Big Ideas, Real Impact.

Assistance may be provided in the selection of the site, where required, through an assessment of suitability based on planning controls, accessibility, services availability, and contextual conditions.

A detailed site measurement will be undertaken, including the preparation of existing conditions drawings. This involves on-site measurement of existing buildings and structures, levels, fences, and other physical features. For projects involving alterations and additions, accurate documentation of existing conditions is essential. The location of all services—including gas, water, electricity, and sewer—will be identified and recorded.

Consultation with relevant authorities will be carried out to confirm the location and capacity of existing services such as gas, water, electricity, and sewerage infrastructure. Where easements are present on the site, applications for confirmation of depths, offsets, and restrictions will be required.

A comprehensive site analysis will be conducted, including a review of the applicable planning scheme, overlays, and schedules relevant to the site. Engagement with a licensed land surveyor may be required for title re-establishment, feature surveys, and confirmation of boundaries. Property information including Clause 51.2 requirements and the legal point of discharge will also be reviewed.

The project site is located within an urban/residential/commercial context, characterised by a combination of built form and open spaces. Site orientation, topography, climatic conditions, and surrounding development significantly influence the proposed design approach.

The site is generally flat / gently sloping / steeply sloped, allowing for efficient circulation and structural planning. Soil conditions and existing vegetation inform foundation systems and landscape design strategies. Significant natural features, including mature trees or water elements, are retained where possible to enhance environmental sustainability.

From a climatic perspective, prevailing winds typically originate from the ___ direction, while optimal solar access is achieved from the ___ orientation. These factors guide building orientation, opening placement, shading devices, and passive ventilation strategies to improve thermal comfort and energy efficiency.

The surrounding context comprises residential / commercial / institutional buildings of varying heights and architectural character. Key views to and from the site are considered in the design, while potential impacts from noise, traffic, or adjacent development are mitigated through building placement, setbacks, and landscape buffers.

The site is accessible via primary and secondary road networks, with clearly defined pedestrian and vehicular access points. Existing infrastructure, including water supply, drainage, electricity, and sewerage systems, supports the proposed development.

The concept design is developed in direct response to the site conditions, client brief, and regulatory requirements, establishing the overall vision and design intent. The proposal aims to deliver a functional, contextually responsive, and sustainable built form that integrates harmoniously with its surroundings.

The design is informed by site orientation, climate, and surrounding context. Building massing and layout are arranged to maximise natural light, ventilation, and views while minimising environmental impact. Passive design principles, including appropriate orientation, shading, and cross-ventilation, are incorporated to enhance thermal comfort and energy efficiency.

Spatial planning is guided by functional relationships and user experience. Public, semi-private, and private zones are clearly defined to ensure efficient circulation and appropriate levels of privacy. Internal spaces are designed to be flexible and adaptable, supporting future change.

The architectural form is expressed through clear, coherent geometry that responds to the scale and character of the surrounding built environment. Material and façade strategies are guided by durability, sustainability, and contextual compatibility, contributing to a strong and cohesive architectural identity.

Landscape design is integrated with the built form to strengthen the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Existing site features are retained where possible, and new landscape interventions enhance usability, microclimate, and visual amenity.

Deliverables at this stage include site plans, concept floor plans, perspectives, and a materials and finishes mood board supported by inspiration and reference imagery. Perspective views and a design walkthrough are presented during client meetings to clearly communicate the design intent. Client presentations and meetings may be conducted in person or via Teams, as required.

Overall, the concept design stage establishes a robust foundation for subsequent design development, balancing aesthetic quality, functional performance, environmental responsibility, and compliance with planning requirements.

The Design Development stage builds upon the approved Concept Design and further refines the project in terms of spatial planning, form, structure, and materiality. The intent of this stage is to develop the design to a level of detail that confirms overall quality, coordination, and feasibility prior to documentation.

During this stage, floor plans, sections, and elevations are developed and coordinated to accurately reflect the proposed building layout, scale, and relationships between spaces. Building massing, façade articulation, and material selections are refined to ensure consistency with the design intent and contextual response established at the concept stage.

Key building systems—including structural, mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and fire services—are considered and coordinated in principle to ensure spatial integration and technical feasibility. Design decisions are reviewed in relation to construction methodology, budget considerations, and program requirements.

Environmental performance is further assessed, with refinement of passive design strategies such as solar control, natural ventilation, insulation, and glazing performance. Where required, preliminary sustainability and energy-efficiency assessments are incorporated.

The design is reviewed against relevant planning controls, building regulations, and statutory requirements to confirm compliance prior to progressing to detailed documentation. Ongoing consultation with authorities and specialist consultants may occur as required.

Updated site plans, floor plans, elevations and sections if required,  3D models, perspectives, and material schedules may be prepared to clearly communicate the developed design to the client. Design development meetings are held to review progress, confirm selections, and obtain client approval before proceeding to the next stage.

Overall, the Design Development stage resolves the architectural, technical, and aesthetic aspects of the project, establishing a coordinated and well-considered design framework for the subsequent stages.

The Town Planning or Development Application (DA) stage involves the preparation and coordination of documentation required to obtain planning approval from the relevant authority. This stage builds on the Design Development drawings and ensures the proposal complies with applicable planning controls, policies, and statutory requirements.

Architectural drawings are prepared to a standard suitable for planning submission, including site plans, floor plans, elevations, sections, and shadow diagrams, where required. The design is reviewed against the relevant planning scheme provisions, overlays, and schedules, including setbacks, building height, site coverage, overshadowing, overlooking, parking, and neighbourhood character requirements.

Coordination with a town planner and other specialist consultants may be undertaken to support the application. This may include the preparation of a Planning Report, neighbourhood and site description, and responses to relevant planning clauses and design guidelines. Where required, specialist reports such as traffic, heritage, arborist, environmental, acoustic, or waste management assessments are coordinated.

Liaison with the local council and referral authorities is undertaken throughout the application process. This includes responding to requests for further information (RFIs), addressing council or authority comments, and assisting with design amendments where necessary to facilitate approval.

Where public notification or advertising is required, support may be provided during the consultation period, including responses to objections in coordination with the town planner.

The outcome of this stage is the receipt of a Planning Permit or Development Approval, including any conditions that will inform and guide the subsequent stages.

Our Interior Design services are fully integrated with the architectural design process to create cohesive, functional, and refined interior environments. The focus is on delivering spaces that respond to the client’s brief, enhance user experience, and complement the overall architectural intent.

The service begins with a client briefing to understand functional requirements, aesthetic preferences, budget parameters, and operational needs. Interior layouts are developed in coordination with the architectural design to ensure efficient space planning, circulation, and spatial relationships.

Interior concepts address materiality, colour palettes, finishes, lighting, and joinery, creating a consistent design language throughout the project. Mood boards, precedent imagery, and sample selections are prepared to communicate design intent and assist client decision-making.

Detailed interior design development includes joinery design, furniture layouts, lighting concepts, and finishes schedules, coordinated with building services and construction requirements. Attention is given to durability, maintenance, sustainability, and compliance with relevant standards and codes.

During documentation, interior elements are translated into detailed drawings and specifications suitable for construction and procurement. This may include joinery details, reflected ceiling plans, interior elevations, and finishes schedules.

Where required, assistance is provided during procurement and construction, including coordination with suppliers, review of shop drawings, and responses to builder queries to ensure the interior design intent is carried through to completion.

Overall, our Interior Design services deliver thoughtful, well-resolved interiors that enhance functionality, comfort, and aesthetic quality, while aligning seamlessly with the architectural vision of the project.

The Construction Documentation stage involves the preparation of detailed architectural drawings and specifications required for building approval, consultant coordination, and construction. This stage translates the approved design into comprehensive, accurate information that enables the project to be priced, approved, and built.

Architectural documentation is developed to clearly define all aspects of the building, including plans, elevations, sections, details, schedules, and finishes. Drawings address building layout, dimensions, levels, materials, construction methods, and interfaces between building elements.

During this stage, the architectural documentation is fully coordinated with engineering and specialist consultants, including structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, fire, acoustic, and energy consultants as required. Consultant drawings and specifications are reviewed and integrated to ensure consistency and avoid conflicts.

The documentation is prepared in compliance with the approved planning permit conditions, relevant building codes, standards, and regulations, including the Building Code and local authority requirements. Documentation is also prepared to support applications for Building Permit or Construction Certificate, where required.

Specifications outlining materials, finishes, fixtures, fittings, and performance requirements are prepared or coordinated as part of the construction documentation. Detailed schedules for doors, windows, finishes, and joinery are included where applicable.

The completed Construction Documentation set provides sufficient detail to allow for accurate cost estimating and tendering, and to guide the builder during construction. Client review and approval are obtained prior to proceeding to tender or construction.

Overall, the Construction Documentation stage delivers a coordinated and comprehensive set of documents that clearly communicate the design intent and technical requirements, forming the basis for successful construction.

Tendering/building selection

The Tendering and Selection of Builder stage involves managing the process of obtaining competitive pricing and assisting the client in selecting a suitably qualified builder to deliver the project.

At this stage, the completed Construction Documentation is issued to a selected list of prequalified builders as part of a formal tender or negotiated tender process. Tenderers are provided with all relevant drawings, specifications, and schedules required to prepare accurate and comparable pricing.

During the tender period, the architect coordinates and responds to requests for information (RFIs) from tenderers, issues clarifications or addenda where necessary, and ensures all tenderers receive consistent information.

Upon receipt of tenders, the architect assists the client in reviewing and assessing submissions. This includes preparing a tender comparison, analysing pricing, allowances, exclusions, and proposed construction programs, and identifying any inconsistencies or risks.

The architect may also assist with interviews or clarification meetings with shortlisted builders to review methodology, experience, capacity, and understanding of the project. Where required, value management options may be explored in consultation with the client to align the project with budget expectations.

Following builder selection, the architect assists with the finalisation of the building contract, including review of contract documentation, scope alignment, and confirmation that the agreed price reflects the tendered documentation.

Overall, this stage ensures a transparent, well-managed tender process that supports informed decision-making and the appointment of a builder capable of delivering the project to the required quality, budget, and timeframe.

Once a preferred builder has been selected, we assist with their engagement under an approved domestic building contract. We coordinate the finalisation of the building permit and establish a collaborative working relationship between you and the builder to ensure the project is constructed faithfully to the approved design.

Throughout construction, we provide oversight by reviewing variations, extensions of time, and progress payment claims, ensuring transparency and compliance with the contract. At project completion, we conduct a thorough defects inspection to confirm all work meets the design intent and quality standards.

In addition to  design, Vincent Jarvis Studio offers a suite of integrated services that enhance and complete each project. We collaborate closely with experts in furniture and artwork selection, ensuring interiors are curated and cohesive. Our in-house design approach extends to landscape design, creating seamless connections between buildings, outdoor spaces, and their surrounding context.

By combining architecture, interiors, art, and landscape, we deliver holistic, thoughtful environments that enrich daily life, reinforce the character of place, and ensure every element—big or small—contributes to the project’s overall experience.