FAQ’s
Your Questions Answered
Whether it’s a commercial project or a residential renovation, our team has the expertise to guide you through each phase of the design process.
Commercial Project
Welcome to our Design FAQ! We’re here to provide you with answers to common questions about our commercial design process and services. If you have a question that isn’t addressed here, feel free to reach out to our team for assistance.
How long will the design process take?
The timeline for completing your project depends on several factors, including:
- Project Size: The complexity and size of the project.
- Meeting Availability: The scheduling of meetings and discussions, co-ordinating availability.
- Feedback Speed: The promptness of your feedback on our suggestions, questions, and plan documentation.
One significant factor that directly influences the speed of the design process is your responsiveness. The time you take to reply to us and provide feedback on the proposed designs and suggestions significantly impacts the project’s pace.
Your timely responses enable us to swiftly incorporate your thoughts and changes, allowing us to proceed with the next set of plans efficiently. On the other hand, delays in feedback can extend the project’s duration. We understand that life can get busy, but we recommend maintaining open communication and providing feedback as promptly as possible to ensure the project stays on track and progresses smoothly.
As a rough approximation, we suggest allowing at least 4-5 months to fully complete plans for construction.
How do you determine the budget for a project?
During the initial consultation, we’ll discuss your price range and preferred suppliers. This helps us tailor our design choices to ensure that we find options that align with your financial considerations. If you don’t have a budget or preferred suppliers, 21K will design based on your inspiration and design brief.
What is a project manager and why do I need one for my commercial project?
A project manager plays a pivotal role in the construction process, orchestrating the intricate dance of planning, coordination, and execution. From inception to completion, the project manager serves as the conductor, ensuring that every facet of the project aligns with the overarching goals. They chart the course, establishing timelines, budgets, and resource allocation, while simultaneously juggling the diverse array of stakeholders – from designers and engineers to contractors and suppliers.
With a keen eye for detail and a focus on quality, the project manager monitors progress, troubleshoots challenges, and adapts strategies as needed, all in the pursuit of delivering a successful outcome. In essence, the project manager is the linchpin that binds together the various elements of the project and is a highly recommended resource to have on board any project.
What is an Interior designer and why do I need one for my commercial project?
An interior designer is a creative professional who specialises in enhancing the aesthetics, functionality, and overall ambiance of interior spaces. Their expertise includes selecting colours, flooring, feature finishes, soft furnishing and furniture acquisition to name a few. Your interior designer possess a unique blend of artistic vision, technical knowledge, and a keen understanding of your personal preferences and lifestyle.
Here’s why having an interior designer on board is recommended:
- Access to Resources: Interior designers have access to a vast network of suppliers, artisans, and contractors, which can save you time and effort in sourcing materials and furnishings. They can also leverage these connections to secure competitive pricing and ensure high-quality products.
- Personalisation: An interior designer can tailor the design to your specific tastes and needs. They take the time to understand your lifestyle, preferences, and any unique requirements, ensuring that the final design reflects your personality and meets your practical needs.
- Project Coordination: Interior designers play a crucial role in coordinating various aspects of the project, from working with contractors and designers to overseeing installations. This helps ensure that the design is executed according to plan and deadlines are met.
When can I start demolition and construction?
When can I start demolition?
In Australia, the regulations and processes for commercial fitouts can vary depending on the state or territory in which your commercial premises are located. However, there are some general principles that apply across the country:
- Building Permits:
In most cases, you will need a building permit for commercial fitout work, even if it’s limited to the interior and doesn’t affect the exterior of the building. The requirements for obtaining a building permit can vary by state or territory but typically involve submitting detailed plans and specifications for the fitout work to the local council or building authority for review. This process ensures compliance with building codes and safety regulations.
- Local Planning and Zoning:
Check with the local planning authority or council to ensure that your proposed fitout complies with local planning and zoning regulations. These regulations may affect issues such as land use, parking, and signage.
- Environmental and Safety Regulations:
Depending on the nature of your fitout work, you may need to comply with environmental regulations and safety codes, particularly if the work involves hazardous materials or impacts indoor air quality. Occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations will also apply, so you should ensure a safe working environment for your employees and contractors.
- Accessibility:
If your fitout involves public spaces or areas accessible to the public, it must comply with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) in Australia, which ensures accessibility for people with disabilities.
- Fire Safety:
Comply with fire safety regulations, which may include the installation of fire suppression systems, emergency exits, and other fire safety measures.
- Body Corporate or Strata Title:
If your commercial premises are part of a strata title or body corporate, you should check their rules and regulations. Even for interior fitout work, there may be rules within the body corporate that you need to follow.
- Permits and Licensing:
Depending on the nature of your business, you may require additional permits or licenses. For example, if you plan to serve food and beverages, you’ll need to obtain food handling and liquor licenses if applicable.
It’s crucial to consult with local authorities and professionals experienced in Australian commercial fitout projects to navigate the specific requirements in your area accurately. Designers and builders who specialize in commercial projects can provide valuable guidance and assistance throughout the approval and construction process, ensuring that your fitout complies with all relevant regulations.
When can I start construction?
We recommend that the main construction phase be initiated only after the final working drawings have been completed. Waiting for these final drawings allows us to ensure precise execution and minimise potential issues down the line. Starting construction prior to the completion of these drawings may lead to unforeseen costs and complications, without first confirming compliance with preliminary assessments and obtaining necessary approvals from the body corporate.
What can I do while I wait for my designs to be completed?
- Decide whether to involve an interior designer for selections or manage each trade’s input
independently.- Discuss the fit-out vision and budget with the interior designer if engaged.
- Begin creating mood boards and finalising selections to guide the project’s aesthetics.
- Begin gathering quotes for finishings, fittings and fixtures.
- Initiate contact with relevant industry professionals, for example;
- The fire services company might conduct an inspection of the demolished space.
- Enquire with Air conditioning experts.
- Reach out to a certifier to open up communication about your project.
Will I need to get my plans Certified Prior to beginning construction?
Yes, you will need certification prior to using a renovated space. The certification process is essential to ensure that the renovated space complies with relevant building codes, regulations, and safety standards. Whether you are renovating a commercial office space, a residential unit, or any other area within the building, obtaining the necessary certifications is a crucial step.
Certification in a commercial renovation serves as a comprehensive validation process that ensures the renovated space meets legal, safety, quality, and environmental standards. It helps safeguard the interests of various stakeholders and contributes to the overall success and sustainability of the project.
You will need to speak to certifiers and get their feedback on Preliminary Drawings.
The project manager for your renovation should have a certifier they use for commercial premises. They would have typically been engaged prior to any construction to review the plans to ensure there is nothing that requires adjustment prior to construction. This avoids rectification processes after construction to make the space compliant. If your fit out is not certified and deemed to be noncompliant, if someone is injured or unjustly able to access parts of the office on your property, the liability may fall onto yourselves. It may also impact your insurances.
Here are some important components that certification impact:
Compliance with Building Codes and Regulations:
Renovations and modifications within a body corporate high-rise building must adhere to building codes, regulations, and bylaws. Certifications help verify that the renovation work meets these requirements, ensuring the safety and well-being of occupants and the integrity of the building.
Occupant Safety:
Certification ensures that the renovated space provides a safe environment for occupants. It helps prevent potential hazards and ensures that fire safety, structural stability, and other safety measures are properly addressed.
Structural Integrity:
Renovations can impact the structural integrity of the building. Certification confirms that any modifications or changes to the building’s structure have been carried out appropriately and will not compromise the overall stability of the high-rise.
Insurance and Legal Requirements:
Body corporate buildings often have insurance and legal requirements that need to be met. Certifications provide evidence that the renovation work has been inspected and approved, which may be necessary to maintain insurance coverage and fulfill legal obligations.
Common Property Considerations:
In a body corporate high-rise, there may be common areas or shared spaces that are subject to specific regulations. Certifications help ensure that any renovations in these areas are compliant with the body corporate’s rules and guidelines.
Resale and Tenancy:
If you plan to sell or lease the renovated space, having proper certifications can enhance the resale or rental value.
Interior Design Residential Dwelling
Welcome to our Interior Design FAQ! We’re here to provide you with answers to common questions about our interior design process and services. If you have a question that isn’t addressed here, feel free to reach out to our team for assistance.
How long will the interior design process take?
The timeline for completing your interior design project depends on several factors, including:
- Sourcing Materials: The time needed to acquire materials as per the design plan.
- Meeting Availability: The scheduling of meetings and discussions, co-ordinating availability.
- Project Size: The complexity and size of the project.
- Feedback Speed: The promptness of your feedback on our suggestions, questions, and plan documentation.
One significant factor that directly influences the speed of the design process is your responsiveness. The time you take to reply to us and provide feedback on the proposed designs and suggestions significantly impacts the project’s pace.
Your timely responses enable us to swiftly incorporate your thoughts and changes, allowing us to proceed with the next set of plans efficiently. On the other hand, delays in feedback can extend the project’s duration. We understand that life can get busy, but we recommend maintaining open communication and providing feedback as promptly as possible to ensure the project stays on track and progresses smoothly.
As a rough approximation, we suggest allowing at least 3-4 months to fully complete plans for construction.
How do you determine the budget for a project?
During the initial consultation, we’ll discuss your price range and preferred suppliers. This helps us tailor
our design choices to ensure that we find options that align with your financial considerations. If you
don’t have a budget or preferred suppliers, 21K will provide suggestions based on your inspiration and
design brief.
Do you work with existing furniture and decor?
Absolutely! If you have existing pieces you’d like to incorporate, we can integrate them into the new design. We’ll also provide recommendations to complement your existing items.
How do I know the design will match my taste?
Before proceeding with the design, we spend time understanding your preferences, style, and lifestyle. We present design concepts for your approval, and your feedback is crucial in shaping the final design to align with your taste.
Have more questions?
Feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to assist you on your design journey!
