Process
For over a decade, SLa has continuously refined the process of translating dreams into bespoke architecture.
Each luxury residential project is conceived through the lens of our clients’ aspirations and profoundly informed by the local context and climate it lies within. Our designs aspire to be enduring and timeless, retaining relevance in the architectural landscape and responding innately to our clients’ briefs. We favour natural, tactile and resilient materials, providing our clients with a considered canvas that can become embellished with their personality over time.
With the support of project leaders, Shaun oversees every project from beginning to end, offering a perspective that blends his 30 years of architectural experience with long-held interests in landscape, art, furniture and classic cars. Shaun’s personal approach is echoed throughout our practice and underpins each project: our clients are our priority with the best outcomes achieved through collaboration, honesty and mutual respect.
Where we work
SLa acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and recognise their continued connection to the land and waters of the beautiful places on which we live, work and enjoy today. We pay our respect to Elders past and present, for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of Indigenous Australia.
Below is a list of regions where we work in the city, country, and coastal areas of Australia.
1 North Queensland
2 Sunshine Coast
3 Darling Downs
4 Brisbane + Gold Coast
5 Stradbroke Island
6 Northern Rivers
7 Sydney
8 Tasmania
9 Newcastle
10 Victoria
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Ideally you will have an idea of what you are hoping to achieve with your project, plus your timing and budgetary hopes and aspirations. Sharing your project brief, budget and site address will enable us to guide you more accurately on possible local construction rates and timeframes.
If you have reference images of homes that resonate with you, this will give us a better understanding of the style and materiality you desire, which can have a big impact on complexity and construction rates (e.g., timber vs. concrete). For any enquiries, please call the studio or email info@lockyerarchitects.com.au and we will happily talk you through the next steps!
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This is determined by several factors, including the scale of your project and where it is located (approval timeframes can vary). Most projects in South-East Queensland typically take 12 months to design, obtain the necessary approvals (if they are required) and to then document the balance of the home.
As for the construction period, most of our projects take between 15 - 24 months to build. These would be the minimum timeframes to deliver a bespoke architectural home, with these timeframes increasing for NSW (particularly Sydney) or larger-scale projects.
We will guide you on possible timeframes throughout our initial discussions, once we have a better understanding of your project and based on our current workload. In short, we would typically expect a minimum of 2-3 years from our initial discussions to when you can expect a home ready for you to move into!
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Our full-service design and documentation fees are typically based on a percentage of the final construction cost. Once construction starts on site, our involvement is maintained via a monthly retainer to support you as the clients, the team on site and ultimately the final outcome.
For renovations, we will also need to measure up and model your existing house which we offer for a fixed fee based on the size and complexity of your existing home.
Once we have progressed our initial discussions to develop a detailed understanding of your project brief, possible timeframes and have guided you on potential project costs, we can look to offer you a consultancy agreement which outlines our services and architectural fees in detail.
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Yes, we have detailed costing data dating back to 2009 and capturing over 100 SLa projects to guide you on realistic, historic and current market costs.
Initially a large part of our efforts are directed at offering supported and sustainable guidance so that you can make an informed decision about how you wish to proceed with your project. Most projects veer off track when people do not adequately allow for their aspirations in dollar terms – we aim to be upfront and honest with our guidance to best guide your decision-making.