Melbourne (South East): Important factors to find suitable architect

Hey experts,

First time posting with no previous experience in property development. I have a few questions regarding the decision process in finding the right architect and ALSO creation of a team of suitable advisors to help minimise mistakes through this process.


My bother and I have a corner block 700 Sq metres in Mentone with the plan to build 3 town houses. My brother will be the builder (20 years experience in construction but none as the owner/builder). We are in the process of finding a suitable architect but considering this is our first attempt we are after some guidance re the following:

What factors are important when deciding on an architect?

So far I see the following as being important:

• Particular experience working/navigating with the particular council (in this case Kingston)
• Previous experience with 3 townhouse developments
• Relationship with the builder (my brother)
• As this is our first development, finding someone that can hold our hand through the process.

Any other factors you think are important or any advice on the way to approach deciding on an architect would be greatly appreciated.


A second question relates to creating a team to help deliver the project and minimise mistakes. Ive been reading many posts re developments but am overwhelmed with the content. Considering that this is a first attempt at property development would you advise having a property advisor (to help advise re finding a suitable architect/navigate taxation questions/timelines/admin etc) or do you think an architect/town planner could/would provide this service?

Any advice on how to start this process would be greatly appreciated.

 

Is your brother actually a registered builder?

 

1. Forget "local" consultants as a priority. A good consultant (team) will work professionally with your interests as a priority. Experience in a particular location may be - MAY be helpful but should not be a priority. If you want an architect, make sure get an architect, not a drafter or designer providing "architectural design"
2. Source a residential architect, rather than one who specialises in commercial. Ask to see examples of work. Bear in mind projects respond to particular circumstances and clients. What you are looking for is capability, not whether or not you like their design solutions
3. Relationship(s) - the second most important factor after capability. You will be working with them for quite some time. Don't pick a prima donna - pick someone who knows their capabilities and limits and will work in a team.
4. Engage a town planner to work with the team and provide input to the design solution from a planning perspective.
5. A good team - one person leads to another - will find people for you. Start with a town planner or architect (personally a good planner is worth their weight in gold, and can save angst. Don't mix finance/tax questions with the design and planning process. and no, you don't need a property advisor. Start with your accountant and see where that leads
Good luck

 

Thanks for your response Tufan your suggestions made a lot of sense, particularly re collaboration, capability and that one team member can lead to another. Much appreciated.

At the moment we have one recommendation for an architect who has a history of collaborating effectively with his clients and has designed a number of townhouses recently constructed in the area. We will be meeting with him soon.

Id appreciate If there is anyone had a recommendation for an architect/town planner for a 3 townhouse development in South East Melbourne.

 

Yes he is

 

Knowledge of the planning scheme and what can be achieved is paramount. What are the setbacks, requirements for private open space, and whether you can build on both side boundaries are factors they need to be across.

 

Hey @Tufan Chakir , I'm syd based and looking at a knock down rebuild in an older area with terrace style houses, so respecting streetscape will be important to what we get approved. Councils approach will really affect the outcomes we get.

I've had two architects come with 2 different approaches;

One says a town planner will help if we want to go straight through to land & environment court because the DA panels can see a planner as adversarial. This architect preferred working without one and using a pre-da meeting with council to discuss ideas and challenge (metaphorical.. and maybe literal) boundaries for the project.

The other architect said a town planner was really vital to the process and helped get the most out of the site. This firm is also a lot newer and less experienced than the first architect, so a cynic could say they felt they needed the help whereas the experienced one knew how things worked.

Do you have a strong opinion either way? I saw you mentioned a planner was essential, can they be seen as adversarial to DA panels as effectively a hired expert in their domain?
My thinking is that if I was a council planner, had a DA meeting and gave suggestions, and the person didn't listen to them i'd be less inclined to approve them a second time. So effectively a pre-DA becomes two chances for people to say no and get stickier to their rejection.

First timer through the process, thank you for any advice/guidance.

 

Each situation is going to be different. BUT where a planning decision/application/outcome is going to be "tricky" a planner is going to be helpful. The planner will understand the situation, the controls and the background principles - what can be push, what not to push. The planner will also "speak the same language" as Council planners - there can be a sort of "mutual respect". Yes, they are an expert - that's exactly why they would be hired and advocate on your behalf. The architect who doesn't want to collaboratively include a planner should be a specialist in planning as well as architecture, otherwise it's maybe ego getting in the way. Ask yourself how you would best be served. If the first architect prefers working without a planner, ask why - are the scared of being shown up, someone influencing "their" design? etc
Analogy - go to a doctor with a pain. GP will poke and prod and send you home with some pain killers. A different GP will say more investigation required and send you off to a specialist. Who would you prefer looking after your interests?
ALMOST FINALLY - a town planner will negotiate and liaise from a planning perspective, and make sure the architect is not being "bluffed".
FINALLY - make sure you are talking about QUALITY consultants.do some background checking - not all planners are created equal.