Working with a historical home is a unique opportunity - full of possibility, but it can also have its challenges. With clear guidance and a collaborative process, what can feel complex becomes an experience you can enjoy and feel proud of. My role is to support you every step of the way.
A clear, collaborative process - from first sketch to final handover.
Here is how I bring your vision to life:
This first stage is all about setting the foundations for your project. Together, we establish your design brief - your goals, priorities, and how you’d like to live in your home. We’ll also discuss budget and timeline to ensure the project is realistic from the outset.
Before any design work begins, we measure and draw the existing house to create a base plan. The condition of the original home is assessed to understand what repairs or upgrades may be needed. We also analyse the site to identify opportunities and constraints, and determine any planning requirements that may apply.
Here, the ideas start to take shape. We explore design options, guided by your brief, and present sketch designs that illustrate possible layouts, forms, and how the spaces will work. This is a collaborative stage, where we refine the ideas together, making sure the design feels right for you and your home.
At this stage, we also obtain early cost estimates to check that the design aligns with your budget before moving forward.
Once a preferred concept is chosen, we develop it further into a resolved design. Plans, elevations, and 3D views are prepared to show the design in more detail. At this stage, we also begin considering materials and colours.
If council approval is needed, the desired design is presented to council for preliminary discussions and feedback.
If your project needs planning approval, I’ll prepare all the required drawings and documents, and manage the application on your behalf - including liaising with council to keep things moving.
This is where the technical detail comes in. I prepare the full construction documentation - drawings and specifications needed for building the permit and accurate builder pricing. These become the drawings your builder will work from.
I co-ordinate the consultants such as structural engineers and the building surveyor to obtain our building permit.
This is also when the interior design documentation happens - we resolve joinery, finishes, colours, lighting, and other details, that bring character and atmosphere to your home.
Once documentation is complete, I'll recommend and help you select a quality builder. I manage the tender process, answer builder queries, and guide you through contract negotiations - ensuring clarity and confidence before construction begins.
Throughout the build, I remain closely involved - conducting regular site visits, answering questions, and ensuring the project stays true to the design intent. I also check for quality and manage any issues that arise, right through to a final check of any defects that need resolving, before handover.
