Process

MJM Design Studio utilises a 7 step design process with all clients. The firm feels it is important that potential clients be aware of the necessary steps involved from the inception of the design to building the finished product.

MJM begins with an initial client meeting to determine the clients desired outcome and if they are the best fit for the project. Once clients are qualified, MJM submits a proposal for the client to review. After the proposal is accepted, the design process which usually consists of an initial briefing, 2 client meetings and 2 sets of revisions.

Construction drawings are then produced, the project is consented to which leaded to the final steps the bidding process and the delivery.

The firm’s services include project management, contract administration and hiring general and sub-contractors.

The Architectural Process
Every architectural project should follow a series of clear stages. While creative design is one of the most tangible aspects of an architect’s work, an architect can be involved in your building project every step of the way to ensure that best possible quality result. From concept to finished project, an architect applies a mixture of analysis, creativity and problem solving to help your building dream become a reality.

The Project Brief
The initial meetings with your architect are important for sharing information and discussing your vision for the project. Creating a project brief is about defining what you want and how you want to live. The brief sets horizons and creates the foundation for helping you reach you design goal.

When you first meet you architect to develop the project brief it is important to articulate your needs clearly. Why you are embarking on this journey? What are your expectations of your architect? What do you like and dislike? How do you see your building being used in the long term? What are the priorities you will and will not compromise?
Time, quality and cost are important factors to consider prior to your first meeting. These elements drive every architectural project and ultimately shape decisions. It is up to you to determine and share with your architect which of these matter the most in your case.

Open, honest communication will help create a brief that is satisfying for everyone and will form the basis for a successful ongoing relationship with your architect. Take your time on your brief and don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. Your architect is trained to turn a creative idea into a practical solution.

Pre-Design
From the initial meeting, an architect will gather key information about the project. They will work with you to allocate responsibility for finding information and may engage with other professionals and industry partners to gain a full understanding for the requirements for your design.

Identify clearly who is responsible for sourcing which information. There may be details about the site that are easier for you to relate. It can be useful to confirm in writing which elements of the pre-design phase you or your architect will oversee.

Concept Design
When an architect has the facts they need, they will progress to concept development. The concept for your project will come to life as an architect considers the project’s scope, budget and any special requirements.

During concept design, your architect is essentially offering a range of solutions to the brief. Concepts may be developed through a series of drawings, floor plan and perspective sketches, computer renderings or physical models. During concept development, an architect will play with ideas and it is not unusual to receive several different visions for your project. Your architect will be thinking about broad issues and they may challenge your thinking during concept design.

Communicate clearly what you do and don’t like about each concept. Revisit your brief and assess whether all your needs have been considered and responded to appropriately and discuss these with your architect.

At the end of this stage your architect will pull together a mixture of ideas into concept for further development.

Developed Design
When you have agreed on a concept, your architect will test the ideas and refine details to shape the final design of your building. Developed design is a key phase – at this point you need to communicate any further needs or requirements as it is the last opportunity to refine the overall nature of the design before project planning commences.

Your budget will come into play during the developed design phase. Think about your priorities in terms of time, quality and cost and allocate authority for final decisions making.
At this stage your architect may engage a Quantity Surveyor or building contractor to estimate costs. While it is enormously difficult to predict the final cost of building, your architect and the external specialists they collaborate with are trained to identify all potential costs and will form an estimate based on that knowledge.

Be honest about your budget and work with your architect to find solutions to suit your needs.

Planning Approval
Your architect will lead the process in securing Planning approval for your project. Your architect may engage consultants or other specialists to satisfy regulatory conditions to meet Planning Authority requirements.

Construction Drawings
When you project has received Planning approval and your project permissions and limitations are defined, your project will progress to the construction drawings phase. This means that your architect will advance your design to the level of detail that allows a building contractor to assess the full scope of the project prior to tender. This will include construction details, materials, components, systems and finishes.

Be sure to revisit the Agreement of Architect’s Services to make sure that all aspects of the contract are included in the construction drawings. Some architects may add additional design elements, including landscaping and interior design ideas, which you may not choose to adopt, according to the scope of your agreement.

Building Permitting
Because your architect is at the heart of your building project, they are best positioned to understand the relevant codes and standards and articulate to the Planning Department and Building Control Authorities the particulars of your project.

An architect is trained to understand the building permit approval process – they know the jargon and technical issues which you may not fully grasp. Often an architect will communicate with the Building Control Unit to foster understanding of your project form an early stage.

Project Procurement / Tendering
Often, your architect will have an in-depth understanding of the current state of the construction industry and can be an invaluable guide in choosing a quality builder and other contractors to execute your design. Your architect can help with the tendering process and can take your particular needs into consideration when choosing a contractor.

Contract Administration & Project Observation
Your architect well trained and supported to manage contractual and financial transactions during the construction of your building. Projects do change and always unforeseen elements that may require contractual consideration – your architect is well placed to help with such developments. Let your architect know if you have any particular preferences about the contractual nature of your project or issues with financing.

Your architect can play an important role in overseeing the construction phase of your project with onsite visits and monitoring the construction contracts that are in place. Your architect knows best practice and observe the quality of construction, as well as point out any potential issues that may arise. It is your choice as to how deep your architect’s onsite involvement is. When determining their role onsite, take their relationship with other contractors into consideration. You may decide that it is necessary for your architect to work onsite regularly or it might be sufficient for them to visit and monitor the project periodically.

Completion
Your architect plays a key role at the end of construction phase. When the main contractor advises your architect that the project if practically complete (some minor details may remain) your architect can assess the construction and provide a detailed list of remaining work.

Your architect will all trade warranties from the main contactor and will secure a Certificate of Occupancy for you. At this point in the project, your architect will also help administer final payments to contractors an issue the main contractor with a Defects Liability Certificate.