The Design Process

A1 Drafting are here to support and advise you throughout every stage of
designing your new architectural project.

In this page we outline the main phases of the design process from your
initial consultation through to construction and outline how we can help you
achieve your vision.

This is only a guide, as the various stages described may vary depending
on the nature of your proposed development.

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Initial Consultation
During your initial free consultation, our design staff will discuss your
requirements in detail, offering their professional advice to assist you in
the preparation of your design brief.

We have extensive experience designing in a wide range of

architectural styles and materials and will take you through all the
options to ensure you make an informed decision.

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Free Quotation
Prior to sending you our quotation, we first check all details against your
local Council's guidelines to ensure the viability of your project
A comprehensive free written quotation is then prepared,
encompassing all aspects and stages of the design process.

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Site Inspection
Upon acceptance of our quotation, we promptly conduct a site visit to
your projects location to assess site conditions and constraints.
This helps our design team understand your location's surrounding
environment so the most suitable site specific design can be achieved.
Preliminary measurements are also taken at this time so the building
design process can proceed without delay.

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Site Analysis
 A comprehensive site feature survey is carried out by a registered
land surveyor to determine all measurements, ground levels and
contours.

In the case of alteration to an existing structure, an existing buildings

survey is also conducted by a registered building surveyor.
A1 Drafting then thoroughly checks and balances all measurements
taken in the field to ensure accuracy.

Soil samples are also taken for analysis in order to determine the type
of foundations and footings your project requires.

A1 Drafting can organize all external consultants on your behalf.

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Existing Conditions Drawings
With reference to your site survey, drawings are prepared of the existing
conditions of the site and any structures on it.

The position and elevation of all adjoining propreties are included for
use in developing town planning documentation.

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Conceptual Design
We are now ready to formalise your ideas.

Following your design brief, our team develop a full set of concept
design drawings of your building project. Created using Auto CAD
software, these include both floor plans and elevations so you can get a
feel for how your new building will look.

We then submit our preliminary design for your comment and approval.

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Design Development
Through close consultation with yourself, the initial concept design can
be altered to better suit your needs. At A1 Drafting we understand that
reaching the perfect building design is a process.

We highly recommend that any major changes are made at this early
stage, as later amendments necessitate complex adjustment of the
working drawings and can conflict with town planning permission,
requiring additional planning applications.

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Town Planning Application
If your project requires town planning permission, our staff support
and lead you through every step of the application process.

We develop comprehensive planning documentation to support your

application and can organise meetings and attend Council hearings on
your behalf.

See our town planning page for further information.

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Working Drawings and Documentation

Once the concept design has been finalised and town planning
permission granted, we are ready to produce the final working drawings
from which your project will be constructed.

These fully dimensioned plans and elevations are more detailed than
the concept plans and specify every aspect of how the structure is
assembled.

These drawings feature:

• Groundwork, including foundations, floor slabs and drainage design.
• Building materials, so accurate quantity can be calculated.
• Dimensions of all pre-produced elements such as timber frames and
• windows etc. for distribution to the manufacturers.

On request A1 Drafting can produce detailed Internal Fitout Drawings

and Specifications, including kitchen layouts, bathroom design, built in
cupboards etc. A Schedule of Finishes may also be required, specifying
all surface finishes, floor and wall tiling and listing all selected fittings.

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Energy Assessment

In preparation for your Building Permit application, A1 Drafting conducts

a thorough 5 Star Energy Rating Assessment of your project.

We integrate our knowledge of energy efficiency from the very start of

the design process, using the latest First Rate Energy software to
establish the most cost effective way to achieve a sustainable and
environmentally friendly outcome.
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Building Permit Application
Prior to construction commencing, a building permit must first be
obtained from your local Council or private Building Surveyor. A1
Drafting produces all the necessary documentation so this process can
progress as fast as possible.

Documentation submitted to the building surveyor includes the full set of

working drawings, your energy rating report and structural engineering
reports and certification.

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Construction

At A1 Drafting, we don’t consider our job completed until you move in.
Our staff work hand in hand with your building contractor to ensure that
construction proceeds without delay. We are on hand to answer any
questions that may arise and to make any design adjustments that may
be needed.