3-6 Weeks

Every great project starts with an idea. Perhaps you need more space, or maybe your space simply isn’t working the way you need it to. You might be weighing up whether to sell or extend, buy or build—or you have a bold vision that needs the right expertise to bring it to life.

At Whisker Architecture, we begin with clarity. Our signature pre-design architecture services - the Home Masterplan Report(for homeowners), and Developer Masterplan Report (for property investors) lay the strategic groundwork for your project. These obligation-free feasibility studies map out what’s possible on your site before committing to the next steps.

This phase is about unlocking potential - merging inspiration, site opportunities, and real-world constraints to shape a masterplan tailored to your needs. Designs and cost estimates remain broad at this stage, providing a launchpad for key decisions: three bedrooms or four? An upstairs master suite or a ground-floor retreat? These are the questions we help you navigate with confidence.

Once your Masterplan Report is complete, your project progresses to our waitlist - a carefully curated queue ensuring we deliver exceptional design outcomes for every client. If timing is a priority, we offer limited opportunities for accelerated timeframes, subject to availability.

This is where your journey begins. Ready to explore what’s possible? Book a Clarity Call today.

14 - 20 weeks

This is where vision becomes reality. In the Design Stage, we refine the ideas established in your Masterplan Report, weaving together inspiration, site opportunities, and contextual constraints to create a home or development that is uniquely yours. Every detail—from the building’s overall form down to the front door handle—is thoughtfully considered to ensure your project is both beautiful and functional.

Concept Design: Shaping Your Future Space

We begin by setting the foundation for your design, integrating site conditions, regulatory requirements, and your personal aspirations. This stage includes:

✔ Existing Conditions Analysis
✔ Reestablishment & Feature Survey by a registered Land Surveyor
✔ Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Assessment (if required)
✔ Refinement of Floor Planning
✔ Council Pre-Application Meeting

Detailed Planning: Bringing Your Vision into Focus

With the groundwork in place, we delve into the key elements that define your project:

✔ Sustainability Goals – Ensuring long-term energy efficiency & environmental impact
✔ Accessibility Requirements – Designing for comfort, ease, and future-proofing
✔ 3D Form & Exterior Design – Exploring massing, aesthetics, and architectural intent
✔ External Materials – Selecting materials for durability, beauty, and sustainability
✔ Preliminary Energy Efficiency Review – Assessing performance early in the process
✔ Preliminary Interior Concepts – Developing initial spatial layouts and finishes

Town Planning: Navigating Council Approvals

If your project requires a Town Planning Permit, we prepare and submit the necessary drawings and documentation to your local council. Depending on your municipality, this process can take up to six months.

For projects facing complex planning restrictions—such as heritage overlays or conservative council policies—we conduct a Pre-Application Meeting early in the Concept Design Stage to mitigate potential roadblocks.

Cost Plan: Ensuring Feasibility

Before moving forward, we conduct a Cost Plan in collaboration with a licensed Quantity Surveyor or a quote from a Builder as part of Early Contractor Involvement (ECI). This step ensures your design aligns with your budget before lodging for a Town Planning Permit or progressing to the next phase.

At the conclusion of the Concept Package, you’ll have a clear, well-researched, and thoughtfully designed vision for your project—ready to move forward with confidence.

14-20 weeks

Also known as Contract Documentation, this stage is where we create the detailed technical drawings and specifications that form a critical part of your contract with the builder. These documents ensure clarity, precision, and protection—helping to secure a building permit, obtain accurate quotes, and avoid costly surprises during construction.

What’s Included in Your Documentation Package?

✔ Comprehensive Drawings – Floor plans, elevations, sections & detailed construction drawings
✔ Specifications – A written guide covering materials, finishes & performance standards
✔ Building Permit-Ready Documents – Everything required for council & regulatory approvals

Interior Design: Where Every Detail Matters

This is also where we refine the interior design, ensuring a seamless blend of functionality and aesthetic cohesion. We go beyond standard layouts—designing with your lifestyle in mind:

✔ Custom joinery & storage solutions – How you sort your laundry, where your pantry essentials go
✔ Finishes & fittings – Every material, handle, and fixture, down to your bathroom vanity lighting
✔ User experience-driven design – Whether you prefer a place for an electric toothbrush or a manual one, these details shape how your home feels day to day

At the conclusion of this stage, you’ll have a complete Contract Documentation Package, ready for builder tenders and permitting.

This is where our Detailed Package concludes—leaving you with a fully resolved design and the confidence to move forward into construction.

12-18 months

Procurement & Construction: From Paper to Reality, With Confidence

With your documentation package complete, it’s time to bring your project to life.

First, we help you select the right builder through one of two tailored approaches:
✔ Selective Tender – We invite a curated shortlist of quality builders to competitively price your project.
✔ Negotiated Offer – We work closely with a preferred builder to agree on a fair, transparent price.

We guide you through tender evaluations or negotiation discussions, ensuring you have the information you need to make an informed, confident decision.

Once a builder is appointed and contracts are signed, your project moves into the exciting construction phase. Our role doesn't stop there—we remain to administer the contract between you and the builder, overseeing the build with the same care and rigour that shaped your design.

During construction, we manage:
✔ Site Inspections – Checking progress against the design intent at key stages
✔ Builder Queries – Responding to technical questions and clarifications
✔ Variations & Changes – Reviewing and advising on any proposed adjustments
✔ Progress Claims – Assessing and certifying builder payment claims
✔ Defects Inspections – Conducting detailed checks at practical completion and beyond to ensure quality

Confidence, From First Sod to Final Handover

Through each step, we protect the integrity of your design, the quality of your build, and your peace of mind.

The day you’ve been dreaming of has finally arrived! Your vision has become reality, and your new space is ready to be lived in, enjoyed, and celebrated.

Oh, wait-you’re still reading about the process?

Sounds like it’s time to get moving!

6–12 months
Defect Liability Support: Peace of Mind, Post-Handover

Just because the builder’s left site doesn’t mean we do.

As part of our Complete Package, Aftercare Support provides dedicated guidance throughout the Defect Liability Period. This is the contractual timeframe during which your builder remains responsible for resolving defects.

✔ Quarterly Check-Ins – We return to site every three months to assess how your home is performing and identify any concerns early.
✔ Liaison & Coordination – We communicate directly with your builder and ensure that any issues are logged, tracked, and followed up.
✔ Ongoing Advocacy – We continue to act in your best interest, helping you understand both parties’ contractual responsibilities and navigating any necessary remediation.

The length of this stage depends on your project:

• 6 months for non-structural renovations

• 12 months for projects with structural works

Your home may be complete, but our care continues – giving you confidence long after the keys are handed over.