Stage 1 – Pre-Design & Initial Consultation

We start every project with an initial client meeting to provide advice, guidance and workshop your design vision and aspirations. The meeting enables us to get to know you and you to get to know us and in so doing making sure that we are the right fit for you and your project. It’s a process that we follow to help our clients get the best start and get moving in the right direction.

  • Research the project

  • Establish goals and objectives

  • Gather relevant information

  • Identify strategies

  • Determine quantitative requirements

  • Summarise scope of work

Client sign-off on scope of works.

Stage 2 – Concept & Schematic Design

The Concept and Schematic Design stage is a response to the client’s brief, budget and information gathered from the subject site. The process allows us to determine the viability of the project and explore options that will both satisfy the budget and desired project outcome.

Develop site plans, floor plans and building elevations

  • Develop look and feel

  • Inform and advise on sustainable design principles

  • Obtain a cost review to provide a project cost analysis check to the client

Client sign-off on basic building form and function and preferred concept design option

Stage 3 – Design Development

During this stage we refine the initial design concept into a detailed plan that includes accurate drawings, specifications and documentation require for construction. This can be described as the bridge between the schematic design and the documentation phases, where the concept evolves into a more refined and articulated form.

  • Refine the concept design and solidify plans

  • Material selection and suitability – beauty, durability & price

  • Provide client assistance in decision making

Client sign-off on developed plans and material selections

Stage 4 – Approval Submission

The Approval Submission stage is where the design development is refined and prepared for regulatory approval. The approval route may be via the NSW State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or via the more traditional Local Council Approval, Development Application (DA).

  • Develop the documentation to satisfy the requirements of the chosen legislative approval route DA or CDC.

  • Approval documentation to only include information necessary for approval. Including all information will clutter the documentation and confuse the authority.

  • Submit approval documentation via the NSW Planning Portal for authority approval

  • It is important to submit the authority approval documentation asap as this process can take a long time. (authority approval is on the critical path)

Client sign-off of approval documentation prior to submission

Stage 5 – Tender & Construction Documentation

This stage provides the detailed documentation required for the tendering process to builders and contractors. The documentation describes the scope of works and includes the quality and quantity of materials. Clear and precise tender documentation, which clearly describes the scope of works ensures more accurate and competitive tendering and reduces builders’ variations and errors in the work during construction.

  • Development of the design documentation to incorporate construction details and include every element of the design.

  • Finalise material selection and specification.

Client sign-off of detailed documentation

Stage 6 – Tender, Negotiation & Contract

During this stage we assist the client in determining the preferred tender process, selected tender or negotiated tender. The tender process is determined through assessing all contributing factors including, time, cost and builder/contractor relationship. The process is managed to ensure a fair and equal tender process and ensure construction commences to program.

  • Guide the client in selecting the most appropriate building contract for their project.

  • Undertake the building tender and advice client during the process

  • Guide the client in selecting the best builder/contractor to fulfil the project. Variables in selection may be cost, time or builder relationship.

  • Arrange for the contract documents to be signed between the client and the selected builder/contractor.

Client and Builder to both sign selected building contract and contract documentation

Stage 7 – Construction Certificate (for DA Approvals only)

If your approval is via the DA route a CC will be require prior to commencement of construction. The Construction Certificate (CC) can be issued by a Private Certifier (PCA) or via the Local Authority. A CC is an approval that ensures compliance with the conditions of the Development Application (DA), the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and any other regulatory requirements.

  • Advise the client on the appointment of the PCA to undertake the CC

  • Advise client on statutory payments required to satisfy the requirements of the CC

  • Develop the documentation to satisfy the requirements for the CC issued by the PCA

  • Approval documentation to only include information necessary for approval. Including all information will clutter the documentation and confuse the authority.

  • Submit approval documentation via the NSW Planning Portal for authority approval

Stage 8 – Contract Administration

During this stage we act as the client’s agent, ensuring the project is on time and on budget, with site inspections during construction, working with the builder to problem solve or identify any improvements that could potentially occur. If the client has elected for an architect administered building contract, then we will also act impartially to administer the contract to ensure that both parties are treated fair and equally by the terms of the contract.

  • Provide construction oversight to ensure the building is constructed inline with the design specifications

  • Arrange and lead the pre-construction meeting and progress meetings during construction.

  • Review and approval submittals from builder/contractor; shop drawings, product data sheets and samples

  • Review and approve monthly pay requests detailing work completed during the month and requests payment for that work

  • Respond to RFIs from the builder/contractor

  • Regular site visits to view progress and conformity

  • Issue variations to the contract documentation as requested by the client

The Client is obligated to act in accordance with the building contract

Stage 9 – Post Construction

After construction has been completed, we will perform a final walk-through with the client and builder to identify any defects. The defects list identifies any remaining items that need to be completed prior to practical completion (PC). Once PC has been achieved an occupation certificate (OC) can be obtained via the NSW Planning Portal. This essentially declares the project completed. After the project is completed, we will provide the client with:

  • Project record documents

  • Operation and maintenance manuals

  • Warranties and bonds

The selected contract may include a defects liability period during which the builder/contractor is responsible for repairing or rectifying building defects that may appear. In most cases the client will retain a proportion of the contract sum which is payable to the builder on completion of the defects liability period (refer to building contract)

The Client is obligated to act in accordance with the building contract

Stage 10 – Post Project Review

As a final sign-off, a structured post project review is undertaken. The aim of the review is to analyse the project’s successes, challenges and overall effectiveness. By gathering feedback from the client, the review provides valuable insights for future continuous improvement. The reviews, both positive and negative, help Cradle Design enhance future project planning and client satisfaction.

1. How satisfied are you with the outcome of the project?

2. How satisfied are you with meeting the project’s initial goals and objectives?

3. How would you rate the effectiveness of our communication throughout the project?

4. How satisfied are you with the quality and completeness of the project deliverables?

5. How satisfied are you with the way we handled issues or challenges that arose during the project?

6. Were project milestones and deadlines met in a timely manner?

7. Did the project stay within the agreed-upon budget?

8. Were there any scope changes during the project? If so, were they handled effectively?

9. How would you describe our collaboration and teamwork during the project?

10. Do you think we incorporated your suggestions and feedback into the project development process effectively?

11. How involved did you feel in the decision-making and project management processes? Or in other words, did our team listen to your suggestions and incorporate them adequately?

12. Did you get adequate training and support for project-related systems or processes?

13. Would you consider working with us on future projects?

14. Would you recommend our services to others? Why or why not?

15. Is there any other feedback, positive or negative, that you would like to share about the project delivery?

Rate 1-5 with 5 being the most satisfied.