FAQ - Studio Sabat

FREQUENTLY

ASKED

QUESTIONS

WHO IS AN ARCHITECT AND WHY SHOULD YOU HIRE ONE?

An architect is a licensed professional who designs and oversees the construction of buildings, blending artistic vision with technical expertise to create functional, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable spaces.

In NSW, architects must complete a rigorous education and examination process. This includes a three-year undergraduate degree in architecture followed by a two-year Master of Architecture program. After completing their education, candidates undergo a minimum of two years of supervised work experience as part of the Architectural Practice Examination Program (APE). They must then pass the Architectural Practice Examination (APE) to obtain registration as an architect.

You should hire an architect for several reasons. Firstly, architects bring expertise and vision to your project. They can transform your ideas and requirements into innovative designs that maximise functionality and aesthetics. Secondly, architects ensure regulatory compliance by navigating council regulation and building codes. This helps avoid costly delays and issues in the project. Additionally, architects can oversee the construction stage, in order to maintain high-quality standards and ensuring that your project is executed according to plan. Their attention to detail helps optimise space utilisation, minimise construction waste, and identify cost effective building materials and techniques.

Ultimately, hiring an architect is an investment in the success of your project. While it may seem like an additional expense, the expertise and guidance provided by architects can save you money in the long run. With their involvement, you can achieve a well-designed, functional spaces that meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT WORKING WITH AN ARCHITECT?

Working with Studio Sabat offers you a collaborative and structured approach to realising your vision. We listen attentively to your ideas and needs, providing design options tailored to your budget and brief. Studio Sabat can manage the entire process including, coordinating with consultants and contractors and ensuring compliance with regulations. Regular progress meetings are held to keep you informed, during both DA and Construction Stages. Communication is key; We keep you informed, addressing concerns promptly. We aim to provide a collaborative process, resulting in a well-executed project that reflects your vision and needs.

AT WHAT POINT SHOULD I INVOLVE AN ARCHITECT IN MY PROJECT?

As early as possible! Architect’s creative direction and advice can be more effective the earlier they are involved in the process. Early involvement allows the architect to understand your vision, budget, and objectives thoroughly. This also allows the architect to make the best of any available opportunities, help you explore options you may not have considered and avoid potential pitfalls.

WHICH PARTS OF A PROJECT CAN YOU HELP ME WITH?

From the initial stages of the project to completion, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Our services and involvement can be in the following stages,

* Design Brief Development

At this stage we visit the site and analyse it to see its opportunities and constraints. We will also obtain your brief and requirements for the project. We can provide preliminary recommendations for consultant’s required on the project and the process of engagement.

* Concept Design

Based on the approved brief, recommendations from authorities and consultants we will prepare sketch plans and diagrams to adequately explain our concept designs. Also preliminary external finishes are selected and concept images are provided to relay our design intentions.

* Design Development

Once we have obtained your approval of the sketch design, we will proceed with design development. At this stage, the engaged consultants are coordinated to produce a set of progress drawings. A schedule of external finishes is also provided along with the drawing set for your approval.

* Submission for approval

A complete set of drawings are issued to all consultants at this stage, in order to finalise coordination and produce any required drawings or reports for lodgment. Relevant forms and processes are undertaken to submit the application to the relevant authorities.

* Pre-construction documentation

Based on the received approval, the construction documentation drawings are prepared for the relevant authority, in order to proceed to the construction stage on site.

* Detailed construction documentation and Interiors

With Studio Sabat completing your project from design through to construction, the detailed documentation is covered and continued throughout the process to ensure your project is completed to a high level of detail.

* Interior Styling

To ensure the vision for your project is realised, our team can put together a scheme which encapsulates the feel of your home. The correct furnishing and styling will make you feel right at home.

WHAT IS A SURVEY AND WHY DO I NEED ONE?

A survey plan is required at the early stages of the project to provide key details of the site and is also required for your Development Application. It usually contains features and structures within and adjacent to the specific site and is carried out by a registered land surveyor. The amount and type of information required is project specific, but can include,

Site Boundaries
Easements or rights-of carriageway
Contours
Location of buildings
Location of trees and canopy spread
Windows
Driveways
Roof Ridge and gutter heights

A survey may already exist for your property, from a previous DA application. If you do already have
a survey, please provide it at the earliest convenience. In order for the survey to be applicable, it needs to be dated within the last 5 years.

If you do not have a survey, we will provide you with details of our preferred surveyors, who will arrange a time and date to visit your property and prepare the survey. This process can take up to 4 weeks, hence why we encourage that you start the process as soon as possible.

As part of our services and prior to preparing a design concept, we will also undertake an internal measure and photographic survey (not required for knockdown and rebuild), to clearly understand the space and its opportunities and constraints.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DA AND CDC?

Whether you’re looking to do an alteration and addition or a knockdown rebuild for your property, you’re required to get an approval through either,

Development Application
Complying Development Application

One of the approval pathways may be more suited to your home and project depending on,

The council area you’re building in
The policies and planning that apply to your land
The design of the home
The timeframe of the design and build

What are the Pros and Cons of a Complying Development Certificate process?

Development Application
A Development Application is prepared and submitted to your local council which contains documentation for the council to understand what your home will look like, the material which will be used and any impact which you may have over the surrounding neighbours. There are specific requirements and controls for each development, depending on your local council.

P R O S
* Flexibility
The DA process allows for more flexibility in design and development compared to CDC. It’s suitable for projects that don’t meet all the criteria for complying development.

Customization
With the DA process, projects can be customized to suit specific requirements and site conditions, allowing for more tailored solutions.
C O N S
* Time-Consuming
The DA process tends to be more time-consuming than CDC due to its requirement for public consultation and comprehensive assessment by planning authorities. You can expect the approval process to take anywhere from 4-12 months, depending on the project, council and number of applications in council.
Uncertainty:
There’s a level of uncertainty associated with the DA process, as approval is subject to merit based assessment by planning authorities. This uncertainty can lead to unpredictability in project timelines and outcomes.

What are the Pros and Cons of a Development Application process?

Complying Development Certificate
A CDC is a fast tracked combination of two stages of Development Application and Construction
Certificate, by the removal of council’s involvement and any potential neighbour objections. CDC is subject to conditions under the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) 2008, which is identified and approved by a Private Certifying Authority. Not all projects can be taken through this pathway as there are strict guidelines and requirements, which may not suit your site or your design needs.

P R O S
* Speed:
CDC offers a much faster approval process compared to DA (3-4 weeks) since it involves clear assessments against predetermined criteria. This can expedite project timelines and reduce approval-related delays.

*Certainty:
CDC provides a level of certainty as projects that meet specific criteria are guaranteed approval, eliminating the need for discretionary assessment. This clarity can streamline the development process and reduce uncertainty.

C O N S
* Limited Flexibility:
CDC has strict criteria that projects must meet to qualify for approval. This limits design flexibility and may not accommodate projects with unique requirements or site conditions.

WHY DO WE NEED CONSULTANTS AND WHICH ARE REQUIRED?

Depending on the approval pathway, there are a number of consultants required to provide reports, documentation and statements for the authority approval.

Surveyor
*Survey Plan and boundary peg out

Town Planner
* Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE)

Heritage Consultant
* Statement of Heritage Impacts (SOHI)

Stormwater Consultant
* Stormwater drawings and design statement

BASIX
* BASIX certificate

Landscape Consultant
* Landscape design and documentation

Arborist
* Arborist Report

As part of our services, we will provide you with 2 x fee proposals from each required consultant, who will be engaged by you and coordinated by our team to ensure the consultants provide their services in a timely manner.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPROVAL?

Congratulations! You now have approval to build your dream home!

At this stage, if we have a Development Approval, we’ll start to prepare for construction by getting a Construction Certificate (CC). If the proposal has been approved under CDC, we’re ready for the Construction Stage.
As part of preparation for both approval pathway and as part of the construction stage, we will produce detailed construction documentation drawings which include finalised finishes and fixture selections and also develop details for the kitchen and bathrooms areas.

To help you feel right at home, we can also start to prepare your interior styling package, with mood boards and visulisations for your internal spaces.