Services | MJ Architecture

What We Do

We work on a range of project types including:

- Renovations (small and large)
- New houses
- Multi-residential developments
- Commercial buildings
- Public buildings
- Institutional buildings
- Master planning

As a small practice, we are able to work closely with our clients to ensure all facets of the client brief are realised and enriched through innovative, sustainable and cost effective design solutions.

Our work is undertaken through through 5 distinct stages

Concept Design / Feasibility

In this stage we first of all sit down with you and discuss in detail your design brief, taking into consideration the needs and requirements of all the buildings users. We next undertake a detailed site analysis to determine the opportunities and constraints of the building site. Once these are completed, we will then prepare an initial concept design which takes into consideration all of the discussion associated with the design brief and our own site analysis data. The concept design will constitute sketches of the site and floor plans showing the arrangements and sizes of interior and exterior spaces and their relationship to each other. Several alternate solutions can be provided for review and discussion if requested. We also begin to explore the overall form of the building through 3D sketch images as well as providing an opinion of likely construction cost. This stage becomes something of a 'Feasibility Study' of the project, as it is the first point in the design process where the design brief is given life in the form of a plan on the actual building site. At this stage the design can easily be manipulated and adjusted in size, scale and form to suit your particular requirements or budget. Rock McRae House Sketch Design

Detailed Design

During this stage, the approved concept design is developed into a final design solution through a process of gradually refining the design with additional layers of complexity. During this stage, and once the overall layout and form of the building has been finalised, we will lodge the project for planning / development approval on your behalf. This stage also involves the development of initial kitchen, bathroom and joinery designs as well as developing initial power and lighting layouts.

Contract Documentation

This stage sees the finalisation of the design and preparation of detailed drawings and specifications to enable the project to be tendered, building approvals received and the project built. This is the most complex and time consuming of all the stages. Through this stage, every aspect of the project is considered, selected and specified in close consultation with you ... right down to the door handles and hinges! You are free to choose the level of involvement you wish to have in the selection of the various materials, finishes and fittings.

Tendering & Negotiation

Once the contract documents are complete, we will then arrange an invited tender for the works. Suitably qualified builders will be invited to submit fixed price quotes for the construction of the works. Upon the close of tenders, a report and recommendation is prepared for your consideration in choosing your preferred builder. Fixed price tenders are the preferred and recommended method of quoting for the works, although other methods of building procurement can be arranged on your request (such as negotiation with a preferred contractor at an early stage of the design). Upon selection of a preferred builder, we will prepare the building contracts for signing.

Contract Administration

Our participation in the Construction Administration stage is the most critical and important of all the stages. We act as your agent to ensure that the integrity of design and quality of craftsmanship is maintained throughout construction. We also help to resolve any issues that may arise with the builder. During this stage some of our services include:

- Undertaking regular fortnightly site meetings to check the progress of works
- Assess builder pay requests to ensure the builder is not billing for more work than has been completed
- Visit the site weekly or as required to ensure the project is built per plans and specifications
- Answer any builder queries
- Inspect and prepare a list of defect items for rectification at the completion of works
- Undertake a final inspection of the works and arrange repair of any defect items after the completion of the defect liability period (normally 12 months)

Please feel free to Contact us to learn more about our scope of services, or read more about our design approach and philosophy which we apply to your projects

New Homes and Additions

Every design should evolve out of a collaborative design process. Whether your project is a new build, extension, or renovation, our goal is to design a home that you love to spend time in. Our residential designs draw on the beauty of our natural environment with simple, light filled spaces that are functional, comfortable and sophisticated. We work on residential projects in Launceston, Hobart and across Tasmania.

As part of the service we provide to our residential clients, we also offer the following service options:

- Advice and recommendations on land selection
- Existing building condition reports for renovation projects
- Preparation of 3D Fly-Around Computer Models
- Landscape design
- Furniture design and / or selection and advice on furnishing your home
- Interior design
- Heating usage and demand assessments

Commercial Building Projects

Our dedication to designing light, spacious spaces, which incorporate that "wow" factor applies equally to our commercial schemes, where we strive to create light, exciting spaces that are inspirational to work in and experience by all of the buildings users.

We understand that some commercial projects require the works to be delivered in very tight timeframes. We sit down and collaborate closely with you to plan the best methods to deliver these projects within the required timeframes. Through this process of close collaboration between yourself and the contractor, projects can be delivered on time and on budget. We work on commercial projects in Launceston, Hobart and across Tasmania.

Larger or complex projects often require several specialist consultants such as mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, fire or acoustic engineers to provide their expert services. Our role is to co-ordinate and integrate the work of all required consultants into the architectural design. We act as the team leader and the single point of contact to you for the project

Heritage Projects - Residential or Commercial

Working with heritage projects are an exciting opportunity. Our designs for heritage buildings enjoy exploring all the opportunities available to express and highlight the buildings character, whilst also creating modern, light filled, contemporary spaces which harmonise with the past. We work on heritage projects in Launceston, Hobart and across Tasmania.

When working with heritage buildings we collaborate closely with heritage planners at the early stages of the project to clearly establish what the main features and issues which will need to be addressed in any proposed works. Through early dialogue and careful, innovative thinking, projects can obtain approval with little delay.