Why Working with an Architect - Who Is Also a Licensed Builder - Gives Your Project a Leading Edge
Building your own home isn’t just a big deal—it’s monumental. It’s an achievement that many people think about and work towards for years. Once the process is underway, it involves seemingly endless decisions about floorplan layout, material inclusions and exclusions, fittings, fixtures and budget compromises. In short, it is a huge, often times stressful, wonderful, rewarding undertaking; one that ideally leads to the home you’ll want to stay in forever. Unlike any of the other custom luxury homes you’ll see, the one you build yourself exists just for you.
For something so life-changing, you need knowledgeable and experienced experts on your team. You might have already thought about the kind of Architects and builders you want — individuals who listen and are also upfront with their expertise and advice; professionals who can handle evolving designs and budgets; people who understand your lifestyle and appreciate your aesthetic. At MILEHAM, we believe that the perfect Architect or builder embodies all this, coupled with experience and knowledge across both design and construction, in order to effectively inform their recommendations. We strongly believe that an Architect who is also a licensed builder gives a client the most successful outcome on a project.
In the world of custom luxury homes, the path to creating your dream residence often involves navigating between Architects and builders. Choosing a professional who inhabits both roles offers many unique advantages:
Design that Delivers
When it comes to design, it’s easy to get swept up in unconventional ideas or magazine trends. You might even have a highly specific vision that you’re determined to bring to life. Conversations with an Architect are intended to enhance your design dreams and ambitions, bringing them closer to reality. But unfortunately, no matter how wonderful these plans are, once a builder and the construction process steps in, the cost of these designs or the reality of construction practicality often bursts the bubble. Not every idea is practical or possible within set budgets.
The benefit of a dual-qualified design and build professional is that their premium architectural designs are backed by a builder’s understanding and experience as to how that design will transform into reality. Unlike traditional Architects, a builder-Architect brings practical insights and realities to the design process from day one. They take your vision and transform it into its optimal form, knowing exactly what works in reality, not just on paper. This means your premium architectural designs aren't just beautiful - they're achievable and make the most of your project site and budget.
Financial Foresight
We’ve all heard the horror stories — a design has been approved (via either DA or CDC) after a year with the Architect and is now ready for a builder to quote (it’s important to note that a builder can not quote until a design is approved). The build quote comes back from three separate builders, and all are way above the budget originally given to the Architect to work from. The design either needs to go back to the Architect for revision (and re-submitted for another approval), or the project is cancelled. In Australia, around 40% of residential homes never get built to their original design because the cost of the build surpasses the original budget given to the Architect. Architects are masters in design. They are not masters in the current cost of construction methodology, materials or labour. This is where, time and time again, the disconnect between the Architect and builder is heartachingly experienced by the client.
Early identification of potential inflated construction costs during the design phase prevents expensive modifications later. Dual Architect/builder professionals are trained to foresee and prevent potential budget blowouts during the design phase. They have a true understanding of material and labour costs and availability, which prevents unfortunate surprises and helps to optimise the client’s budget from the start.
Simple, Streamlined Communication
When your Architect can speak the language of both design and construction, communication transforms from misalignment into a powerful and efficient asset. The traditional back-and-forth between separate Architect and builder outfits — often a source of delays and misunderstanding — is replaced by a unified vision and clear direction. This seamless flow of information ensures that every contractor and subcontractor on-site understands not just what to build, but why each design decision matters, resulting in a more precise execution of your vision.
Simplified Design Revisions
Plus, this dual knowledge helps prevent common delays caused by design revisions that come up during the build. Architect-builders can fast-track certain processes due to their internal alignment and comprehensive understanding of the project and make updates to the designs quickly — in the builder’s construction drawing language. There’s no need to wait a week or two for your Architect’s next availability for revisions.
Exceptional Project Management
Project management takes on a new dimension when your Architect brings hands-on building experience to the table. Instead of theoretical timelines and budgets, you benefit from schedules and cost structures grounded in real-world construction knowledge. This practical wisdom means your project's progression from concept to completion is orchestrated with precision. Every phase is carefully planned with an intimate understanding of both the artistic vision and the practical requirements of bringing that vision to life.
Furthermore, you can expect superior quality control. Dual-qualified professionals bring new depths of material knowledge and construction methodology to the initial design phase. This means that potential challenges are anticipated and resolved on paper long before they become costly setbacks onsite. From the broad strokes of design to the finest points of construction, every element of the project will align with your vision.
Excellent Client Experience
This superior project management has additional benefits beyond design — it also improves your own experience of the process. By having a single point of contact for the project (i.e. no need to act as a go-between for a different Architect and builder), time efficiencies are activated, and decisions are streamlined.
Preserve Your Asset
Your custom build is your dream house — your forever home. However, this shouldn’t mean disregarding your home’s resale value. Building a home is a big investment, and an architecturally designed home will appreciate in capital value at a greater rate than a draftsman or builder-designed one.
Based on research by the Melbourne School of Design at the University of Melbourne, each dollar spent on Architectural fees translated into a gain of $11.40 in capital appreciation. What does this mean in real terms? If you take a $1.2 million house, the homeowner who employed an Architect would be $256,000 better off in a decade than one who didn't - without taking into account the natural supply/demand capital appreciation Australia’s capital cities tend to trend.
High-End Architectural Construction
For construction that considers every angle, we recommend an Architect who is also a licensed builder. You deserve a professional who takes the time to truly understand your vision — someone who recognises that your home needs to accommodate your lifestyle, fulfil your aesthetic preferences, suit your budget, and stand the test of time. As trusted custom builders and Architects in Sydney, MILEHAM brings this comprehensive approach to every project we undertake. We believe that exceptional homes are born from the seamless integration of innovative design and expert construction, all guided by a deep understanding of our clients' needs.
Experience the difference a Northern Beaches Architect can make to your home design. When you choose to go the extra mile with MILEHAM, you're not just building a house - you're building a lasting legacy that will serve as your sanctuary for years to come.