Building Design Services

At eCAD Studio's we specialise in custom home design, renovations and small commercial projects covering the Brisbane, Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast regions. With an experienced in the Architectural industry for over 20 years, our design approach, construction knowledge and customer service will ensure a successful outcome to your next project. We design homes that reflect your personality and style and we will deliver on your expectations. We ensure that all projects are built on time and to budget, with minimum fuss and maximum satisfaction.

Unlike most firms we don't turn anyone away. It doesn't matter what you are building; we can figure out what's your needed and come up with a solution.

At eCAD Studio, we take the time to find out exactly what you want and then use our experience to deliver professional Design solutions. Unlike most firms we don't turn anyone away. It doesn't matter what you are building; we can figure out what's your needed and come up with a solution.

eCAD Studio prides itself on providing cost effective Designs and Drafting Services while keeping a high level of quality and we strive to finish our projects in good time to accelerate the overall completion of the project.

As certified building designers will work to establish a building design that meets both the customer's vision and the council's requirements at the same time. Our approach starts with your experiences and considers your lifestyle. Our designers will work with your ideas, your sketches and build your project design that starts with you. The procedure starts with a brief from you and we will use this to prepare a detailed quotation. Presuming you are happy to proceed we will develop a design sketch and send it to you for approval and make adjustments. Once we have created a design that suits your needs and complies with all relevant local government requirements, we will work to achieve council approval which includes managing external consultants such as structural, energy and electrical.

Directly below are other services which are included in a full fee project.

Preliminary Design Consultation

Include a detailed project briefing in our office, or at the client's office or home to assess client's needs, and provide advice on various options including discussion of possible future plans, resale, etc. Preliminary layout sketches may be produced and/or an indicative budget prepared. The intent of this briefing is to assess available options so a value judgement can be made for further detailed development.

Site Feature Survey (this is not a Licensed Survey)

Carry out feature and levels survey of the building site including noting of features such as fences, large trees, drainage, pits, adjacent properties, views, local features, etc. A 're-establishment survey' might be required to re-peg the site boundaries (if required, this needs to be carried out by a Licensed Surveyor at extra cost). In some cases a Licensed Survey is a mandatory requirement of a Council.

Detailed Site Measures and Preparation of Existing Conditions Plan

Relates to existing buildings requiring alterations or additions and involves documenting the state of existing works prior to any alterations or additions

Feasibility Study

Prepare feasibility studies for proposed projects involving analysis of design options, scope of works and likely costs based on historical data.

Preliminary Design Development

This role incorporates coordinating a design brief from the client and preparing preliminary concept sketches suitable for subsequent detailed development. Often included at this time is an assessment of options designed to analyse various benefits, long-term aims or budget considerations. Where required, discussions with neighbours or other interested parties may be reviewed.

Planning Application Drawings

Where required by Council or by Codes, after approval of concept design, the preparation of presentation drawings for planning application purposes. The drawings describe for planning application purposes the scope of works and relevant visible finishes and site conditions.

Planning Submissions to Council and Carrying Out Required Advertising

Building Designers prepare site context plans and design response plans for the purposes of making application for a planning permit. Where required by Council, lodge the relevant application forms, plans and/or letter of explanation as may be necessary. Upon request by Council, erect site signs and carry out any other activities necessary to complete the statutory advertising requirements (if not carried out by the Council)

Design Development

An advanced stage of the Feasibility Study referred to above where a design concept may be reviewed, modified and developed to finally refine a concept to include the best available features and also to ensure that the ultimate working drawings will be consistent with the planning drawings and permit requirements.

Working Drawings

The preparation of working drawings to define basic structural aspects and many requirements of finish deemed to comply with the provisions of the Building Code of Australia. The drawings provide details of all doors, windows, roof construction, dimensions, site works and also detail specific connections or construction techniques.

Internal Details - Amenities/Wet Areas

The preparation of detailed drawings of layout, elevations, finishes, etc showing built-in cupboards, fittings, extent of wall-tiling, wall mirrors, etc for all wet areas, i.e., kitchen, bathroom, laundry. The intention is that these drawings can be given to relevant trades to assist with costing estimates and to clarify details of finish. In many cases, accessories, power points and lighting can be located.

Electrical Plan

Liaison with clients to produce a comprehensive layout plan of lighting and power points incorporating requirements for switching, dimmer switches, security lighting, general and/or purpose lighting.

Building Thermal Performance Assessments

With many Australians now becoming more environmentally aware, good design now goes arm-in-arm with environmentally friendly design. There are a vast array of innovative 'green' products now available that can assist to reduce your project's environmental 'footprint' and to minimize the running costs of your project, and many building designers can provide advice about such 'green' products to ensure your project is energy efficient, resulting in a healthy living or working environment.

Project Specification and Schedule of Finishes

A descriptive specification providing a defined basis for builders to prepare their fixed price quotation. The specification describes the standards of workmanship and includes details of fittings, finishes and materials to be used.

Call Tenders, Liaise with Client and Builders, Attend Contract Signing

Completion of tender documents for the calling of tenders from selected builders. May also assist in preparation of contract documents. Analyse quotations and make recommendations to the Client for the appointment of a builder, assist in negotiations and final signing-off on building contract. It is recommended that all parties prior to signing any contract documents seek legal advice.

Lodge Building Permits and Liaise with Building Surveyors

Prepare application forms, co-ordinate all relevant documents and lodge with the appointed building surveyor. In some cases, liaison with the building surveyor will be required prior to completion of working drawings.

Site Attendance and Contract Administration

Attend site on a regular basis to monitor progress, advise and interpret drawings and contract documentation for the builder and/or the owner as required. Monitor the project to obtain appropriate finishes consistent with the design concept, client's brief and fair and reasonable trade practice. To carry out contract administration such as record variations, progress claims, etc and advise on the validity of such claims. Note: The role does not include responsibility for quality control. In all cases the builder is responsible for adherence to the contract documents, to relevant building regulations and to the maintenance of quality control. The Building Designer's role is of an advisory capacity only.

Assist in Engagement of Consultants

Some projects require the engagement of external consultants to carry out specialist works on behalf of the client, eg. structural engineer, landscape designer, interior designer, building surveyor, town planner to name a few. Client's authority will be obtained prior to instructing such consultants, and clients will be ask to engage the consultants however eCAD Studio will manage their output and inform client is action needs to be taken.

Assessment of Compliance Reports

eCAD Studio can assist with the assessment of the numerous compliance reports often required by regulatory authorities and obtaining reports/schedules demonstrating compliance with the various regulations and codes affecting the building and construction industry.

Artistic/Graphic Presentation

We have skills or capacities to offer artistic representations of the project. This is particularly helpful for marketing purposes and in assisting to visualize the project concept in three-dimensional form, eg, perspectives, 3D CAD images, walk-throughs.

If you are interested in our services please contact us via one of our social media outlets below or by phone or post via the details at the bottom of the screen.