Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a building designer and an architect?
Building Designers specialise in residential homes and smaller commercial projects, whereas an Architect typically works on more complex projects, such as large commercial buildings or multi-residential developments.
Both building designers and architects produce full comprehensive construction plans for your builder to work from, and will often assist the client throughout the building permit process. Architects however will often also work through the contract administration and project management with the builder which will generally attract much higher fees.
Either designer option will work with you to produce full construction plans for fast building permit approval, but for a more cost effective choice, use a Building Designer like Wrenlo Drafting for your residential or small commercial project.
All building designers need to be licensed and registered with the Victorian Building Authority to be permitted to operate in Victoria, so your home is in safe hands with a registered building designer.
Building Designers specialise in residential homes and smaller commercial projects, whereas an Architect typically works on more complex projects, such as large commercial buildings or multi-residential developments.
Both building designers and architects produce full comprehensive construction plans for your builder to work from, and will often assist the client throughout the building permit process. Architects however will often also work through the contract administration and project management with the builder which will generally attract much higher fees.
Either designer option will work with you to produce full construction plans for fast building permit approval, but for a more cost effective choice, use a Building Designer like Wrenlo Drafting for your residential or small commercial project.
All building designers need to be licensed and registered with the Victorian Building Authority to be permitted to operate in Victoria, so your home is in safe hands with a registered building designer.
What services do you offer?
We offer a comprehensive range of architectural design and drafting services for both residential and commercial design projects. Our expertise covers everything from initial concept development to the creation of detailed construction drawings for permit.
We work closely with our clients through every step of the process, including organising external consultants (such as engineers, land surveyors etc.), and communicating with local council and building surveyors to ensure a permit is issued smoothly. How does the design process work?
Our design process typically begins with an initial consultation to understand your vision and requirements. We will produce the preliminary concept plans, then move into concept design development based on your feedback and changes, and once you are happy with the design we can produce the full construction plans for permit submission. Throughout each stage, we maintain open communication with you to ensure your vision is accurately translated into the design. How do you ensure that the final design meets my needs and expectations?
Client satisfaction is our top priority, so you are actively involved in the design process every step of the way. Regular feedback opportunities and approvals at key design stages ensure that the final design not only meets but exceeds your expectations.
Can you help with the permitting and approval process?
Absolutely. We have experience in navigating local building codes and regulations, and regularly communicate directly with council and building surveyors as part of our service. We can also assist you in acquiring and submitting the necessary documents for permits and approvals, ensuring a smooth process from concept to construction.
How do you handle revisions and changes during the design process?
We welcome our clients' input and understand that revisions are often part of a strong design. Our design process allows for flexibility, and we work closely with you to incorporate any changes efficiently while keeping the project timeline in mind. Our standard service includes 3 rounds of revisions to the initial concept designs, with additional revisions and other changes available at our hourly rate.
What is your lead time for completing a design project?
The lead time for a design project varies based on the scope and complexity, however typically you can expect to receive your initial concept plans within 10-15 business days from our first on-site meeting. During the initial consultation, we can provide a realistic timeline based on full project requirements.
Are you registered and insured?
Yes, we are qualified and a registered building practitioner with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). We are fully insured to provide you with peace of mind throughout the design and construction process.
How do you handle project coordination and communication with contractors and consultants? Effective project coordination and communication are key to a successful outcome. We keep regular communication with contractors and consultants whenever needed to ensure that the design is accurately documented, and any issues or queries are quickly addressed. Do you have experience working with specific styles or building types? With many years in the industry, we have diverse experience working with various architectural styles and building types. Whether you're envisioning a modern mansion, a classic cottage, or a new commercial space, our adaptability and expertise allow us to help bring your vision to life. How do you determine your fees and pricing? Our fees are determined based on the scope, complexity, and specific requirements of each project. During the initial consultation, we discuss your project in detail, allowing us to provide a transparent and customised fee proposal that aligns with the services needed. Do you have experience working with local building codes and regulations? Yes, after many years in the industry we have extensive experience working with local building codes and regulations, obtaining any necessary permits, and ensuring that your project complies with all relevant codes and standards. Do you offer 3D renderings or visualisations? Yes, we can offer simple 3D renderings and visualisations upon request, allowing you to more easily visualize the full design and site layout before construction begins. Have any other questions? Call us today to discuss your project!
We offer a comprehensive range of architectural design and drafting services for both residential and commercial design projects. Our expertise covers everything from initial concept development to the creation of detailed construction drawings for permit.
We work closely with our clients through every step of the process, including organising external consultants (such as engineers, land surveyors etc.), and communicating with local council and building surveyors to ensure a permit is issued smoothly. How does the design process work?
Our design process typically begins with an initial consultation to understand your vision and requirements. We will produce the preliminary concept plans, then move into concept design development based on your feedback and changes, and once you are happy with the design we can produce the full construction plans for permit submission. Throughout each stage, we maintain open communication with you to ensure your vision is accurately translated into the design. How do you ensure that the final design meets my needs and expectations?
Client satisfaction is our top priority, so you are actively involved in the design process every step of the way. Regular feedback opportunities and approvals at key design stages ensure that the final design not only meets but exceeds your expectations.
Can you help with the permitting and approval process?
Absolutely. We have experience in navigating local building codes and regulations, and regularly communicate directly with council and building surveyors as part of our service. We can also assist you in acquiring and submitting the necessary documents for permits and approvals, ensuring a smooth process from concept to construction.
How do you handle revisions and changes during the design process?
We welcome our clients' input and understand that revisions are often part of a strong design. Our design process allows for flexibility, and we work closely with you to incorporate any changes efficiently while keeping the project timeline in mind. Our standard service includes 3 rounds of revisions to the initial concept designs, with additional revisions and other changes available at our hourly rate.
What is your lead time for completing a design project?
The lead time for a design project varies based on the scope and complexity, however typically you can expect to receive your initial concept plans within 10-15 business days from our first on-site meeting. During the initial consultation, we can provide a realistic timeline based on full project requirements.
Are you registered and insured?
Yes, we are qualified and a registered building practitioner with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). We are fully insured to provide you with peace of mind throughout the design and construction process.
How do you handle project coordination and communication with contractors and consultants? Effective project coordination and communication are key to a successful outcome. We keep regular communication with contractors and consultants whenever needed to ensure that the design is accurately documented, and any issues or queries are quickly addressed. Do you have experience working with specific styles or building types? With many years in the industry, we have diverse experience working with various architectural styles and building types. Whether you're envisioning a modern mansion, a classic cottage, or a new commercial space, our adaptability and expertise allow us to help bring your vision to life. How do you determine your fees and pricing? Our fees are determined based on the scope, complexity, and specific requirements of each project. During the initial consultation, we discuss your project in detail, allowing us to provide a transparent and customised fee proposal that aligns with the services needed. Do you have experience working with local building codes and regulations? Yes, after many years in the industry we have extensive experience working with local building codes and regulations, obtaining any necessary permits, and ensuring that your project complies with all relevant codes and standards. Do you offer 3D renderings or visualisations? Yes, we can offer simple 3D renderings and visualisations upon request, allowing you to more easily visualize the full design and site layout before construction begins. Have any other questions? Call us today to discuss your project!