Sustainable, Responsible Building Design in Victoria, NSW & Tasmania

At Graaph Design, we know that design benefits immensely from collaboration. We believe that the client is central. It's your desires, ideas and input generally that we use to guide the process and ultimately realise the architectural vision. Our spaces are always created for comfort and beauty, our favourite combination. As an architecture firm, our philosophy is minimum eco-impact but maximum effect. Here are a few of our design goals.

White House Exterior — Victoria — Graaph Designs Pty Ltd

Our Design Goals

Site Harmony

Your site is significant to the design of your building. We assess features of the site, noting constraints, possibilities and views. From here, we can determine the best design strategy to meet your needs and goals. Above all, we aim to harmonise the design with the surroundings.

Energy Efficiency

Energy usage is vital, and we design in accordance with the latest energy research and developments. Our buildings are designed to last in terms of style and structure, so energy plays a crucial role over a lifetime. We leave no stone unturned, from renewable energy sources and low-energy lighting to natural ventilation and high insulation, and off the grid living.

Beauty of Design

We believe very strongly in two crucial points: form and function. A design has to perform well in terms of function, and it has to inspire and uplift time and time again. There's a knack to getting beauty right, but we know how to do it.

Our Scope of Services

  • Pre-Design Services

    Obtain the client's brief and other project requirements. 

    Undertake preliminary analysis of authority regulations and requirements. 

    Inspect site and assess site conditions and constraints. 

    Provide advice and recommendations for appropriate specialist consultants. 

  • Site Analysis

    Facilitate the carrying out of a Site feature survey; Levels and contours, Building Configurations, Outline of Buildings on Adjacent Sites etc. 

    Existing Buildings Survey consisting of Measurement of existing building(s), check survey to confirm accuracy of existing drawings, preparation of measured drawings. 

    Prepare a detailed site analysis suitable for planning permit application. 

  • Schematic Design

    Arrange and attend meetings with the client and authorities as required.

    Prepare conceptual sketch drawings and/or other information to adequately communicate the design.

  • Design Development

    Develop the approved design concept into a final design solution with appropriate documentation to adequately communicate the design. Prepare preliminary selection of materials and finishes. 

    Prepare planning application documents. 

    Assist the client with the lodgement of the Town Planning application, erect advertising signs and carry out other activities necessary to complete the application and advertising process. 

    Assist in obtaining Town planning approval by attending meetings with authorities, neighbours and other interested parties. 

    Co-ordinate the design work undertaken by other specialist consultants. 

    Review the final design against the budget and prepare or facilitate an opinion of probable cost. 

    Attend planning appeals where necessary. 

    Prepare design concepts for internal spaces, joinery etc. 

  • Contract Documentation

    Prepare drawings at an appropriate scale including plans, elevations, sections and other details to enable the project to be tendered.

    Prepare specifications describing the quality of materials, finishes and workmanship necessary to complete the project in accordance with the drawings and the client's requirements. 

    Prepare joinery and internal spaces documents for inclusion into contract set. 

    Prepare Electrical layout drawings. 

    Prepare or facilitate drainage documentation. 

    Prepare or facilitate Landscape documentation. 

    Co-ordinate and integrate the work of specialist consultants within the architectural drawings. 

    Prepare or facilitate the preparation of an opinion of probable cost. 

    Submit completed contract documents for a building approval. 

  • Tender

    Prepare tender documents and advise client on the method of tendering. 

    Call tenders and respond to tender enquiries. 

    Close and assess tenders, prepare tender report. 

    Prepare contract documents for signing by both parties. 

  • Contract Administration

    Undertake periodic site inspections, check work in progress regarding design intent, materials selections as described in the contract documents. 

    Review shop drawings and other builder's submissions. 

    Provide supplementary details and information. 

    Provide instructions to clarify contract documents. 

    Administer variations and obtain client approvals. 

    Attend site meetings and other meetings as required. 

    Assess progress claims and issue progress certificates. 

    Assess claims for extensions of time. 

    Prepare defects lists prior to practical completion, inspect rectification and issue practical completion. 

    Issue final certificate upon completion of all defects and expiry of defects liability period.