studio 22 ‘s beautiful new air conditioned studio in Edgar St where our Design Stylists are equipped with all the latest colour samples and product information to guide you through this process. This service is available from $75.00ph + gst.

House Calls Colour + Interior Design Consultations

For smaller projects we do house calls where we can assist with colour consultation or design styling in your own home. They can bring along a range of colour and product samples which our stylists can use to match and co ordinate with your existing decore or to give you a brand new look.  Starting at just $250 + gst for up to 3 hours (including travel)

On Site Viability Report

Anyone considering a renovation of their existing home or the potential of a home you are considering purchasing, can arrange for a designer to appraise the building’s potential on site.  They will then follow up by providing a written report as to the viability of the proposed renovation. Starting at just $400 + gst (for visits between Yamba and Macksville area.

Green up you Life Viability Report

Our eco team can visit your home or review your design offering environmental options to green up your life.

Covering issues such as low/non toxic materials and fabrics; green house gas reduction; water conversation; passive and active solar solutions; improved interior comfort and health; landscaping to improve passive and solar function; landscaping for food production; water saving and native planting; biodiversity; lifestyle adjustments; green rebates. Starting at just $500 + gst.

3D animation service

To allow clients to see their new home come to life our designers can provide a basic 3d image of your project. For a slightly higher fee we also offer high definition images for marketing purposes. This service starts from as little as $500 + gst.