new homes and renovations
We believe in a holistic approach for every project.
We combine our extensive architectural skills, interior design savvy, love of landscapes & impeccable project management skills to deliver innovative projects that are on time and on budget. We want you to have an enjoyable experience by removing all opportunities for stress. We are your one-stop shop.
Read on to learn how we can help with your new home or reno!
where to start?
If you’re starting out on your building or renovating journey, you’re in the right place! It can be incredibly daunting staring down the precipice of creating a new home for yourself. And with so many permits, regulations and decisions to be made, it’s understandable if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed.
There’s a lot that goes into building or renovating before the builder steps foot on site. And it’s an incredible opportunity to create the ideal home for yourself. You need a design that meets your needs, you may need a town planning permit, a building permit and, of course, a comprehensive set of documents for the builder so they can complete your home on budget and on time. More than any of that, though, you need reliable professional advice about what’s possible and the best way to achieve the home of your dreams so you don’t waste this opportunity.
Before you start looking at bathroom tiles or thinking about whether you need the air frying feature in your new oven, it pays to speak with an architect…
benefits of good design
When it comes your home, the benefits of good design play out daily. Perhaps more noticably, the pain of poor design will irk you constantly. Good design pays close attention to your lifestyle and how you want to live, crafting the perfect cocoon around you and your family.
With good design, the sun will stream in during winter, brightening your day. While, in summer your home will feel shady and a cooling breeze will help you keep your cool without even needing to flick on the AC.
A well-designed home will feel easy to live in. It will be just as comfortable with only two people in the house as when friends and family visit, groups chatting in the living area and spilling out into the backyard.
Good design can make even the narrowest, tightly-constrained block feel spacious, bright and breezy. It can make a view of peeling rooftops feel like a piece of art. Or something as simple as a TV unit serve multiple purposes: a bench seat on some occasions, storage for all your clutter, or a lush planter box.
It’s not an overstatement to say good design can transform your life, making every day a little more magical and a lot more effortless. Investing in good design pays off for a lifetime.
do you need an architect?
Do you actually need an architect? And, if so, who comes first, the builder or the architect?
It’s bound to sound biased, but speaking with an architect is the best way to get started on your new home or renovation. An architect can walk you through the complexities and challenges of building or renovating and help you navigate the whole process. Your architect will be with you the whole way, from taking the time to understand what you want to achieve with your project, to checking that everything has been built to a high standard, and every step in between. Your architect will even help you find the best builder for your project! Plus, architect-designed homes in Melbourne enjoy faster capital gains over a 10 year period!
Working with an architect means working with someone who:
Takes the time to get to know you and understand your lifestyle so they can design the best new home or renovation for you
Is a creative and competent designer who can visualise how your new home will look and feel and create the perfect fit for you and your lifestyle
Works hard to minimise the number of decisions you need to make, while still giving you the chance to have your say on the important things
Understands your needs and will champion them, whether to the local council, the building surveyor or the builder
Is a seasoned pro who understands the layers of red tape and knows how to cut through
Knows the products and materials that will make your home look and feel exceptional and last a lifetime
Will act as an independent administrator of your contract with the builder, helping to avoid and resolve potential disputes
Is a fully-qualified and licensed building industry professional
is working with an architect worth it?
Short answer: absolutely!
(Slightly) longer answer…
Look, we won’t lie, working with an architect is not cheap. You can learn more about how much an architect costs here. However, your own home is likely the largest investment you will ever make, so if you’re building or renovating, it makes sense to do it properly and make the most of this incredible opportunity to create the home of your dreams.
If you:
dream of living in a spacious, light-filled, comfortable home for years to come
want to create a home you can be proud of and you’re excited to share with friends
want to achieve the best result for your site
would love your home to become the best house on the street
want your home to grow in capital value faster over the coming years
are feeling overwhelmed due to all the things you need to do and know and you’re worried you’re unprepared
live a busy life and the thought of dealing with council, numerous companies and suppliers, and making thousands of decisions horrifies you
have never done this before
have done this before and had a bad experience
Then, YES, working with an architect is worth it!
the process
What’s the process of working with an architect actually like? We can’t speak for every architect, but here at Northbourne, we have a 5-step process that covers your entire building or renovating journey, to assist you for the entire duration of the project.
1. Design Diagnosis
We start with a design diagnosis where we investigate the potential of your site or existing home and work out what you want to achieve (your brief), the permits and approvals you’ll need, plus a plan to move forward with a timeline and likely costs.
2. Design Development
Next, we develop design options that encapsulate your wants and needs, while meeting any planning, building or budgetary constraints. The designs presented will make the most of your existing house or site by capturing natural light, framing the best views and feel spacious and joyous no matter how tight your site. We’ll then get your design approved by council’s planning department if required.
3. Construction Documentation
Then we get to work putting together a comprehensive set of drawings and documents that communicate all of this to a builder. It’s an instruction manual for your new home. We work with consultants like a structural engineer, geotechnical engineer and building surveyor, and coordinate everything to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
4. Builder Selection
We’ll help you select a builder. It can be hard to find a reliable, quality builder for the right price. We can either recommend a builder we’ve worked with in the past, or conduct a competitive tender for your project. Either way, our builder selection phase gives you peace of mind that your new home is in good hands.
5. Construction & Quality Control
Finally, we’ll oversee construction and quality control your build. We ensure your new home is built as documented and respond to any questions from the builder promptly to keep the project moving forward. We’ll regularly inspect the site and keep you up-to-date on how the project is progressing.
Take a look at some of our recent new homes and renovations
get started!
Ready to get started on your new home or renovation? It’s easy, book a time to chat with us. We’ll discuss your needs and ambitions for your project and guide you through the next steps, including giving you an idea of cost and timing.
You’ll be unlocking the door to your incredible new home in no time!