Design Process

1. Initial Meeting & Consultation

The first stage of the design process is an obligation-free introductory meeting to get to know each other in general terms and to discuss the design build process and the design services provided by Riverina Building Design. We recommend an on-site meeting if possible, however we can also meet you at our office located in Wagga Wagga.
Following this meeting, we prepare a written design brief and fee proposal based on the information we received from you, for example project requirements, budget, preferred building style, etc.
Provided you are comfortable with the design brief and our services, the next step would normally be to sign the fee proposal, which outlines our responsibilities as architectural building designers and explains the fee composition. Once this has been signed, we move to the next stage of the process.

2. Site Inspection & Analysis

We gather detailed information about your site from relevant authorities.
We analyse the site in terms of orientation, views, boundaries, easements, levels etc. to obtain a registered plan of the site, at which stage we determine whether a boundary survey is required. During this stage we will also do a site measure up if required of any relevant existing buildings. In most cases, a soil classification report will be required - we can arrange this for you, or you can refer to our 'Affiliates' page for recommended geotechnical engineers.
Our site analysis process is detailed, and gives us extensive insight into how best to proceed with the new design.

3. Design Meeting & Concept Sketches

After conducting our site analysis, we then proceed with the initial design process through hand sketches and basic computer-aided drawings (CAD). This is usually the most time consuming component, and depending on the project, there may be multiple design meetings and re-designs in order to get the right design for you.
We often provide basic line-drawing 3D perspectives at this stage to assist you in visualizing your project prior to commencing further.
Once the final sketch drawings are approved, we can start working on full working drawings and documentation.

4. Working Drawings & Documentation

In essence, working drawings are the 'instruction sheets' that detail exactly what you are ‘buying’ from the builder and how the project is going to be built.
They detail dimensions or sizes for all matters and materials associated with the building and cover such items as the standard of materials, the workmanship required, and more detailed construction requirements such as lay-out dimensions, set-backs from adjoining properties, window and door locations as well as structural details that conform to the Building Code of Australia and any mechanical installations. Precise working drawings create more certainty about the building contract and enable comparison of different project prices.

'Specifications' define the materials that will be used and the standard of workmanship required of each trade. Riverina Building Design provides customized specification documents that precisely detail the stages of building project and the tasks of each tradesperson, such as what is required of the excavator, bricklayer, carpenter and so on, and the materials that they must use in order to complete the project (for example, the type of tile).

If required, we can prepare plans, diagrams, studies, and reports necessary for applications that maybe constrained by Town Planning or Development Application requirements. These constraints can apply if you are building on a small block, in a heritage area, on a block with planning overlays, or if you are intending to subdivide the land or build multi-dwelling units. If the development is fairly complex or we have strict time constraints, we may refer these reports (such as a Statement of Environmental Effects/Heritage Impact statement) to an external consultant. These options will be discussed at the start of this stage or earlier.

In addition to this, most plans submitted to council or building certifiers will require structural engineering prior to Construction Certificate application. It is advised that a qualified structural/civil engineer be engaged at this stage so that all relevant applications can be lodged to council in a single submission. As before, we are happy to arrange this for you, or you can refer to our 'Affiliates' page for recommended structural engineers.

5. Planning Approval & Certification

During this stage, Riverina Building Design will prepare and submit a comprehensive set of documentation and full drawings for local council and private certifiers.
We will advise of all progress during this time, and can handle all planning consultations on your behalf should you wish.

6. Post-Contract Support