FAQs

Architects work with you directly to discuss your needs and tastes, so that your project design brief sets out all the parameters for the design of a home that will complement the way you live, both in the short and long term. Families grow and change over time – tots become teens in an instant! A well planned, architect-designed home or renovation can evolve with change over time, saving you from the costs associated with building larger, less flexible spaces. Architects are also able to advise you on the selection of building materials and design your home in order to minimise ongoing maintenance and running costs.

Start by giving Metroworks Architects a call or drop Melissa an email! Initially, Melissa will discuss your project over the phone or by email with you, to determine if she can help. A suitable project will be large enough or of high enough quality or complexity to justify the services of an architect and will have a scope of works that can be served by your budget. Before your project begins and before Melissa is engaged as your Architect, she recommends that you first proceed with a “Discovery Package”. You will meet Melissa on site to discuss your project needs and share initial design ideas. Melissa will then prepare a report that includes a Design Brief, Feasibility Review, Regulation Review as well as a Schedule of Services and Fee Proposal – specifically for your project. Further detail on the Discover Package is provided on this page. Once engaged, invoices are sent out regularly and include detailed itemised statements of work done. Typically, Metroworks doesn’t charge percentage fees – each stage of your project is discreet and separate so you are not locked into completing further stages with us if your situation changes. You are free to take on our services stage-by-stage. We can be engaged to complete just the concept design stage, for full service or somewhere in between.

While project homes have a place in the market providing affordable housing, they have several disadvantages when compared to architect designed homes. For a start, they are an off-the-shelf “product” meaning that they have been designed to suit a large number of clients on a large number of “typical” sites. The quirks of your particular site are usually not taken into consideration, that is the design does not consider the sun aspect, slope, neighbouring buildings, street character, views etc. Project homes often have a style that is recognisable and therefore can date quickly and lose value. By their nature, project homes are built quickly and to a price, and so their finish can be lacking. Additionally, project homes companies typically do not work on renovation projects and so cannot help you to assess the pros and cons of renovation vs new build. On the other hand, an architect-designed home will be designed specifically to suit your site and your design brief. Although this is typically a more expensive way to design your new home, some architect-designed homes can be cost effective and the design tweaked to ensure you get value for money where it counts. While the construction costs of these houses are also often more expensive, the attention to design detail and build quality ensure the house a greater longevity and value. Unlike project homes, with a one-off, architect-designed house you have an unlimited choice of design style and finish and a home that is truly your own.  

Dont’ rush. The best way to avoid making mistakes in your renovation project is to give yourself time to understand and absorb the proposed design. A good architect will guide you through the design process and all the areas where work is required to make sure that you have had a chance to consider your options. The other important way to avoid errors is to keep your lines of communication open – both with your architect and also with your future builder. Talking through concerns or questions early greatly reduces the risk of disputes or misunderstandings later on in the process.

It is very difficult to put a fixed figure to a project until you have some idea of its scope as there are a lot of variables that have an affect on the final cost of a building. Some examples from a long list include:

Yes! Metroworks now offers garden design services as well. Melissa can help you design your garden layout and choose the plants most appropriate to your site and your preferred garden style. Having the garden designed by the same person that designs your new home or renovation allows design continuity throughout the project and helps to reinforce the link between inside and out.