2.  PROJECT CONSULTANCY

Design Review & Development Diagnostics 

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At the core of our project consultancy service is the practice of adding value to projects through a design and efficiency review process.    

 

We work with developers by reviewing their drawings to see how an existing design strategy can be altered or revised so that outcomes are optimised and projects are given the best possible chance of being delivered. 

 

This process combines development, construction, and design skills in a  way that balances and optimises 12 key development variables that need to be considered when striving for the best design strategy for a project. Since the design strategy forms a critical part of any successful development, a 3rd party review is essential in order to ensure that these factors are understood and prioritised in a way that produces the best possible outcome for the project.  

 

This 3rd party review process has been proven time and time again to uncover hidden potential and create positive results that add value far in excess of our fees. 

 

The timing of our services reflects the project stages listed below.  This diagnostic review process is designed to add value at each stage of the project by balancing efficiency and effectiveness with other elements that make up a successful project.

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1. Acquisitions Stage (pre-purchase)

Review, test and create design options and strategies for the site, due diligence checklist review, high-level construction cost advice.  

 

2. Design Stage

Review design plans provided by you / your architect and advise on potential alternate strategies that best optimise the project.  Depending on the project, a construction cost review is sometimes required at this stage to ensure the design meets budget expectations.  Engineering and other consultant input is often required at this stage and we can assist with the appointment of these consultants.

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3. Pre DA Stage

Review draft development application  (DA)  drawings provided by you / your architect to look for further opportunities to add value.  Before committing to DA lodgement,  construction cost estimates are obtained to ensure the design meets budget expectations.  This cost review is undertaken by our cost consultant partners.     

 

4. Tender and Value Management Stage

Review Tender drawings provided by  you / your architect as well as provide direction on what to include and what not to include in the tender documentation.  Value management services include working with prospective builders and the team to bring cost inline with project goals while preserving/improving the design intent. 

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5. Construction Documentation Stage

Review construction drawings provided by you / your architect.  Each building is a ‘prototype’, meaning that each building is unique and as such no set of construction drawings is ever perfect.  However, having a 3rd party review of these drawings can minimise the chances of mistakes being built on site and can reduce the risk of contractor variations.  In an effort to reduce the risk of time and cost blowouts on site, we review architectural and engineering drawings looking for any coordination issues,  constructability issues, errors, omissions, ambiguities and inconsistencies. 

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When and How – we can be engaged for any or all of the stages above but ideally from Stage 1.  As project consultants, we can work with you on any size project from 3 townhouses to 300 units.  Challenging sites can sometimes present the best opportunities and we are well versed in understanding difficult sites that others shy away from.    

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