Architectural Services
Coleman Architects’ commitment is to create buildings that provide users with efficient, practical and sustainable solutions. Every building we create is an individual solution - a direct response to site conditions and the requirements and aspirations of our clients.
Our clients include private individuals and companies, institutions and local and state government authorities, and our projects are many and varied. We have worked throughout metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria and are therefore familiar with the issues faced in a variety of local government areas.
We provide a full range of architectural services: design, documentation, tendering and contract administration, as well as supplementary services such as feasibility analyses, master planning and interior design. We guide our clients through the regulatory, design and construction process from initial brief to final handover.
Services
Development of a Project Brief
A clear brief enables the architect to develop appropriate design solutions for a project. We work closely with our clients to create a document that clearly identifies their requirements and desired outcomes.
Site and Regulatory Analysis
All building projects require an analysis of the site conditions and regulatory requirements that will influence the design solution. These may include the landform, the condition, extent and form of existing structures, climatic and weather influences, the character of the immediate surroundings and applicable planning, heritage, building and related regulatory issues.
With our broad architectural experience in metropolitan and regional areas, we have developed a practical and pragmatic approach to resolving complex regulatory issues such as the provision of emergency egress, fire services and universal access within heritage buildings.
Concept or Schematic Design
Responding to the brief and site analysis, the Concept or Schematic Design is the initial step in the design process. Often several options and ideas are explored during this process to ensure the optimum design solution is achieved.
Design Development
The design is further refined at this stage. Materials and finishes are selected and a preliminary opinion of probable cost is often prepared. Final approval is then obtained from the client before proceeding to a town planning application and/or contract documentation.
Town Planning
If required, we will prepare additional documentation and material required for submission for a Town Planning Permit. This may include a site analysis, design statement, ResCode response and shadow diagrams. For complex cases, it may be necessary to work in conjunction with a Town Planning Consultant.
Contract Documentation
Contract documentation includes working drawings and specifications required for obtaining a building permit and for costing and constructing the building. The documents clearly outline the extent of the proposed works, construction details, required materials and the minimum required standards of workmanship.
Interior Design & Detailing
We can provide interior design services and detailed documentation of internal elements such as kitchen joinery, bathrooms and amenity areas. We can also work with our client’s nominated interior designer if desired.
Tendering & Building Permit Application
After completion of the contract documentation we call tenders for the project, assess and evaluate tenders received and prepare a recommendation for the client. The Building Permit application documentation is usually prepared and lodged at the same time.
Contract administration
During construction of the project, we administer the contract on the client’s behalf and monitor the progress of the works. The services during this stage include:
preparation of contract documents for signing
undertaking site visits and attending site meetings
issuing instructions and directions to the contractor as required
assessing and certifying payments to be made to the contractor
issuing, assessing, referring and authorising contract variations
assessing and ensuring compliance with the documented materials and workmanship
assessing and determining any extensions of time
determining and certifying the date of practical completion
determining faults during the defects liability period
finalising the contract.
Development of sustainable solutions for heritage places (ESD)
The retention and adaptive re-use of heritage buildings is recognised as one of the most effective approaches to produce a sustainable future. Reducing demolition waste and retaining embodied energy in existing building materials enables an ongoing and enduring use for heritage buildings. We use the most appropriate and/or effective environmentally sustainable methods and solutions for our projects.