The architectural design is crucial!
It is of no avail to proceed to construction if the architectural elements are not correctly addressed. The success of the entire project is based on the foundations of a well-planned, practical and aesthetic design! There is no room to go back to any “drawing board” once the project proceeds forward.
A detailed and comprehensive brief from the client is most important for understanding the full requirements and functioning of the spaces needed. The more understanding gathered, the more this will reflect into the most intricate details of the design. Ultimately, the purpose is to accurately read the needed specifications, to bring to life a design that becomes aligned with the client.
The preparation work of a full site inspection and site analysis, is necessary to establish the factors that will determine the design elements. These factors will govern the correct orientation of the building taking the Northern/Southern aspects into the design consideration and giving important attention to heat and energy saving properties. The correct flow of spaces is critical to achieve the functional usage of living areas.
Ivory Plum has satisfaction meeting each and every requirement briefed, even to the smallest degree, and to go beyond to address additional and alternative perspectives, all in the best interest of the client to achieve practical planning and layout.
Amalgamated with the brief, site inspection, orientation, flow, planning and layout is creativity and design ensuring that the end result, is not only practical and functional but impressively aesthetic in appeal, in order to keep a firm standing value in the world of architecture.
Ultimately, Ivory Plum strives to satisfy each client with the above elements – balanced to ensure that each project results in a high degree of satisfaction and pride.
Architectural design services include:
Stage 1: Design Concept
Stage 2: Design Development
Stage 3: Design Presentation
Stage 4: Construction Estimates
Stage 5: Construction Drawings
Stage 6: Council Submission
Stage 7: Electrical and Lighting Design
Stage 8: Construction Quotations
Stage 9: Site Visits
Stage 1: Design Concept
Measure up existing building and update existing drawings to as-built plans (if necessary). Conceptual designs and sketches based on design brief to get space and flow correct. The house design is as per the brief received.
Stage 2: Design Development
The initial design, based on the conceptual sketches, is developed in CAD and presented in full colour drawings. These include the floor plans with basic furniture layouts, landscaping, pool and room sizes. These plans are open for comment. We require you to study these plans and determine that all the requirements of the brief have been covered and room sizes are sufficient. Changes can be made at this stage within the brief.
Stage 3: Design Presentation
Once the floor plan designs are confirmed then the external elevations, isometric and perspective drawings are presented in full colour. The purpose of this stage is for clients to fully visualize and understand the design of the completed project.
Please Note: Only “external daylight renders” are done. These are excellent for visualizing the completed building. However, 3D photo-realistic renders and video walkthroughs are an optional service. These can be quoted separately if required.
Stage 4: Construction Estimates
Completed designs are shared with at least two builders in order for them to provide building estimates on the project. Estimated 2-week period.
Stage 5: Construction Drawings
This stage includes highly detailed and accurate technical drawings that the builder uses to cost and build your home to the exact specifications as per the drawings. The drawings can then be submitted to the local town council for scrutiny and approval.
Construction Drawings (presented on A1 paper size) to include:
- Detailing of all floors and roof slab
- Sections and elevations, levels and heights, slab and bulkheads, etc.
- Window and door schedules
- Roof plan, rainwater downpipes will be shown in brickwork and ducts, falls on slabs will be indicated, etc.
- Site plan with necessaries.
- Indication of sewer points, plumbing points, access eyes, etc. Plumbing specifications will need to be further detailed by the plumber.
- Specific details related to the design ie. Stairwell, beam details, parapet details, etc
Stage 6: Council Submission
We recommend the use of a Council runner to submit and circulate all building plans. The Council runners’ fees are separate and this can be negotiated with the relevant Council runner before submission. Runners’ fees are not included as part of this quote. We shall prepare all the necessary drawings and documentation for Council submission.
Stage 7: Electrical, Lighting & Ceiling Bulkhead Designs
This stage includes provision for the electrical design layouts of internal, external and feature lighting, power points, audio, under floor heating, A/C, etc. Once you have approved the electrical design drawings it can then be issued to the contractor for electrical specifications and costing. Ceilings and bulkheads are included in this stage.
Stage 8: Construction Quotations
Builders are provided a full drawing pack (Stage 2, 3, 5 and 7) in order to accurately tender on the project.
Stage 9: Site Visits:
Site visits are done to ensure the smooth running of the project and to supply information to the main contractor and sub-contractors if required. Final snagging of the completed building is done. Site visits are for inspection purposes and do not constitute supervision.
Site visits are allocated and are done at certain stages to ensure the construction follows the detailed drawings & design which was presented to the client. The timing of these inspections can be discussed with the appointed contractor depending on the building program. Final snagging of finishes/ completion inspection is also done.
Site visits – Zanzibar
Enjoy some of our work…
Zanzibar – New Build
Alteration – South Africa
New Build – Zanzibar
