Design Discovery.
Our Design Discovery service provides expert guidance at the very start of your journey. It’s designed to help you understand development potential, planning constraints, and high-level layout possibilities before committing to a purchase, subdivision, dual occupancy, or a full design process.
Using your existing plans and site information, we prepare quick exploratory sketches and targeted advice to support informed decision-making and reduce early uncertainty.
This service is ideal if you are:
considering purchasing or selling a property
exploring dual occupancy, a secondary dwelling, or future development potential
needing early clarity on planning, zoning, bushfire or site constraints
If you’re a homeowner ready to proceed with a renovation or new home design, our Full Services offer a more in-depth and tailored design process.
If you would like to know more about the Design Discovery Services, please fill in your details below and we will send you a brochure:
Not sure what’s possible with your home, or a property you’re considering?
FAQs.
What is Design Discovery?
Design Discovery is a feasibility and project planning service designed to help you understand what is possible before investing in a full design process.
We review your goals, budget, site constraints and opportunities, and discuss potential pathways for the project. Depending on the project, this may include site analysis, master planning, planning advice, budget guidance, review of existing or proposed plans, hand sketches and preliminary layout options.
The focus is not on producing a resolved design, but on helping you make informed decisions about the best way forward.
What do I get as part of Design Discovery?
Every project is different, so the scope is tailored to your needs. Depending on the project, Design Discovery may include:
Review of your goals, brief and budget
Site opportunities and constraints analysis
Planning and approval pathway advice
Review of existing or proposed plans
Feasibility advice and strategic recommendations
Hand sketches and preliminary layout ideas
Master planning for acreage properties
Identification of potential risks and opportunities
Recommended next steps
The outcome is a clearer understanding of what is possible, what challenges may need to be addressed and the best way to move forward.
How long does Design Discovery take?
The timeframe depends on the complexity of the project and the level of investigation required.
Simple desktop reviews can often be completed within a few days, while more complex feasibility studies involving site visits, planning investigations or multiple options may take several weeks.
Most Design Discovery projects are completed within 1–4 weeks from commencement. We will provide an indicative timeframe when preparing your proposal.
What happens after Design Discovery?
At the end of the process, you will have a clearer understanding of your project's opportunities, constraints and next steps.
Some clients proceed to Concept Design with us, while others use the information to refine their brief, engage consultants or simply take time to consider their options.
There is no obligation to proceed beyond Design Discovery.
Can you tell me if my idea is feasible?
Yes.
One of the key benefits of Design Discovery is understanding what may or may not be possible before investing significant time and money into design and approvals.
While we cannot guarantee approval outcomes, we can identify likely opportunities, constraints and risks based on our experience.
Can you provide budget advice?
Yes.
We can discuss likely construction costs, project complexity and factors that may impact your budget. While detailed cost planning occurs later in the process, Design Discovery can help establish whether your aspirations align with your budget.
Can you review plans prepared by a builder or draftsperson?
Yes.
Many clients engage us to review plans prepared by builders, building designers or previous consultants.
We can provide independent architectural advice on functionality, planning considerations, design quality, future flexibility and overall project strategy.
How much does Design Discovery cost?
Every project is different. Some clients simply need a desktop review of an existing floor plan, while others require a detailed feasibility study involving site analysis, planning investigations and the exploration of multiple options.
Most Design Discovery services range between $2,000 and $8,000, depending on the complexity of the project and the level of investigation required.
Following an initial conversation, we will recommend the most appropriate scope and provide a fixed fee proposal.
Is Design Discovery suitable for acreage properties?
Yes.
Acreage projects often involve unique opportunities and constraints relating to access, outbuildings and future land use.
Design Discovery can help establish a clear strategy and master plan before moving into design.