Esther has a vast knowledge on environmental sustainability and building science. If you are looking for an expert in sustainability with great attention to detail then look no further.
Esther also works closely with builders and has a real grasp on costs and can design to suit your budget as well as aesthetic.
- D&E
Sustainability is what lights Esther up and is the passion of 4305 design. She provided expert advice including passive design principles as she crafted our house to meet our initial brief and was considered and helpful when we altered the statement of work to ensure we were achieving the right outcome for our lifestyle and balancing this with cost.
Esther helped us understand the design process right from the start.
I would recommend 4305 design and would use their services again!
-A&S
We have had an incredible experience designing the large scale renovation of our 80's house and transforming it into a beautiful, modern home achieving an 8+* energy rating. This is the third company we engaged for this process after finding that others did not listen to our wishes and created designs that suited what they liked, rather than what we had asked for.
Esther couldn't be more different. Communication has been very easy, she took time to get to know us and work out what we were wanting. Her passion for the project has been clear and she has gone above and beyond to help us achieve our dream home. A particular strength that Esther has is the ability to explain choices and concepts that are unclear to non-builders and she has remained available after the design process was finished.
We chose to use their partner company, Thirdson Constructions to undertake the build and we are so happy we made this choice. Having the design team and the build team working together has prevented so many of the potential problems in a project like this.
We can't recommend Esther highly enough. You are in very safe hands and she will ensure that the end result is practical, within budget and meets all of your wish list. 1 million bonus points if you are wanting an eco-conscious or ethical build as this is where she shines even brighter.
-A&R
Esther is a very knowledgeable and creative designer. I found that she was able to seamlessly integrate sustainable design principles with the functional and budgetary constraints of my project. She created a fantastic design that fit our requirements and was always available to chat through any questions I had. I would highly recommend!
-T&R
Dealing with Esther was very easy and enjoyable experience.
Esther was passionate about our project and was able to come up with a design that was unique and exactly what we had envisaged.
Would highly recommend Esther for any building design and projects you may have.
-M&C
I am renovating a 1905 workers cottage and Esther from 4305design helped me greatly with all aspects of the design.
I work in the construction industry and Esther's drawing detail is first class as is her suggestions during the design phase.
I cannot recommend Esther or her brother David from Thirdson Constructions highly enough. Great people to work with who made a difficult design turn into a pleasurable build with no hassles.
-GB
1 - Scope of Work
Our collaboration starts with defining your scope of work. Our first onsite meeting aims to acquaint ourselves with the current conditions, your lifestyle, and your vision for the site. If you are collaborating with us through a design and construct Builder's referral, your builder will also be present at this meeting.
During the meeting, we will clarify the size of the proposed works, considering the following factors:
- The purpose of the project
- The intended functionality
- Your specific requirements
- Your preferences
- Any aspects you dislike
- Sustainability considerations
Everything pertaining to the project moving forward will be based on the defined Scope of Work. Therefore, we invest the necessary time to ensure that the client, designer, and builder are all unequivocally aligned. It is crucial that everyone involved shares a common understanding and vision for the project.
2 - The Budget
We are unable to modify the budget for you, but we are here to assist you in clarifying expected costs. Additionally, we can provide recommendations on how to apply the most suitable and practical solutions to maximize the value you will receive from your construction budget, both in the present and future.
If you are obtaining a loan for the project, it's important to note that banks typically require a construction contract before granting final finance approval. It's worth mentioning that the construction contract typically does not cover pre-construction or post-construction charges such as:
The design contract
The approvals process and associated fees
Alternate accommodation expenses
Moving costs
Furnishings, fixtures, and landscaping
We recommend allocating at least $30,000 for the approvals process. However, please note that this cost is dependent on various factors, including the site, applicable constraints, and the scope of the project.
Our process starts with thorough research, and part of this involves engaging consultants to gather essential information. Site classification and surveys are always conducted as a minimum requirement. The initial design recommendation takes into account various constraints that significantly influence the design process. Typical constraints include
- Legal restrictions
- Local Government overlay constraints
- Existing onsite or nearby structures and services
- Local environment
These constraints help us create a design that is both functional and harmonious with the site and its surroundings.
Once we have established a feasible footprint that aligns with your budget, we proceed with the detailed design of the building. During this phase, we carefully consider elements such as window and door placement, shading techniques, rooflines, cladding options, and glazing styles. These aspects are combined to create a space that not only fulfills your objectives but also ensures livability, healthiness, and coherence with your preferred style.
We will once again review the design together, this time in a 3D model. This allows for a comprehensive discussion of various options and their implications. We are open to adjusting the design as needed to ensure it perfectly suits your requirements.
The drawing set produced during this stage is colloquially known as the DA set or Preliminary Concept Drawings. It includes essential elements such as the site plan, floor plans, elevations, and roof plan. If there are any specific character constraints that apply to the site, we establish external finishes and color schemes accordingly. At this point, the Development Application (DA) process may commence, as necessary.
By the time the completed project drawings are finalized, the approvals process is typically nearing completion. When the consultants have been engaged from the concept phase, there should be minimal surprises for all parties involved. At this stage, it becomes a matter of waiting for the assessing entities to review the project and issue the necessary approvals.
Having the consultants involved from the early stages of the project ensures that any potential issues or concerns are addressed and resolved proactively. This collaborative approach helps streamline the approvals process and minimizes unexpected hurdles.
While waiting for the assessing entities to complete their review, it is important to remain patient and allow the necessary time for the approvals to be granted. Once the approvals are obtained, the project can progress to the next phase, which is the construction stage.
