Welcome to ACASÂ
Your Partner in Seamless Design and Building Solutions
At ACASÂ, we pride ourselves on offering an integrated design, planning and documentation service that takes your project from concept to completion. Based on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula, our team of experts work hand in hand with you to transform your vision into reality. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the intricacies of the planning and building process, we are here to streamline the journey from the initial consultation to the completion of your project.
We provide a comprehensive service that covers every stage of the design and approval process, ensuring you receive a tailored, seamless experience. Our fees are highly competitive, typically averaging around 4.5% of the build price. This fee covers not only our design expertise but also the coordination of all necessary external consultants, including land surveyors, arborists, soil testing, engineers, and energy assessors. This means you can rest easy knowing that every aspect of your project is being managed by industry professionals.
Our Complete Design & Approval Process
Stage 1: Initial Consultation
The journey to your dream home or project begins with an initial consultation, which is perhaps the most critical step in setting the foundation for your entire build. During this consultation, a member of our team will meet with you on-site or at our office to discuss your requirements, ideas, budget, and timeline. We take the time to understand your vision and what you want to achieve with your project.
Key elements discussed during this phase include:
Site assessment: We visit the proposed site to understand its topography, aspect, existing structures, and any potential constraints.
Council requirements: Understanding local planning regulations is vital. We’ll review relevant council restrictions and requirements to determine any overlays or zoning that may impact the design.
Your vision: This is where we capture your ideas. Whether you have a clear plan or just a few inspirations, we work with you to develop an understanding of what’s possible.
At this point, we formalize our working relationship by presenting a comprehensive proposal that outlines our design services, fees, timelines, and scope of work. This proposal will include the expected cost of our design services (approximately 4.5% of the total build cost) and a breakdown of other anticipated costs, including consultants such as:
(Required consultants can vary from one project to another)
Land surveyors
Arborists (if necessary)
Soil testing consultants
Structural engineers
Energy assessors
Stage 2: Engagement
Once the initial consultation is complete and you decide to move forward with ACASÂ Design & Building Group, we enter the engagement stage.
By engaging our team, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that every aspect of the design and planning process will be managed efficiently and professionally.
Stage 3: Design Brief
Once the engagement is finalized, the next step is to develop a comprehensive design brief. This document forms the blueprint for your project and guides the design process. In collaboration with you, we will outline:
Project goals and objectives
Desired style and aesthetic
Key spaces, features, and functions
Budget constraints
Timeline considerations
We also take into account environmental factors, sustainability goals, and future-proofing your design for energy efficiency and functionality. By the end of this stage, we will have a clear and concise brief that reflects your vision and lays the groundwork for the design process.
Stage 4: Concept Design
As part of the concept design stage we engage relevant consultants to provide detailed information of the site and any possible issues ie tree reports from Arborist.
With a well-defined brief in hand, and the information above, we move into the concept design phase. Here, our design team translates your ideas and requirements into initial design concepts. These conceptual designs will include:
Preliminary floor plans
Site layout
At this stage, the goal is to provide a visual representation of your project that aligns with the design brief. We’ll also factor in planning regulations, building codes, and site conditions. Feedback is crucial at this point, and we encourage open communication to ensure that the concept aligns with your expectations.
We then refine the design based on your feedback, gradually moving toward a more detailed and accurate representation of your project.
Stage 5: Design Development
Once the concept design is approved, we proceed to the design development phase. This is where the details of the project start to come together, and we refine the initial concepts into more detailed plans. This stage includes:
Detailed floor plans and elevations
Selection of materials and finishes
3d images and visualisation
During design development, we coordinate closely with ourexternal consultants such as. These consultants play a crucial role in ensuring that the design is structurally sound and meets all regulatory requirements.
We also take this opportunity to integrate any specific features you may want, such as solar panels, smart home technology, or water-saving systems. By the end of this stage, you will have a comprehensive design package that is ready for the next stage.
Stage 6: Planning Drawings and Application
At ACASÂ Design & Building Group, our role as building designers includes guiding you through the sometimes complex process of obtaining planning approval. Once the design development stage is complete, we prepare the necessary planning drawings, reports and application to submit to your local council for approval. Depending on the complexity of the planning requirements, planning consultants may be engaged at this stage.
The planning process can be intricate, and it involves more than just submitting the designs. Our team ensures that your project is fully compliant with all planning requirements, zoning laws, and overlays that may apply to your site. We provide the following services during this stage:
Preparation of planning drawings: These include detailed site plans, floor plans, elevations, and shadow diagrams that meet council specifications.
Coordination of external reports: Depending on the location and scale of your project, councils may require additional reports, such as arborist reports (if trees are impacted), traffic studies, or environmental assessments. We coordinate these reports on your behalf to ensure your application is thorough and meets all necessary requirements.
Lodging the application: Once all documentation is complete, we lodge the planning application with your local council. We monitor the progress of the application, respond to any council queries, and make any necessary adjustments to the submission.
Representation at council meetings (if necessary): In some cases, projects may require representation at council meetings or hearings. As your trusted Mornington Peninsula building designers, we provide support and representation during these proceedings to ensure your project moves forward smoothly.
Our goal is to make the planning process as smooth and stress-free as possible. By managing all aspects of the application and liaising with council, we ensure that your project remains on track and compliant with all regulatory requirements.
Stage 7: Construction Documentation
With planning approval secured, we move into the construction documentation phase. This stage involves creating the detailed drawings and specifications needed for the construction of your project. Construction documentation includes:
Detailed architectural drawings
Specifications for materials, fixtures, and finishes
Structural engineering drawings by others
Energy rating reports by others
Civil engineering and drainage plans
These documents are essential for obtaining building permits and council approvals, and they serve as the blueprint for builders during the construction phase. We also liaise with all necessary consultants and authorities to ensure that your project complies with local regulations.
Stage 8: Building permit
Similar to the planning process obtaining a building permit can be complex. ACASÂ Design & Building Group manage this process for you and provides the relevant private Building Surveyor with all the required information required to gain building permission. We act on your behalf to liaise with all relevant parties to ensure all documentation provided meets Building codes and Australian standards as required.
Stage 9: Construction
At ACASÂ Design & Building Group, we believe that great design is only half the story – the successful realization of your project is just as important. During the construction phase, we work closely with your builder to ensure that the design is executed to the highest standard. While we don’t typically manage the construction, we do provide ongoing support, including:
Site visits to monitor progress and address any on-site concerns
Coordination with builders and subcontractors to ensure that the design intent is followed
Consultations with engineers and consultants as required to address any technical issues
Our role during this stage is to ensure that your project remains on track and that the final outcome meets the high standards we set during the design phase.
Stage 10: Post-Construction
Once construction is complete, our involvement doesn’t end there. In the post-construction phase, we offer a final consultation to review the completed project, address any concerns, and ensure that everything meets your expectations. This may include:
Final inspections to ensure the design has been implemented correctly
Review of as-built drawings and documentation
Coordination of any final certifications or permits
Project photography
We also provide advice on ongoing maintenance and any future modifications or additions you may be considering. Our goal is to ensure that you are completely satisfied with your project and that it meets your needs both now and in the future.
Why Choose ACASÂ Design & Building Group?
At ACASÂ Design & Building Group, we are experts in navigating the complexities of the building design and planning process. Our clients trust us to deliver exceptional service at every stage of their project, and we take that responsibility seriously. Here’s why you should choose us:
Seamless service from start to finish: From initial consultation to post-construction, we manage every detail of the process so you don’t have to.
Expert coordination: We handle all external consultants, including land surveyors, arborists, soil testing, engineers, and energy assessors, ensuring that every aspect of your project is managed by professionals.
Cost transparency: Our fees, typically around 4.5% of the build price, are competitive and offer exceptional value for the quality of service we provide.
Tailored designs: We create custom designs that reflect your unique vision, lifestyle, and budget.
Local knowledge: As Mornington Peninsula building designers, we have a deep understanding of local council requirements and planning regulations.
When you partner with ACASÂ Design & Building Group, you’re not just hiring a designer – you’re gaining a trusted advisor and partner who will guide you through every stage of the design and building process.