Chat with an Architect

Posted on 23 October, 2018

Building or renovating your dream home is one of life’s most exciting adventures, but it can also be the most daunting.

Between budget blowouts and costly mistakes, there is a multitude of risks to be wary of. If you’re in the hands of a good architect, however, it can be a game changer.

Often thought of as a “luxury” add-on, architects can actually save you money and time. From the initial design concept ideas to providing advice on contractors, getting the best value for your money, by tendering the project and overseeing the construction period, architects play a pivotal role in guiding you through a renovation or build from start to finish.

For Architect Tony Trobe and Interior Designer Deb Cook of TT Architecture, who have won over 120 industry awards, a well-designed home is more than just a building—it can have a profound impact on our mood and the way we live.

Tony Trobe and Deb Cook

“Choosing who designs your home isn’t a decision to be made lightly as the end result is more than likely your ‘forever home’,” says Deb.

“The best design result is when the final product is beyond what the owners had expected. It’s great to hear clients tell us ‘it is not what I thought I was going to get but I love it’. A discerning architect should add value that you could never have achieved by yourself.

“Being a good architect is about reading people; to have emotional intelligence and to understand what your clients want in the bigger picture.”

On 13 November Tony and Deb, together with their team, will host a ‘Chat with an Architect’ evening at Winning Appliances Gallery in Kingston.

It’s an information and Q&A session that’s perhaps more relevant now than ever given Canberra’s recent boom in knockdown and rebuilds, after the sale of Mr Fluffy blocks and the emergence of newer suburbs such as Denman Prospect and Molonglo Valley.

During the evening they will cover the value in using an architect, the process an architect takes once engaged, tips to stay on budget, golden rules for picking builders, advice on block selection, how much architects charge, and any other niggling questions guests have.

Ahead of the information evening we’ve lined up four ways an architect can help with your next renovate or rebuild project.

They can keep your budget in check

“We can cost-check from the get-go for our clients and give the builder inclusions lists to get a realistic guide to the probable costs sorted out in advance,” says Tony.

Right from initial design ideas to recommendations for trades and suppliers, architects have a wealth of experience to tap into. Once your builder starts on site, decisions will need to be made quickly and unless you have the answers, you could face delays and extra expense. Architects understand the building process inside out and will be able to help you avoid “overwhelm mode.”

“We also know what will add value in the future and what won’t—if you reimagine certain aspects of the design and brief for example, you can find better ways of doing things economically.”

They will look at the ‘big picture’

It’s often difficult for homeowners to see the impact renovations can have on their home, but architects are expert in untapping potential.

“It’s important to get a handle on where clients are in their life, the building as a whole and how all the spaces come together,” Tony says.

They have strong relationships in place

Experienced architects will have already built strong relationships with contractors, builders and suppliers, so they are more likely to deliver a better service than you would if you were to manage the build yourself.

“We have established relationships with everyone from builders to local councils (for tree removal, for example) which can save homeowners a lot of time and back and forth,” says Tony.

They can help you go green

TT Architecture has been designing buildings that are environmentally sensitive to both the planet and the homeowner for nearly 30 years, and have won numerous National and local sustainability awards.

“It has always been a cornerstone of every design,” says Tony.

“This has been one of the most frequent concerns from our clients in Canberra. Many of our clients concentrate on the environmental aspect, such as using recycled and nontoxic materials or efficient insulation, and it’s critical to consider how to integrate these things in advance.”

Get your ticket here

Want to know more about the design and building process? ‘Chat with an architect’ is your opportunity to pose those burning questions in a casual, unpressured environment.

the essentials

What: Chat with an Architect, includes wine and nibbles
When: Tuesday 13 November 6-8 pm
Where: Winning Appliances Gallery, 80 Giles Street, Kingston
How much: $15
Web: chatwithanarchitect.eventbrite.com.au

All images featured are designs by TT Architecture 

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