Our architectural services – from concept to completion
We specialise in creating designs that are beautiful and reflect Newcastle’s unique character
1. Feasibility Design
Our process begins with understanding you. The Feasibility phase is about far more than just assessing a site — it’s about building a deep understanding of how you want to live. During this stage, we develop a detailed brief through genuine conversations about your family, lifestyle and long-term goals. Whether you dream of a spacious family home for hosting or a compact and efficient retreat, we take the time to ensure your vision and our design thinking are fully aligned.
We’re proud to go well beyond basic ‘drawings’. Using advanced 3D modelling and virtual reality walkthroughs, we bring ideas to life early — giving you the tools to explore and refine your vision in real time.
We then move to Feasibility Design, where we combine your goals with site opportunities and local council requirements to uncover what’s truly possible. This phase balances creativity and practicality. From bold possibilities to more conventional paths, we explore a range of options and provide recommendations. A cost check at this stage is also encouraged to align the vision with your budget. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of design possibilities — with realistic expectations around costs, timeframes, and planning pathways.
2. Concept Development
With a preferred direction established, we move into the Concept Design phase. Here, your ideas begin to take on a clear, three-dimensional form. Through hand sketches, computer modelling, and precedent studies, we translate feasibility outcomes into tangible design solutions.
We dive deep into the spatial relationships that define the way you’ll live in your home — how the living room connects to the kitchen, the flow from indoor to outdoor spaces, the light, and the orientation. This is where materiality starts to come into play, as we investigate not just the layout, but the character and feel of your home.
You’ll begin to see your future home take shape through compelling visualisations and models that help you feel confident about the path forward. It’s a dynamic, creative step that brings excitement and clarity to the design process.
3. Development Application (DA)
Most residential projects require Development Approval (DA) from local council. Our team prepares all necessary documentation and design development to a standard suitable for submission. At this stage, we ensure the design meets planning regulations — including the size, bulk, height, setbacks, and general appearance of your home.
We maintain a careful balance: while our documentation must satisfy council requirements, we retain design flexibility to allow detailed resolution in later stages. This gives us room to finesse construction methods and material selections further down the line.
Once the application is lodged, the DA enters the assessment phase. Timelines vary depending on council, but typically range from 6 weeks to 6 months. Most assessments take around 3 months. During this time, Hutch Architecture actively manages the process, liaising with council and providing any additional details they may require to progress your application efficiently.
This stage is pivotal for securing consent while keeping the project on track and aligned with your goals.
4. Construction Certificate
With development consent in hand, we move quickly to secure a Construction Certificate — the legal document that allows building work to commence. This certificate confirms that your design complies with the Building Code of Australia (BCA).
To achieve this, we refine the design to demonstrate how the structure addresses technical standards like energy efficiency, waterproofing, fire safety, structural integrity, and accessibility. This includes resolving external materials and construction approaches.
Construction Certificates are issued by a private certifier known as the Principal Certifying Authority (PCA). Once this certificate is granted, construction may legally begin. However, while approval is granted at this point, there is still critical work to do to ensure your home reflects your lifestyle and design expectations in full detail — which is where our Design Completion phase comes in.
5. Design Completion (Construction Documentation)
This stage ensures nothing is left to chance. While you technically have approval to build, the Design Completion phase is where the details that truly define your home come together. It’s where we document everything required to transform your home from great to exceptional.
We work closely with you to document:
- Construction detailing — both internal and external
- Finishes and colour palettes, avoiding clashes and ensuring cohesion
- Functional layouts for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry
- Selection of tapware, sanitary fixtures, and appliances
We follow a simple rule: If we don’t draw it, you can’t control how it’s built. This stage provides both creative certainty and construction precision. It ensures that your builder understands exactly how every part of your home should be executed — down to the smallest detail.
6. Construction
Once documentation is complete, we move into pricing and builder engagement. This may involve competitive tendering or direct negotiation with a preferred builder. The design documentation we provide will form the contractual foundation for construction — clearly outlining expectations and standards.
Once on-site construction begins, our role remains just as critical. Unlike project homes, your design is bespoke — and unique projects often bring unforeseen decisions. Builders may raise queries or substitutions due to trade availability, and every decision made during construction has the potential to either elevate or dilute the design outcome.
We recommend remaining actively involved during the build. Our team provides ongoing design guidance, helps administer the contract, and ensures that the construction aligns with the original design intent.
Post-construction, we continue to offer support during the defect liability period. Should any issues arise, we’ll help you liaise with the builder to ensure they are rectified promptly and correctly.
T E S T I M O N I A L S
Why Choose Hutch Architecture?
- Personalised Process: Every design starts with a deep understanding of your lifestyle, not just your site.
- End-to-End Expertise: We manage everything from concept to council, construction, and contract.
- Advanced Visualisation: 3D modelling and virtual reality walkthroughs help you experience your home before it’s built.
- Design Excellence: We combine architectural creativity with functional outcomes for homes that are both beautiful and practical.
- Local Knowledge: We’re based in Newcastle and understand local council requirements, site constraints, and lifestyle trends.
