How I Work with You
If you have a project you’d like designed thoughtfully, no matter how small in scope, it is likely we can work together. I approach each job by getting a sense of the client, listening and observing. I don’t give off-the-cuff design ideas and I’m not a stylist. I think about the bones of your home and how we can shift things to make the home work better for you. Where I can, I work to retain existing structures. If we need to design something from scratch, we embark on a delightful and exciting process together.
I work on each project in a step by step manner. The end of each stage is reviewed and approved by the client. But in between I am informal in the way I communicate with my clients, asking for your thoughts here and there, keeping up a dialogue. Each job is a collaboration and the end product is for you, not me. But I also see my role as creating outcomes that achieve more than your expectations.
The stages of a project consist of:
Briefing and site inspection
Schematic Design
Design Development (undertaken in collaboration with a draftsperson in the case of architectural projects)
Documentation and specification of materials, fittings and fixtures, including applications for Town Planning Permit and Building Permit where required (undertaken in collaboration with a draftsperson)
Construction oversight and purchasing of fittings and fixtures (if desired)
Fees:
Fees are based upon the time each project will require, checked against a percentage of the construction cost. My fees include management of the design, documentation and approvals processes, and coordinating all other consultants. CAD drafting fees are separately supplied by the Registered Draftsperson I work with. Together, our fee typically ranges between 10% and 15% of the building cost, depending upon the scope of the job.
A fee proposal will include a fee for each stage of the project.
For an interior design project with no structural elements I generate the documents, hand-drafted. It is my preference to select the fittings and finishes for your project, but if you prefer to do this yourself the fees will be set accordingly.
When you undertake a building project the other consultants you may need (depending upon the scope) are: engineers - structural (typically) and hydraulic (depending upon scope), land surveyor, soil testing engineer, Building Surveyor, BAL Consultant (in bushfire prone areas) and ESD consultant (in some cases).
Alternative to a full design process:
Some clients would simply like a ‘Concept’ for their home, garden, kitchen, or a piece of custom furniture… If this is the case I provide drawings and images, notes and ideas, that give clients a clear idea forward. This can be a good first step and can always be elaborated upon later.
Special Service - Quick Fix Kitchen or Bathroom:
This is for clients who are renovating their kitchen or bathroom, would like professional help, but don’t have the budget for a complete design process. See more here.
Who I Work With
My clients are diverse, but share common goals - for practical, careful, sustainable (in the broadest terms) solutions, they’re not in it for the Instagram backdrops but to bring beauty and functionality to their every-day lives. I work with people who often like to do things a little differently from the norm.
My clients understand that good design isn't about luxury; it's about creating spaces that work harder and feel better.
I also love to work with wonderful craftspeople, builders, joiners, other designers, architects and specialist in horticultural design. If you are one of these people and would like to collaborate, please get in touch.
Working Within Your Budget
With over 30 years of experience in design—including large-scale architecture and interior projects—I bring a deeply practical, real-world perspective to every brief. I know that great design only matters if it can be built. Often, the most cost-effective and sustainable approach is working thoughtfully with what already exists. I am strategic in what I suggest because I want transformations to succeed for you without causing financial stress.
The domestic construction market is particularly volatile. I like to collaborate with a builder where possible, from the early stage of a project, to obtain a real-world cost estimate early and keep a handle on costs throughout the process.
I will help you understand the likely budget implications of different design directions and give you options around materials, finishes and scope. My role is to listen carefully, work with your priorities, and design within the framework of your real life - including your budget
