Services
Architectural Process
With over 17 years of experience, our director specializes in crafting thoughtful homes that transform your dreams into a tangible reality. Our well-established procedures and expertise will guide you through every step of the architectural journey.
To provide clarity, we’ve created this page to outline our services and fees, ensuring you have comprehensive information before committing to your project. Effective communication and detailed client input are fundamental to success.
Our process typically commences with an initial discussion, focusing on your overarching goals, budget, motivations, and specific requirements. Whenever possible, we visit the site to gain firsthand insights. Through attentive listening and observation, we ascertain your priorities, ensuring we fully comprehend your needs and translating them into a comprehensive project brief. This initial brief discussion may involve reference materials such as photographs, videos, images, and conceptual sketches.
Leveraging our creative skills and training, we transform your input into visual concepts. This involves presenting you with plan options and sketch forms that constitute the initial design. Our aim is to exceed your expectations, but we remain adaptable and responsive to your feedback during this iterative process.
As the design evolves, we utilize cutting-edge visualization methods, including interactive 3D models and immersive technology, to help you experience the design’s development. This includes virtual walk-through models, videos, and 3D images that allow you to engage with and visualize the evolving design.
Subsequently, we integrate your feedback, decisions, and insights from expert consultants into a comprehensive package of drawings, images, technical details, and contractual information. These materials are essential for approvals, certifications, and to guide builders, suppliers, and tradespeople in bringing your home to life.
Our commitment doesn’t end with the completion of your new home. We value follow-ups and, on occasion, visit you within a couple of years to witness how you’ve personalized your space and to hear about your experiences living there.
Regions Served
We’re honoured to create designs that grace the diverse and stunning landscapes of Victoria, within the traditional lands of the Bunurong people from our practice by the bay. In our commitment to providing top-notch service and reducing our carbon footprint, we’ve made the deliberate choice not to take on projects outside of Victoria. This decision also aligns with our dedication to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, particularly for team members with young families.
We invite you to share insights about your site and the aspects that hold significance for your project. Every project commences with a friendly conversation, preferably over a cup of coffee or a leisurely lunch. We eagerly await the opportunity to hear from you and embark on this creative journey together.
Design Services and Stages; Fees and Timeframes
The practice and director are both registered with the ARBV and follow the Architects Code of Conduct. We undertake Continuing Professional Development and maintain insurance policies.
As a registered A+ Architecture Practise, Sunpath follows the Australian Institute of Architects Service model in the AIA Client Architect Agreement. This standard model of written agreement divides a project into clearly defined stages and details the services and fees associated with each stage. Your commitment to continue with the agreement must be reaffirmed at the completion of each design stage so you are not locked into the process indefinitely if circumstances change.
We will provide this draft client architect agreement to you along with the AIA’s guide for clients. An accompanying cover letter will explain the project particulars and outline brief, with the expected project cost, program and fees.
Design Stages in a typical Project
0 – Initial enquiry
1 A – Concept Design Part 1 – Initial Concepts
1 B – Concept Design Part 2 – Schematic Design
2 A – Design Development
2 B – Passive House Planning Package
3 – Planning Application
4 A – Construction Documentation
4 B – Trade Packages such as Workshop and Prefab Drawings
5 – Procurement and Contractor Selection
6 – Contract Administration
7 – Passive House Certification
Please submit an email enquiry for a full booklet describing the service stages in detail.
Project Costs and Design Fees
Architectural homes cost more than standard volume builder homes because they differ significantly in methods, materials, quality, and performance.
Many of our projects are entirely unique and often involve additional site and service costs.
Passive house projects typically incur additional costs for labour, airtightness, insulation, HRV, renewables, and higher-performance glazing, among others.
The actual construction cost depends on the size, complexity, and quality, impacting the amount of time, labour, and materials required.
Australian homes rank among the world’s largest. Our skilled architects can design versatile spaces that accommodate more compact, cost-effective solutions.
As a result of construction cost inflation, our projects typically range from $5,000 – $8,000 per sqm + GST. The lowest pre-COVID cost we achieved for a recent Passive House project was $800,000 + GST.
Fee Calculation Method:
Our standard engagement involves providing full architectural services and charging a percentage fee. The percentage is initially based on the projected construction cost and is adjusted as the project progresses.
During the Concept Design Stage discussions, we will estimate a project budget, serving as the foundation for fee calculations.
Total fees are broken down and allocated to each stage of the architectural process.
Invoices are issued monthly in accordance with the progress made at each design stage.
Fees are adjusted when the construction costs are finalized.
Why Are Fees Based on a Percentage?
We offer a valuable professional service to clients investing in a high-quality design outcome. Our experience demonstrates that this method accurately reflects the work, research, meetings, time, drawings, documentation, coordination, and specification required to deliver our level of work for your project.
Our projects demand meticulous attention to detail and upfront design, considering and coordinating elements for successful prefabrication and Passive House outcomes.
Percentage fees provide transparency and clarity regarding costs. Because the fee is directly linked to the construction cost, clients can easily grasp the financial impact of scope changes or variations in architectural service costs. This approach establishes a clear agreement on the architect’s compensation.
Flexibility: The percentage fee method accommodates changes in project scope and budget. As construction costs fluctuate due to modifications or unforeseen circumstances, the architect’s fee adjusts accordingly. This flexibility allows for adjustments during the design and construction phases without the need for frequent renegotiation of the fee structure.
Industry Standard: Charging a percentage fee is a widely accepted practice in the architectural profession. It is a standard method employed by many architects, readily understood by clients and industry stakeholders. This consistent approach to fee calculation promotes equitable compensation within the industry.
Architectural Process
With our director’s 19 years of experience, we create thoughtfully designed homes that reflect your vision.
We follow this structured seven stage process that ensures clarity and support from start to finish.
Our Design & Project Stages
Start your dream home journey
Arrange a consultation
Regions we serve
Sunpath proudly design from our studio in the inner- Melbourne seaside suburb of Albert Park, Victoria on Bunurong lands.
We focus exclusively on projects within Victoria, ensuring top-quality service while minimizing our carbon footprint.
Let’s chat! Every project starts with a friendly conversation—preferably over coffee or lunch—to understand your site and vision.
Project Costs and Fees
Transparent Pricing, Tailored Design
Custom architectural homes cost more than standard builds, reflecting superior materials, quality, and unique craftsmanship.
Many of our projects involve specialized site conditions and sustainability requirements.
Passive House projects require added investment in airtightness, insulation, ventilation, and glazing.
Construction costs vary based on size, complexity, and material choices.
Our architects design efficient, space-conscious homes to optimize value and functionality.
Typical Costs:
$5,000 – $8,000 per sqm + GST (as of recent market conditions)
Example: A Passive House project before COVID was completed for $800,000 + GST. During Covid similar projects increased to $1million plus.
How We Calculate Fees:
We provide full architectural services based on a percentage of construction cost.
Fees adjust as the project progresses and costs are finalized.
Monthly invoicing aligns with each design stage, ensuring clear financial expectations.
Why Percentage-Based Fees?
Transparent – Fees scale with construction costs, making financial planning easier.
Flexible – Adapts to scope changes without renegotiating fees constantly.
Industry Standard – A trusted model ensuring fair and clear compensation.
Need a personalized estimate?
Contact us today!