Your project is unique. You may require the full range of design stages, while others may only need selected services. The appropriate stages are determined in consultation with the client during the Pre-Design stage, where scope, complexity, approval pathways, and project goals are carefully reviewed. This ensures the level of service provided by ARC Design Gippsland is aligned with the specific needs of each project.
Pre-Design & Feasibility
This stage establishes whether the project is practical before design progresses. The brief and user requirements are confirmed, and the site is reviewed against zoning, overlays, bushfire and flood controls, and likely approval pathways across Gippsland and regional Victoria. Early consultants, such as land surveyors and other required specialists, are coordinated to obtain accurate site information and identify constraints. Access, services, site conditions, and risks are assessed. Where requested by the client, early cost guidance can be prepared using current regional construction rates. This process allows ARC Design Gippsland to clearly define the scope of drafting, consultant input, and documentation required, and to provide a fee proposal aligned with the scale of the project.
Concept Design
Concept Design translates the brief into a clear architectural direction. Functional layout planning and, where required, broader master planning are undertaken to test how spaces relate and how the site is organised. Floor plans, elevations, and building form are developed to establish scale, proportion, and character. Orientation, circulation, light, and climate response are considered carefully so the building feels appropriate to its setting in regional Victoria. At the client’s request, the concept can be reviewed against indicative budget expectations before progressing.
Schematic Design
Schematic Design refines the approved concept into coordinated, dimensioned drawings suitable for planning submission. Structural systems and building services strategies are identified, and early engineering input is integrated where required. Specialist consultants are coordinated to review drawings for regulatory compliance, including planning controls, accessibility, fire safety, and relevant Victorian standards. For commercial developments, operational flow and servicing zones are tested carefully. For homes, spatial proportions and window placement are adjusted to suit site and climate. If requested, drawings can be reviewed against updated cost advice prior to planning lodgement.
Town Planning & Approvals
Where required, this stage manages the town planning approval process. Planning drawings and supporting information are prepared and lodged with the relevant council. ARC Design Gippsland coordinates consultant input, responds to council requests for further information, and manages amendments where necessary to secure a Town Planning Permit. Progression to Design Development and detailed construction documentation is generally subject to an approved planning permit, ensuring statutory matters are resolved before advancing.
Design Development (Detailed Design)
Design Development resolves the building in technical detail following planning approval. Wall systems, floor build-ups, roof forms, materials, and key junctions are defined. Structural, civil, and building services designs are fully coordinated to avoid conflicts. Consultation with the appointed Building Surveyor is undertaken to review compliance with the Victorian Building Regulations, and documentation is coordinated to support progression toward a Building Permit. Construction methods are tested against local Gippsland building conditions to ensure buildability. At the client’s direction, the developed design may be assessed against refined cost input before moving into full construction documentation and permit lodgement.
Contract Documentation
At this stage, detailed drafting and building plans are completed to a level suitable for building permit and construction. Specifications, schedules, and consultant documentation are finalised and coordinated. For more complex residential or commercial developments, formal specification documents are prepared to clearly define materials, workmanship standards, and performance requirements. The drawing and specification package clearly communicates how the building is to be constructed, reducing risk during pricing and construction.
Tender & Procurement
Contract documentation is issued to selected builders for pricing. ARC Design Gippsland assists in reviewing tenders, clarifying scope, and assessing value and compliance. The appropriate form of building contract is identified and recommended based on the project type, procurement method, and level of risk. Recommendations are provided to support informed builder selection and contract preparation.
Construction Phase Services
During construction, the office provides site inspections and technical clarification to help maintain design intent and compliance. Progress claims and variations are reviewed, and construction quality is monitored. As works approach completion, the building and its systems are commissioned to confirm they operate as intended and meet documented performance requirements prior to handover. This structured involvement supports clear communication between client, builder, and consultants through to practical completion.
Post-Construction
At completion, defects inspections are undertaken in DLP and final certification is coordinated. This final stage closes out the project in an orderly and accountable manner.