Architecture led through the whole project
HOW WE WORK
Akasne brings architectural design, paid construction input, integrated interiors and specialist consultants together early—then guides the project through feasibility, design, approvals, documentation, builder appointment and construction.
The objective is not simply to produce a compelling design or obtain a permit. It is to create architecture that has been considered as a complete project and can move into construction with its central idea intact.
Architecture · Building · Interiors · One coordinated design process
The project team begins during design, not after it
THE AKASNE MODEL
In a conventional process, the architect may develop the project before a builder has had meaningful involvement. Cost and construction advice can therefore arrive after major decisions have already been made, when changes are more disruptive and the architectural direction is harder to protect.
Akasne takes a different approach.
A trusted builder is engaged and paid by Akasne to contribute genuine construction knowledge during design, while a dedicated Interior Designer can be integrated into the same process where selected.
Together, the team considers the brief, architecture, interiors, buildability and available cost information as connected parts of one project — with Akasne leading and coordinating the overall architectural direction.
Architecture
Akasne leads the project direction, shaping the site response, spatial planning, approvals and overall architectural character.
Building
A trusted builder is engaged as a paid building consultant to test cost, buildability, materials and construction methodology while the design is still evolving.
Interiors
Where selected, interior design is developed alongside the architecture so joinery, finishes, lighting and services form one coordinated project.
One project team, coordinated through Akasne
Akasne identifies, briefs and coordinates the specialist consultants required for each project. Depending on the site and scope, this may include surveying, town planning, structural and civil engineering, energy assessment, bushfire, arboriculture, heritage, landscape architecture, building surveying and other technical advice.
The client is not left managing disconnected consultants or attempting to reconcile competing information. Advice is brought together through one architectural direction.
01. FEASIBILITY +
PRE-DESIGN
Understand the project before resolving the architecture
Every project begins by understanding the property, the client and what is realistically being proposed.
Following our initial conversation, Feasibility is generally the first paid engagement with Akasne. Before preparing the main architectural proposal, we review the site, planning controls, existing information, project brief, budget expectations, timing and known constraints.
The objective is to identify the important issues early before significant architectural fees are committed and before design decisions become expensive to change.
For development projects, the review may also consider yield, market suitability, planning risk and the broader viability of the opportunity.
Feasibility allows us to establish a clearer project pathway, identify the consultants and information likely to be required, and prepare an architectural proposal based on the actual project rather than assumptions.
Architecture
Akasne investigates the property, develops the brief, reviews relevant planning conditions and establishes the initial project strategy.
Specialist Input
Where a property has particular planning, bushfire, vegetation, engineering, servicing or other constraints, we identify the specialist advice likely to be required and when it should be obtained.
Builder or other specialist input may also be introduced during Feasibility where the particular project would benefit from it.
Project Input
Site and brief investigation · Planning review · Constraint and opportunity assessment · Budget and scope review · Development testing where required · Consultant strategy · Recommended project pathway
If you proceed with Akasne
Where the project proceeds into Akasne's main architectural service, the Feasibility fee already paid is credited against the architectural fee.
Feasibility therefore remains a valuable standalone professional service if the project does not proceed, while forming the foundation of the architectural engagement where it does.
02. CONCEPT DESIGN
Establish the architectural idea
"Construction and budget input do not replace architectural ambition, they help establish a viable way to protect it."
Concept Design explores how the project should respond to its site and how its spaces should be organised. Orientation, views, landscape, privacy, access, circulation, climate and everyday use are considered together.
Different directions may be explored before a preferred concept is selected. The objective is to establish a strong architectural idea that answers the brief while remaining grounded in the conditions required to approve, build and live in the project.
Construction and interior input begin during this stage, while fundamental changes can still be made without undoing extensive documentation.
Role of each discipline
Architecture
Akasne develops the site strategy, spatial planning, architectural form, environmental response and relationship between the building, landscape and client brief.
Building Consultant
The builder reviews the emerging concepts against site conditions, construction methodology, material systems, complexity and preliminary cost expectations.
Interior Designer
The interior designer considers furniture planning, key room relationships, kitchen and wet-area requirements, storage, joinery priorities and the intended interior character.
Project Outputs
Concept options · Site strategy · Spatial planning · Preliminary plans and elevations · Architectural visualisations · Early interior direction · Preliminary buildability and cost review
03. DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Resolve the whole building before seeking approval
The preferred concept is developed well beyond its external form before a Planning Permit application is lodged.
Internal planning, window positions, floor levels, structure, services, materials, key joinery, furniture and interior requirements are tested together so that the footprint and envelope submitted for approval reflect a building that works as a complete project.
This is important because decisions made later about kitchens, joinery, services or furniture can affect windows, doors, openings and external form. Resolving these relationships before planning reduces the likelihood of discovering during working drawings that the approved architecture needs to be changed.
Role of each discipline
Architecture
Akasne refines the floor plans, elevations, sections, openings, levels, circulation, structure and relationships between internal and external spaces.
Building Consultant
The builder tests the developed design against sequencing, structure, material systems, procurement, construction complexity, buildability and available cost information.
Interior Designer
The interior designer develops kitchens, bathrooms, key joinery, furniture planning, lighting intent, finishes and service requirements that could influence the architecture being approved.
Project Outputs
Developed plans · Elevations and sections · Window and opening strategy · Structure and services coordination · Key joinery · Furniture planning · Material direction · Cost and buildability review
We do not seek approval for an exterior form and hope the interior works later.
The relationships between architecture, interiors and construction are substantially resolved before the project is lodged.
04. TOWN PLANNING
Secure the Planning Permit while the project continues to progress
"Construction and budget input do not replace architectural ambition, they help establish a viable way to protect it."
Where a Planning Permit is required, Akasne prepares and coordinates the application in response to the relevant planning controls, site conditions and specialist advice.
Because the project has already undergone substantial Design Development, the application represents a coordinated architectural direction rather than an unresolved external envelope.
Akasne manages the planning documentation, consultant reports, Council communication and any design implications arising through the assessment process.
Role of each discipline
Architecture
Akasne prepares the planning application, coordinates supporting consultants, responds to Council and incorporates any required changes into the overall project.
Building Consultant
The builder reviews planning-driven changes for their potential effect on construction methodology, cost, scope and programme.
Interior Designer
The interior designer checks that planning changes remain compatible with internal layouts, joinery, furniture, lighting and service requirements.
Project Outputs
Planning drawings · Application coordination · Specialist reports · Council responses · Design amendments where required · Permit-condition review
Planning assessment does not need to become lost time
Town Planning is often one of the longest parts of the project. While the application is being assessed, Akasne continues progressing the parts of the architecture, interiors and consultant work that can responsibly move forward.
Work is advanced according to the level of planning certainty. This maintains momentum without unnecessarily completing information that may still be affected by the approval outcome.
05. CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION + BUILDING PERMIT
Prepare coordinated information for approval, pricing and building
Following the Planning Permit or once planning requirements have been confirmed where no permit is required, the project is developed into detailed construction documentation.
Architectural drawings, interior information, specifications, schedules and consultant documentation are coordinated for Building Permit approval, detailed builder pricing and construction.
Because the major architectural and internal relationships were resolved during Design Development, this stage can focus on technical coordination and delivery rather than reopening fundamental planning and design decisions.
Documentation prepared for building, not only approval.
The documentation communicates how the project is intended to be constructed, coordinated and finished, providing a clearer foundation for pricing and site delivery.
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Role of each discipline
Architecture
Akasne prepares the detailed architectural drawings, schedules, specifications and consultant coordination required to communicate the intended construction.
Building Consultant
The builder reviews details, building systems, sequencing, procurement, cost implications and construction risks before work begins on site.
Interior Designer
The interior designer completes joinery documentation, finishes, fixtures, fittings, lighting and interior schedules in coordination with the architectural and consultant information.
Specialist coordination
Akasne coordinates the building surveyor, engineers, energy assessor and other relevant consultants so their information is reflected consistently across the documentation.
Project Outputs
Construction drawings · Detailed sections · Joinery documentation · Door and window schedules · Materials and specifications · Consultant documentation · Interior schedules · Building Permit coordination · Detailed pricing information
Working drawings become a stage of technical resolution not the first time the whole building is tested.
06. BUILDER APPOINTMENT +
PRE-CONSTRUCTION
Confirm the builder and the right pathway to construction
By this stage the project has been substantially designed, coordinated and documented.
The next step is to confirm who will build it and how Akasne will support the project through construction.
The client is not locked into any builder who has contributed during design.
Early builder involvement is a genuine paid professional service intended to improve the design process not unpaid estimating provided in exchange for an assumed construction contract.
Where the builder involved during design remains the right fit, they already understand the project's design intent, material decisions, cost discussions and construction approach.
Where another builder is preferred, the project still benefits from having been tested through construction input during design.
Two Delivery Pathways
The architectural process through Concept Design, Design Development, Town Planning and Construction Documentation is essentially the same.
Before builder appointment, the project proceeds through one of two delivery pathways.
Collaborative Deliver + Construction Support
Our recommended pathway where the right builder relationship exists.
Akasne assists with the builder's detailed quotation, scope reconciliation, builder queries and appointment before continuing to provide defined architectural support throughout construction.
The objective is continuity carrying the architectural and construction knowledge developed during design directly through to site.
Full Service - Tender + Contract Administration
Where competitive tendering or a higher level of independent contractual administration is appropriate, Akasne can undertake the traditional architect-led pathway.
This includes competitive tendering where required, builder assessment and appointment, followed by formal Contract Administration throughout construction.
You do not need to decide at the beginning
Both pathways can be identified in the architectural proposal.
The final pathway can be confirmed before builder appointment once the project, documentation, pricing and available builder options are properly understood.
Architecture
Akasne coordinates the final project information, assists with builder queries, reviews scope and pricing, and supports the client through builder appointment.
Builder
Where continuing from the design stages, the builder progresses into detailed pricing, procurement, programming, trade coordination and pre-construction planning.
Where another builder is selected, Akasne assists with transferring the coordinated project information and responding to queries necessary to understand the intended scope.
Interior Designer
Where Interior Design is included, the Interior Designer confirms selections, schedules, supplier information, lead times and items requiring procurement or coordination before construction.
Project Outputs
Detailed builder pricing · Scope reconciliation · Builder queries · Builder appointment · Delivery pathway confirmation · Procurement strategy · Construction programme · Pre-start coordination
07. CONSTRUCTION + COMPLETION
Carry the shared project knowledge into construction
Architectural involvement does not finish when the drawings are issued.
Akasne remains involved during construction according to the delivery pathway selected for the project, helping carry the decisions established through design and documentation into what is actually built.
Where the builder has been involved during design, the team enters construction with a shared understanding of the project.
Where another builder is appointed, Akasne assists in transferring that coordinated information and clarifying the architectural intent as construction progresses.
Collaborative Delivery + Construction Support
Under Collaborative Delivery, Akasne provides defined architectural support throughout construction.
This typically includes:
responding to construction RFIs and architectural clarifications
reviewing significant design-related variations
agreed key-stage site reviews
architectural and design-quality review during construction
coordination of relevant interior design matters where included
Practical Completion and defects review
Collaborative Construction Support maintains architectural continuity without providing comprehensive formal administration of the building contract.
Full Service - Contract Administration
Under Full Service, Akasne acts as the independent Contract Administrator under the building contract.
In addition to architectural and site involvement, this can include:
progress-claim assessment
formal variation assessment
Extensions of Time
contractual correspondence
regular construction inspections
Practical Completion
defects
Final Completion
This provides the traditional maximum-protection architect-led construction pathway.
Architecture
Akasne reviews the work as it progresses, clarifies the architectural documentation, assesses proposed design changes and helps maintain alignment between the design intent and the project being constructed.
The level of contractual involvement depends on whether the project is proceeding under Collaborative Construction Support or Full Contract Administration.
Builder
The appointed builder is responsible for management of the site, programme, trades, procurement, construction methodology, quality and delivery of the building work.
Interior Designer
Where Interior Design is included, the Interior Designer reviews relevant samples, joinery, finishes, fixtures and interior installations against the coordinated design.
Completion and Handover
Akasne remains involved through the appropriate completion process under the selected delivery pathway, including review of incomplete or defective work and Practical Completion where included.
Project Outputs
Construction RFIs · Architectural clarification · Site reviews · Design-quality review · Variation review where applicable · Interior reviews · Practical Completion · Defects review · Contract Administration where Full Service is selected
Better information before expensive decisions
WHY IT MATTERS
Architectural ambition with practical grounding
Site response, spatial quality, climate, light and everyday experience remain central, while the pathway required to construct the design is considered from the beginning.
Fewer late design conflicts
Architecture, interiors, structure and services are resolved together before approvals and detailed documentation, reducing avoidable redesign and repeated approval work.
Earlier cost and buildability visibility
Paid builder input helps test scope, complexity, materials and construction systems while the design can still respond efficiently.
Greater continuity into construction
The people delivering the project understand how and why decisions were made, creating a more informed transition from design into building.
Akasne does more than produce a design and hand over a drawing set. We lead and coordinate the wider project bringing architecture, interiors, construction input, approvals, documentation and delivery into one connected process.
