Architects train hard and know their business. As a profession, we’re creative as well as technically minded, and we’re as invested in the process as in the outcome. We see ourselves as problem-solvers, and we’re experts at transforming ideas into tangible buildings.

When you hire an architect, you know where you stand. All architects in Australia have to be insured and in Perth, registered with the Architects Board of Western Australia.

NGA offer a fully integrated service from concept to project completion including feasibility, architectural design, interior design and advice through construction.

NGA is involved in every stage as much as possible, or our clients will allow! Our service is comprehensive and begins early; from assisting in collecting and collating reference images and putting together the design brief. We navigate council approvals and permits on your behalf, and run the tender or engage in pricing negotiations with builders. Finally, we assist on site through construction until the day the project becomes inhabited and often beyond.

Our clients tend to be professionals people, with very little time, who prefer details to be taken care of. Based on your input, We can select everything from tapware and door handles through to lighting, cabinetry materials, flooring and paint colours. As part of the feedback process, you’ll be presented with physical samples you can touch, plus images and simple 3D perspectives that give a clear picture of what the design scheme will look and feel like.

Yes, recommending builders is all part of the service.  We work with a select group of builders and can suggest those which will be a good fit for your project construction type and budget.

NGA is particular when recommending and working with Contractors.  Honesty, transparency and build quality are key factors in determining who NGA works with.  The builders we work with are generally small businesses, without large overheads.  They are people we genuinely like and get along with and therefore feel very comfortable recommending to our clients.

After meeting to discuss your initial design brief NGA will provide you with an informal written fee proposal for discussion which will be issued as a formal Fee Proposal once reviewed and approved.

Depending on the services quoted for, NGA fees are usually worked out on lump sum basis, or a mixture of percentage and lump sum both. The fee presented will be broken down according to the various relevant project stages as agreed. The fee is based on a proposed or projected maximum project budget, and/or size and scope that has been determined and that we have both agreed upon.

However, should the budget or size or scope of the project increase dramatically, NGA reserves the right to discuss and agree upon a variation to the issued Formal Fee with you, as our client.

NGA design long-term projects for our clients, who understand the value good design can bring to their business and life styles.

In many cases, by making smart design decisions and increasing efficiency, the cost of NGA fees is offset by the savings made in regards to the functionality and building process.

For us, just like for you, it’s mostly about being a good fit. If you care about good design and about how a building makes you feel, we’re likely to see eye to eye. And if you’re hoping for something a little surprising, that’s a great starting point too.

NGA takes on all sorts of projects – large new commercial builds and internal dental and educational renovations both large and small, old and new homes needing interior refurbishments and transformative extensions and commercial premises requiring base build services upgrades. NGA is always open to new clients and new projects of all sizes and types across all fields.

It’s as important for you to be honest about your budget as it is for NGA to be upfront with you about costs. If we all know where we stand, we can keep our feet firmly on the ground through the design process.

Once you’ve talked through your thoughts as well as your budget, We will be able to work out exactly what’s possible for you.

NGA will explain the different things – and people – you’ll need to factor in: planning application fees, building permit fees, site surveyor, a structural engineer, a building surveyor, other engineers, and of course construction costs, which will vary depending on the site, location, design and level of specification.

Architects see the big picture when it comes to your project. They help you explore what appeals to you aesthetically and what you require functionally. They coordinate teams of design, consulting and construction professionals; they sort through the maze of building codes and zoning requirements; they provide design leadership so that your project is built the way it was intended.

As soon as you decide you want to begin planning your project, you should start looking for an architect. Architects provide important pre-design services including site evaluation, and can help you explore options you may not have considered. Involving an architect early in the process can help avoid costly mis-steps, and increases the likelihood of your satisfaction with the project.

Your architect will depend on you to communicate about your design preferences, functional requirements, and budget. Your timely response to questions and design submissions will help keep the project on track. It is also important for you to raise any concerns you have as the project proceeds, so they can be addressed in the earliest stages. Working in partnership with your architect, you will help achieve a successful outcome for your project.

Design and Construction programmes move continuously through projects. 

At the initial site meeting, timings and client expectations will be discussed and a preliminary program developed and put forward.  Throughout the project, both large scale and small, the program will be discussed, referred to and amended against real time. 

Time will need to be considered on a day-to-day level for creating and detailing bespoke buildings and spaces. This is a collaborative process, and NGA needs you as much as you need us. Questions will be asked and decisions made together.  This takes time, but we know this is time worth spending.

Yes. NGA offers Full Services or Partial Services. The extent of services depends on yourself as the client and how involved you will be throughout the project, the involvement of specialist consultants and contractors and the Contractor procurement method. Being involved from the initial design to handover allows the project to be refined as needed and minimises the number of issues that arise throughout the stages, most especially through Construction. 

However, although I love to be involved with every stage, sometimes Full Services are not feasible for my clients, the budget or the programme and Partial Services are then discussed, understood and confirmed with the Fee Agreement.

The first step is to contact NGA to schedule a call to have an initial discussion about your project and organise a site meeting. When on site, the project will be discussed in more detail, including indicative fees and timing. Following these steps is the beginning of the Architectural journey.