New Builds / Renovations / Alterations / Interiors
FAQ / Questions?
Your questions
What is an architect?
An architect is a trained, accredited
and registered professional.
Use of the title ‘architect’ is regulated in Australia. Only people or firms registered with the Architects Registration Board may use the title. Registration involves completing a recognised degree in architecture (typically spanning five or six years), logging a minimum 3000 hours of professional practice, and then passing a written exam and interview.
Registered architects are required to maintain professional insurance, and are bound by the Architects Act and Architects Regulations of each state and territory they practice in.
What services do you provide?
Depending on your project and
requirements, we can provide part or all of the following services:
Feasibility Studies / Masterplan
Early-stage investigation of potential costs, along
with other implications associated with a renovation or building proposal
(time, effective use of floor area, etc.).
New buildings or building extensions
Design and documentation of new constructions or
alterations to existing buildings, paying close attention to location, physical
and historical context, amenity, and usability. Selection of materials,
finishes, fittings, fixtures, and furniture. Co-ordination of design process
with other consultants, such as engineers and surveyors as required.
Town planning applications
Drafting and reports for town planning permits required by local councils. Creating your town planning application, drawings, etc.
Contract administration
Administering of a building contract between the
client and appointed builder. This typically includes periodic site
inspections, assessment of variations and defects, attending to queries,
issuing instructions, and processing progress payment claims.
We’re considering using an architect. Where do we start?
The first thing to do would be to put together a brief describing your requirements. This should include functional requirements (e.g. new bedrooms, kitchen refurbishment, repairs, etc.) and a budget for construction. Any drawings or plans of the site or existing building that you can supply would be helpful, but are not essential.
When you are ready, call or email us to discuss and we should be able to provide some initial feedback and answer any questions you might have. If you would like us to quote on the job, we would typically arrange to meet you on site for an inspection and further discussion.
Will we need a Town Planning Permit?
This depends on a number of things –
proposed works, proposed use, zoning, planning overlays, and area of property,
to name a few. Each town council will have its own Planning Scheme, which
includes general policies as well as specific requirements for planning and
design.
Free planning information including
maps and overlays for properties in Victoria can be obtained at land.vic.gov.au, and Victorian planning schemes are available for
download at Planning
Schemes Online.
Confused? Give us a call – 0419158652 – and we’ll do our best to help. We also recommend that you contact the planning department of your local council to discuss your proposal and any permits that may be required (Town Planning, Asset Protection, etc.)
Will we need a Building Permit?
If you are building new or extending,
almost certainly. For interior renovations, very likely yes, particularly if
the proposed works involve alterations to the structure of the building or a
change of use.
When in doubt, it is best to assume
that a Building Permit will be required, and to budget accordingly.
How much do you charge?
Because every project is unique, and
because not everyone requires the same services, we provide quotations on a
case-by-case basis. As a small practice, we provide a personalised service
while keeping our fees competitive through efficient management and relatively
low overheads.
Please feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss your project or pick our brains about anything. We’ll help if we can and provide a quotation if you like – all obligation-free.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to send us an enquiry
info@architecthewson.com or call 0419 158 652
Copyright 2023- Architect Hewson
G20a / 28-30 Curzon Street West Melbourne Victoria 3003 m > 0419 158 652
