Architectural Advice

The following services have been designed to assist the client in the decision–making process before entering into the design phase:

Architectural Design

Architectural design services are provided as full services or as partial services to suit client needs. Full services are generally provided in four broad stages including:

Schematic Design

Based on initial consultation and client briefing the Schematic Design phase includes the development of ideas and sketches, considering access, orientation, siting, massing, circulation, energy efficiency and, fit–out requirements. The schematic design is tested against the budget and adjustments are made if necessary.

Design Development

Based on the schematic design the Design Development stage includes detailed design drawings and selection of materials, fittings etc. Once the design is complete and agreed upon a Development Application is prepared and submitted to the local council for consideration. A more detailed cost estimate may be necessary before proceeding to the next stage.

Contract Documentation

The Contract Documentation stage involves preparation of technical drawings and specification necessary to describe in detail the building design to a level and standard required to obtain a Construction Certificate.

The technical drawings are also used to invite tenders and for use by the builder in construction. The documentation may also need the coordination of engineering documentation provided by specialist consultants, e.g. structural engineer, mechanical and electrical engineers as required. Prices are usually obtained from a number of needs on a competitive basis. Once a builder is chosen the project enters the final stage.

Contract Administration

The final stage is the Contract Administration stage. The architect’s role is to manage the contract between the builder and the client by carrying out regular inspections of the work, processing the builder’s claims, managing any variations to the contract that may occur, certifying that the building has reached Practical Completion and ready to be handed over to the client.

During a period after the building is completed and handed over the builder is liable to rectify any defects that may occur. The Architect will monitor that any repair work is carried out and at the end of the Defects Liability Period, carry out a final inspection and issue a Final Certificate that indicates that the building contract is completed. At this point the architectural services are also finalised.

Master Planning

Depending on the project a master plan may be needed before entering into the design phase. It may take various forms depending on the size and type of project but is generally concern with the matters that determine the future use or development of land.
It includes:

Ecological Sustainable Design

The concept of ecological sustainable design (ESD) was first outlined in a report of the 1987 United Nations World Commission on the Environment and Development (the Bruntland Commission). It defined ESD as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This was followed by the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, which produced a long term strategic programme for achieving sustainability. Incorporating ESD measures into the design adds value to the project, provides for comfortable living while contributing.

In July 2004 the NSW Government introduced a staged implementation of the Building Sustainability Index (BASIX), which is a web-based planning tool designed to assess the potential performance of certain residential buildings against a range of sustainability indices including thermal comfort and energy. A BASIX Certificate is required to accompany a Development Application for residential development.

Viggo Knackstredt is committed to adding value to projects and to the reduction of greenhouse gasses by using energy and water efficiently.