Hinterland Design Co. Logo
Hinterland Design Co. Logo

FAQs

Questions + Answers

Common Questions

We understand that building or renovating a property can raise many questions. Our FAQs section is designed to provide clear, comprehensive answers to the most common inquiries about our services, processes, and practices. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.

We offer a comprehensive range of services, including concept design, preliminary planning, construction drawings, 3D modelling, project management, and consultation. We also provide services for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. 

Our process typically begins with an initial design consultation to discuss your vision and requirements and understand the site parameters. From there, we move on to site analysis and concept design. Once the concept design is confirmed, we move into preliminary plans which are necessary for obtaining pre-approvals and building quotes. Finally, we create construction drawings, guide you through the building approval process and offer project management services to ensure a smooth build.

The duration of the design process varies depending on the complexity and scope of the project. Typically, the initial design phase can take 2-6 weeks, with additional time required for revisions, approvals, and final drawings.

Yes, we provide comprehensive project management services. This includes coordinating with engineers to find the most cost-effective construction solutions and working closely with certifiers to discuss our options, especially if we are exploring boundaries or unique design elements. We also liaise with builders to ensure a smooth project execution from start to finish.

We prioritize sustainability in every design by carefully selecting materials that align with the client’s style, budget, and green goals. Our projects maximize natural light, capture cross-flow ventilation, and minimize wasted space to reduce environmental impact. Additionally, we collaborate with organizations like Rainforest Rescue to support conservation efforts, ensuring our designs contribute positively to the planet.

Yes, we assist with obtaining all necessary permits and approvals. Our team is experienced in navigating the regulatory requirements and will work closely with certifiers and local authorities to ensure your project meets all standards and regulations.

We understand that changes may be necessary throughout the design process. We encourage open communication and will work with you to incorporate any revisions or adjustments to ensure the final design meets your expectations. If changes are required outside the original scope of work, fees will be based either on an hourly rate or a quoted fixed-rate service.

Our fees vary depending on the scope and complexity of the project. We provide a detailed quote after the initial design consultation, outlining all costs associated with the design and project management services. We aim to offer transparent and competitive pricing.

Yes, we offer design consultations to discuss your project in detail. There is a $200 consultation fee, which covers the cost of our time and expertise to provide personalised advice and preliminary planning. This fee is an investment in ensuring we deliver a tailored and comprehensive service.

There is much confusion between these roles and there can be a significant difference between them ranging from experience, cost and quality of work. For a detailed explanation of the roles and responsibilities of an Architect, Draftsman and Building Designer, please see the full article here.

A clear project scope is essential, in most cases the following documentation is of great assistance but not always a necessity depending on the type of project:

  • Site information, such as survey, disclosure plans or existing site plans
  • Existing architectural plans if you are renovating.
  • Property reports, eg. bushfire
  • Budget or approximate project cost estimate
    Inspiration images

If you do not have access to these files we can assist you with obtaining them or seeking external parties services for specific reports required.

If you choose to cancel the project partway through, we will invoice you only for the hours dedicated to your project up to that point. Any unused funds will be promptly refunded. Our commitment is to maintain transparency and fairness throughout the process.

Each project and property is unique, with varying requirements that must be met before building approval is granted & construction can commence. The following professional services are typically necessary:

  • Surveying
  • Property-specific reports (e.g., wastewater management, bushfire safety)
  • Drafted plans (prepared by a licensed building designer or architect)
  • Engineering plans
  • Certification (provided by a private certifier)

These services ensure that your project meets all current standards, codes and regulations before building begins.

In most cases this is possible however there are several code and council requirements that you need to satisfy in order to achieve building approvals. Please see more details on this topic in our article here.

You can contact us via phone, email, or through our website’s contact form. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your project in detail.