Starting a new build, extension or renovation project is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never worked with an architect before. Whether you’re looking to create more space for your family, reimagine your layout, or design your forever home, that first meeting is where everything begins to take shape.
This isn’t just about drawings and measurements. It’s the start of a creative partnership, where your ideas start turning into practical, thoughtful plans. If you’re preparing for your first meeting with us, here’s what you can expect — and how we make the process straightforward and enjoyable.
A Conversation, Not a Consultation
Our first meeting is a relaxed and open discussion. It’s about getting to know each other and seeing if we’re a good fit for your project. You’ll be doing most of the talking — we’ll listen, ask questions, and begin to understand how you live, what frustrates you about your current space, and what you’re hoping to achieve.
Rather than jumping straight into technicalities, we focus on the bigger picture — how your home supports your lifestyle and where it could work better. We ask questions like: How does your family use the space? What’s missing from your current home? What kind of atmosphere are you hoping to create?
It’s through these conversations that the foundations of great design are laid.
Your Story is Key
No two projects are the same, because no two clients are the same. We’re genuinely interested in your reasons for starting this journey — whether that’s more space, better light, energy efficiency, or preparing your home for the future.
Understanding your priorities helps us design something that’s not just visually impressive, but genuinely enhances your everyday life. That might mean finding clever ways to increase storage, designing around the way you cook or work from home, or creating flow between inside and out.
If you have inspiration — magazine clippings, Pinterest boards, mood images — we’d love to see them. You don’t need to be “design-savvy”; just share what speaks to you. We’ll spot the themes and translate them into something cohesive and functional.
Guiding You Through the Process
Part of our role is to make the process feel manageable, even if you’ve never done anything like this before. During the first meeting, we’ll outline what the full journey looks like — from initial ideas through to planning, construction, and completion.
Typically, that includes:
Concept Design — where we explore layout options and shape initial ideas.
Design Development — turning early sketches into more detailed drawings, often with 3D visuals.
Construction Documentation — producing the technical drawings needed for permissions, pricing, and building.
Planning and Building Control — we’ll explain what permissions are needed, and handle the applications and paperwork.
Support During Construction — if you’d like us involved during the build, we can act as your advisor, answering questions and ensuring the design intent is carried through.
We’ll also talk realistically about timeframes, key decisions, and how communication will work throughout.
Meeting at Your Home or Site
If we’re meeting on-site, we’ll walk through the space with you and begin to understand the practical and environmental context — how the sun moves across the site, where privacy might be needed, what the existing layout offers, and where improvements can be made.
These details help us make early observations that can save time and money down the line. We might take some photos, make a few rough sketches or measurements, and ask how different areas of your home are currently used.
If the meeting is at our office or held online, we’ll ask you to send across whatever you can — even simple photos or a video tour are incredibly useful in helping us understand the space.
Talking Budget with Confidence
Money can be one of the most sensitive topics in any project, which is why we believe in clarity from the beginning. In our first meeting, we’ll ask about your ideal budget and any flexibility you might have.
We’ll also help you understand the difference between construction costs and overall project costs (which include planning fees, design services, surveys, and a contingency). If you’re unsure about typical costs, we’re happy to provide guidance, and where needed, introduce you to trusted builders or cost consultants.
Being open about your budget from the outset allows us to design efficiently, avoid unnecessary costs, and make sure your priorities are properly reflected.
You Don’t Need All the Answers
If your plans feel vague or uncertain, that’s perfectly fine. You don’t need a fully-formed vision to start the conversation. In fact, some of our favourite projects have started with a few loose ideas and a list of frustrations.
We’re here to guide you — to ask the right questions, listen carefully, and help shape something that works for your lifestyle, your property, and your budget.
Building the Right Relationship
A successful project depends on good collaboration. You’ll be working closely with your architect for weeks or months, so it’s important that the relationship feels right.
This first meeting gives you the opportunity to get a sense of how we work — how we listen, communicate, and respond to your ideas. Ask us about past projects, how we handle planning challenges, or how we approach problem-solving.
We aim to build trust and transparency from day one, so you feel supported at every step.
Helpful Things to Bring
To make the most of our meeting, bring along anything that helps us understand your goals and taste. That could include:
A list of frustrations with your current space
Any “must-haves” or “nice-to-haves”
A rough idea of your budget range
Site information, if available (photos, sketches, or floor plans)
Visual inspiration — anything from mood boards to magazine cuttings
Any concerns or questions you’d like us to talk through
Even the roughest notes are useful — don’t worry about polish.
Ready to Get Started?
That first meeting is the beginning of something exciting. It’s your chance to ask questions, share ideas, and start exploring what’s possible with a team that understands both the creative and practical sides of architectural design.
Whether you have a clear vision or just a feeling that something needs to change, we’re here to help you figure it out — one conversation at a time.
If you’re ready to start planning, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s talk about your space, your needs, and how we can help you bring your ideas to life.
