What is our process?
How we take your project from an idea to a beautifully resolved home.
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1. DISCOVERY + INITIAL CONSULTATION
This is where everything begins. We meet with you on site (or virtually) to understand your goals, constraints, style preferences, and overall vision.
Goal: clarity around your options, opportunities, and the best path forward.2. SITE REVIEW + FEASIBILITY
We assess the site conditions, local council requirements, overlays, constraints, and development potential.
Goal: a clear picture of what can be achieved and the smartest way to approach the design.3. CONCEPT DESIGN
We explore spatial ideas, layouts, and design directions tailored to your lifestyle and site.
Inclusions:Floor plan concepts
Massing studies
Style direction + material ideas
Goal: curate an early design vision that feels like you.
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4. SCHEMATIC / DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Your design becomes more detailed, refined, and resolved.
We refine room layouts, elevations, materials, building performance strategies, and architectural character.
Deliverables: drawings and visuals ready for early builder input and council discussions.5. PLANNING PERMIT APPROVAL
We prepare everything needed for council submission, including drawings, reports, coordination with consultants, and any clarifications requested by the planning team.
Our role: handle the process so you don’t need to. -
6. BUILDING PERMIT DOCUMENTATION
Once planning is approved, we prepare the technical drawings required for building permit approval.
Deliverables: detailed plans, sections, elevations, schedules, details, and coordination with all required consultants. -
7. FURTHER DOCUMENTATION FOR CONSTRUCTION
Additional technical drawings and specifications for pricing and construction purposes.
Includes: Further architectural construction details, project trade specifications and schedules.
8. FURTHER DOCUMENTATION OF INTERIORS
Additional technical drawings and specifications to cover the interior components of the building.
Can include: Interior fixtures, fittings and finishes schedules, interior joinery elevations and details, interior schedules.
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9. TENDERING + BUILDER SELECTION
We help you source pricing from trusted builders we regularly work with or who you recommend.
Support includes:compiling recommended list of tenderers and issuing all relevant documents for pricing
answering builder queries
reviewing quotes
helping you compare options
advising on alignment with quality, cost, and timeline expectations
10. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
Throughout the build, we stay involved to maintain design intent, answer builder questions, and solve issues quickly.
Our goal is a smooth construction phase with minimal stress.PROJECT COMPLETION + HANDOVER
Final checks, approvals, and walk-throughs ensure your new home or development finishes exactly as intended.
A considered, well-resolved space that will grow with you for years to come.
COMMON QUESTIONS:
Q: How long does the Town Planning process take in Melbourne?
A: In our experience with councils like Bayside, Yarra, and Glen Eira, the Town Planning process typically takes between 4-8 months. This timeframe includes the initial RFI (Request for Further Information) stage and the public advertising period. We manage this entire coordination to ensure the project stays on track.
Q: Do I need a building permit for a bathroom or kitchen renovation?
A: Yes, in Victoria, most structural renovations - including many bathroom and kitchen reconfigurations - require a building permit. Even if the work seems minor, if it involves structural changes, wall realignments, or window alterations, a permit ensures the work meets safety standards and is covered by builder's insurance.
Q: What is the difference between a Concept Design and Construction Documentation?
A: Concept Design is the "vision" phase where we determine the layout and look of your home. Construction Documentation is the "technical" phase where we produce the detailed drawings required for a Building Permit and for your builder to provide an accurate quote. Having detailed documentation is the best way to prevent budget blowouts during construction.
Q: Why should I hire an architect instead of a draftsperson for my renovation?
A: While a draftsperson focuses on the technical drawings, a residential architect provides a holistic service - including site-responsive design, interior spatial planning, and contract administration. At Willow Architecture, we ensure your home isn't just "compliant," but is designed specifically for your lifestyle, budget, and long-term value.
