transform architects

We are an architecture and design firm based in Melbourne. Our purpose is to find design solutions that suit your unique situation. We believe in:

  • Collaboration – great client facilitate great design.

  • Efficiency – trying to do more & better with less.

  • Context – our projects are integral to the surrounding street, suburb, and environment. They should contribute positively and sustainably to that larger context.

TRAN

Master of Architecture | University of Melbourne | ARBV 800468

Tran grew up in Vietnam & studied architecture at University of Melbourne and University of California, Berkeley. Tran is a registered architect and has been working in the industry for over a decade with experience in residential, commercial, and educational projects up to $10 million.

our service

At Transform Architects, we are well-versed in all stages, from concept design, through to permits and construction administration. Below are what our full architectural service looks like.

Meet’n’Greet:

Thanks for getting in touch with us. Let’s have a quick chat (in person or via Zoom) about you and your brief. We can then provide you with an overview on how the process works, who is involved, possible time, cost etc. A fee proposal will then be presented to you for review.

Design

If we are engaged as the architect, we will commence pre-design stage. The main purpose will be to align the following (often competing) interests: what you want to achieve, budget, timeframe, regulatory constraint, site constraints & opportunities. We will also attend the site, recommend the appointment of other consultants (usually a land surveyor at this stage), and make initial inquiries regarding authority regulations and requirements.

The findings above will help guide the Concept Design stage, during which we focus on the big picture – what is the spatial arrangement, the overall building form, materiality & interior spaces.

Upon the approval of the concept, we then proceed to Design Development stage where we develop the design further via detailed drawings, 3D image, etc.

Town Planning:

If your project requires a town planning permit, we will:

  • Prepare application, drawings, analyses, reports for the submission

  • Engage and coordinate any other consultants if required.

  • Lodge the formal application

Construction Documentation:

Technical drawings, specifications & schedules will be prepared by us at this stage to ensure that:

  • All other consultant’s documentations are coordinated and integrated.

  • The quality of works, materials & finishes are clearly described in order to obtain statutory approval / building permit.

  • Potential builders can competitively tender for the design.

  • The builder is able to carry out the works based on the drawings, specifications & schedules..

Tender / Builder Selection:

We run a competitive tender process with 3-4 builders all pricing the same construction documents, specifications & schedules. We will respond to enquiries from tenderers & negotiate with the preferred tenderer if required to obtain an offer acceptable to you. A detail report and recommendation will be prepared by us for your review.

Contract Administration:

If we are engaged to administer the contract, we will

  • Facilitate the signing of contracts between parties.

  • Conduct regular site meeting & ensure the conformance of the construction works with the building contract documents.

  • Assess variations, adjustments of time claims etc. , and make sure additional cost (if any) are fair & reasonable.

  • Assess builder’s progress claim and issue progress certificate for payments to the builder.

  • Instruct builder in regard to incomplete work, rectification of defects.

  • Assess and determine practical completion and issue notice of practical completion.

If you’d like to discuss your project, please get in touch for an obligation free consultation