The Architecture Planning Process: How long do Architectural Designs take to complete?
Embarking on a project like a home renovation or knock down rebuild is an exciting journey and, of course, establishing your new architectural design and floor plan is a key component of this.
However, if expectations around time and process are misunderstood, a project can quickly become overwhelming.
For instance, the length of time between signing an Architect’s Fee Proposal and receiving local council (DA) or Private Certifier (CDC) approval to commence construction often catches people by surprise, as does what is required from your Architect post-approval before you can even commence construction.
Therefore, to avoid unnecessary stress and ensure greater accuracy when planning the design component of your project, it’s crucial to understand how the Architecture Planning component of your timeline works, and how third parties like local councils, private certifiers, and specialist consultants (each with their own book of clients and timelines) can have an impact on expected timing for your project.
To help, we have unpacked the Architecture Planning Process for you, to shed light on the factors that influence this often underestimated timeline.
An outline of Architecture Plans
Similar to the custom build stage, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer as to how long your Architectural Planning stage will take to be approved and all documentation issued and ready for you to commence construction.
This is because Architectural Planning timelines vary based on your project scope, the time it takes for you to make final decisions and approve your designs, requirements from your local town planner, and input from (and availability of) specialist, third-party consultants such as arborists, quantity surveyors and structural engineers.
Of course, while there is no absolutely certain timeline as to what a high-quality Architectural timeline might look like, the below timings provide a solid guideline:
Detailed Project Brief: approximately 2 weeks (allow an additional 2 weeks if you need to arrange a Site Survey).
Concept Design: approximately 12-16 weeks.
Design Development: approximately 12 weeks.
Planning Submission: approximately 8 weeks (plus an assessment period as advised by your Local Council or chosen Private Certifier). Note that every Local Council tends to have their own SLA (Service Level Agreement) stated on their website as to what their Planning Approval expected timeline is.
Construction Documentation and Certificate: approximately 12 weeks.
Let’s take a look at each of these stages in detail:
The stages of your Architecture Plan development
Detailed Project Brief:
This Stage is the most important Stage for your project – bar none. It establishes the foundation upon which all subsequent design and construction decisions, costings and timelines are made. Adding “just a little ensuite” once you’re deep down the track of your design process is not as simple as it sounds. It can actually have a significant waterfall impact on your whole design. You add a little ensuite here. A wall has to be pushed out there. This impacts the overall ceiling structural requirements. Now you’re looking at your roof line. Suddenly there are additional external structural requirements… You can see where this goes.
During this Stage, your Architect will document your project site and its requirements, identify any local authority requirements and investigate the constraints and potential for your site.
Concept Design:
This is the visual representation of your project brief and includes the sizes, location and relationship of spaces and rooms for your floor plan, as well as a preliminary mood board to set the aesthetic tone for your home.
Design Development:
Your Architect will develop your approved design in detail to deliver you your final design solution. This includes detailed floor plan layouts, joinery drawings, a preliminary FFE (Fixtures, Fitting and Equipment) Schedule, and a generic depiction of possible furniture layouts for each space.
Planning Submission:
Your developed design and all of its subsequent required documents and reports are prepared and packaged for submission with your Local Council or chosen Private Certifier for their assessment.
Construction Documentation and Certificate:
Your Architect will adopt the local authority’s planning approval conditions into your design and coordinate the preparation of structural drawings. Following this, the construction documentation will be prepared, and the Construction Certificate (CC) application lodged with a Private Certifier.
Overall, how long does the Architecture Design process take?
Essentially, you need to allow around 12-14 months to complete the Architecture Design Planning Process before you can start the building process.
When reviewing Architects you may wish to engage for your project, ensure their timelines and Fee Proposals include ALL of the above Stages (all of which are required before you can start a build). This will ensure your timelines are accurate and all pre-build steps have been accounted for in your budget.
Are you ready to work with an experienced Architect who is candid and upfront about their timelines and Fee Proposals?
As a registered Architect and Licensed Builder, MILEHAM understands the importance of transparency and accuracy when it comes to your project timeline, and the impact this element has on your overall project budget. We provide transparent timelines and fixed Fee Proposals and Building Quotes, helping you navigate your home renovation project with peace and ease of mind.
Book your free, personalised consultation today and understand the timeline for your home renovation or knock down rebuild project.
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