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What is the difference between an Architect and a Building Designer?
Architects and Building Designers differ in a few ways, such as tertiary education requirements, licensing, design philosophy (sometimes) and cost. However, both produce building plans for construction and council approval for new homes, renovations and commercial projects. Click to find out more in one of our recent blog articles.
What does it cost to have house plans drafted for my project?
We quote each project individually. Please contact us for a chat to make sure we are a good fit for your project, and we will send you a complete proposal package for your project. (As a guide, our design fees generally start at around $3000 and can extend upwards of $10,000 for full service packages.)
WHAT OTHER CONSULTANTS WILL BE NEEDED FOR MY PROJECT?
There are usually a few other consultants that will be required to provide plans or documentation before you start building. It can differ for each type of project, but in most cases, you will generally always need - a Building Designer or an Architect (to draw the design plans), a Structural Engineer (to detail the foundation and structure of the project), a Building Certifier (to approve the plans and issue a building approval) at minimum. Click here to learn more.
Can you recommend or coordinate the other consultants?
Yes - we certainly can. When you design your home with us, you get complete access to our list of reliable external consultants that may be required for your project such as: engineers, town planners, building certifiers, specialists consultants, builders and more. We can recommend them for you to engage, or we can arrange their services on your behalf and coordinate them for you, as a part of our Consultant Coordination service.
can you help us decide between a renovation, knock-down rebuild or move?
Yes. When we meet with you, we can provide some definitive guidance on the various considerations that will help you to decide what is best for you. We can meet you in person, over the phone, or via videoconference. Click here for our contact details or book an online appointment here.
Do you offer free design consultations?
Yes. We offer 15min design consultations over the phone of videoconference (book here). If this is not enough time to fully discuss the depth of your project, we offer 1hr paid consultations (book here).
What is the your design process?
Our design process has been refined down to the last detail over our many years of experience.
We follow a structured, client-focused process to ensure the best results for your project.
Visit Our Process page for a full breakdown. Generally, our design process includes the following stages.
1️⃣ Initial Consultation – We discuss your goals and establish a design brief.
2️⃣ Concept Design – We create an initial design and refine it through 2-3 revisions.
3️⃣ Design Development– We then refine the design with you to perfection.
4️⃣ Approval Documentation – We prepare plans required for council approvals.
5️⃣ Construction Documentation – Detailed drawings for builders to follow during construction.
We follow a structured, client-focused process to ensure the best results for your project.
Visit Our Process page for a full breakdown. Generally, our design process includes the following stages.
1️⃣ Initial Consultation – We discuss your goals and establish a design brief.
2️⃣ Concept Design – We create an initial design and refine it through 2-3 revisions.
3️⃣ Design Development– We then refine the design with you to perfection.
4️⃣ Approval Documentation – We prepare plans required for council approvals.
5️⃣ Construction Documentation – Detailed drawings for builders to follow during construction.
How long does it take until we can start BUILDING?
The timeframe for each project can be different, and often depends on how quickly clients come back to us with their thoughts and information on the latest plans we send them. Most projects take between 2-6 months from the start of the design process to when construction work starts, but can be more depending on a variety of project-specific factors.
Do you have standard house plans that we can choose from?
No. All our home design plans are bespoke, custom designs to suit individual clients needs. However, if you describe to us the type of home design that you would prefer, chances are we will be able to find some examples of vast library of previous designs that may meet your criteria. We can then tailor the home design to best suit your family, and your design goals.
We have a house design we like from a project builder (or another architect or designer), but it is not quite right. Can you copy the design and just change it A BIT?
It depends. Intellectual and design copyright laws prevent us from copying a design in its entirity, unless we receive a copyright release directly from the copyright holder. However, we may be able to draw inspiration from the home design to create an original design that suits your unique needs. Contact us for more details.
What is a custom home design?
A custom home design is a home that is designed around you and your families own needs. This differs from a pre-set project home builder type home design that is designed without your involvement. We believe that every family and piece of land is unique, and requires a personalised, custom home solution to be the best home to live in for you. Custom homes are more expensive than project homes, but will be better to live in long-term and will suit the current AND future needs of your family. Click here to learn more about the differences between custom homes and project homes.
How long has Queensland Designer Homes been in business?
We have over 15 years of experience in building design, specializing in custom homes, renovations, and extensions across Queensland.
Do you work on Queenslander homes, including raising and renovating them?
Yes! We have extensive experience designing renovations for Queenslander homes, including house-raising projects. Our gallery showcases a selection of completed projects, and we recently filmed a character home renovation in Ipswich.
Here's the link to the video.
Here's the link to the video.
Which builders do we work with?
We collaborate with a select group of experienced builders who specialize in renovations and new home construction. We have worked with builders for many years and can provide contact information upon request. However, we also work with any builder of your choice.
What is your availability, and how long does the design process take?
We generally maintain strong availability and our proven systems and processes ensure we can work efficiently to meet project deadlines. While timeframes vary, here’s a general guide:
- Initial Consultation – Within 2 weeks of booking.
- Site Measure-Up - Within 2 weeks of engagement.
- Concept Design Completion – 3-4 weeks after receiving required documentation.
- Design Revisions – 1-2 weeks per set of changes.
- Development Approval (if required) – 2 weeks to 3 months, depending on council requirement.
- Final Plans for Building Approval – Completed within 3 weeks after final design approval
What is included in your design plans?
Our deliverables vary by project stage. Here’s an overview:
Concept Design & Development Approval Plans
Building Approval & Construction Documentation
Final deliverables vary per project but may include:
Concept Design & Development Approval Plans
- Site Plans & Floor Plans (Existing, Demo, Proposed)
- Elevations & Section Views
- 3D Perspective Views
Building Approval & Construction Documentation
Final deliverables vary per project but may include:
- All plans stated above
- Electrical & Lighting Plans
- Reflected Ceiling Plans
- Slab & Floor Framing Setout Plans
- Wet Area & Joinery Details
- Finishes Plans
- 3D Renders and more
Still have questions? Get in touch and let’s chat about your project!
Got more questions? Feel free to contact us, and we will do our best to answer them for you.