Bryant Alsop Architects

Bryant Alsop Architects are an established team of architects with a focus on residential and education design. 

We are..

• Ethical
• Creative
• Practical
• Responsive
• Sustainable
• Collaborative
• Client focussed
• Communicators
• Problem solvers

Bryant Alsop considers every project to have a responsibility to minimise its energy input and output. This is primarily achieved through successful passive solar design with many other considerations explored during the design process. These general principles will be balanced with specific site conditions and the local climate zone, to create an efficient building, with reduced running costs and a greater level of comfort for all occupants.

We work with a range of specialist consultants to achieve the required 6-star energy ratings for residential projects and to maximise the sustainable design aspects of all projects.

Site-specific sustainable design solutions we consider:

• Passive solar design: orientation, sun angles, shading
• Window types, including doors, skylights and roof lights.
• Glazing types (low-E & double glazing)
• Sun shading via pergolas, eaves, screens and use of foliage
• Building insulation to floors, walls and roofs
• Maximising cross-ventilation and airflow
• Landscape design to maximise green spaces
• Integration of pools to provide evaporative cooling onto the house
• Thermal mass
• Material selection – embodied energy, recycled content, recyclability, origin, longevity and durability
• Fittings selection – energy consumption, longevity
• Rainwater harvesting
• Greywater use
• Solar energy for power and/or hot water
• The geothermal energy source for heating/cooling systems
• Zoning of spaces to allow for partial use
• The adaptability of designs to allow for changing needs of users over time.

Concept Design
All the options are canvassed and reviewed. This may include, renovating versus moving, re-building, preparing houses for sale, minor or major redevelopment. Often sketch plans may be prepared to explore the various options available, to assist clients to make a decision as to how they wish to proceed.

During the initial design phase, we work with you to develop an accommodation brief and use this as the basis for developing concept designs. We also undertake an assessment of the existing site and review any authority constraints that are relevant. In some cases, this will include the development of a masterplan for the overall site which would consider all infrastructure and site works that relate to the building, including roads, soft and hard landscaping, outbuildings, pool, tennis court, plant and equipment, including immediate and possible future works.

Design Development/Town Planning Application
The design is developed to resolve a detailed architectural and interior design solution including materials, finishes and colours. Where necessary, a town planning application is prepared that meets the specific requirements of the local council and individual site. This typically includes, existing and proposed plans and elevations, 3D modelling, site analysis and design response, and proposed shadow diagrams.

Contract Documentation
The documentation period allows for the preparation of all drawings, schedules and specifications required to obtain a building permit. A building surveyor will be commissioned to certify all architectural and consultant documents.

The completed documents would then be used to secure the services of a builder, through negotiation or tender, and form the basis of a building contract.

Building Permit Application
Bryant Alsop prepares all necessary documents to be lodged with a building surveyor necessary for a building permit to be issued.

As well as architectural drawings and specifications, we would coordinate with other consultants such as engineers, energy assessors and surveyors. Typically we lodge the application on our clients’ behalf and manage the process for them.

Tender and Contract Negotiation
This stage includes calling tenders, assessing submissions, negotiating the contract with the successful contractor, and preparing contract documents.

Contract Administration
During the construction period, we undertake a number of key services including design consultancy, the assessment and certification of progress claims, variations and extensions of time; review of the works being carried out to ensure that they are in accordance with the contract documents; and act on behalf of the client in advising the builder of any changes to the scope of works or the clarification of items that arise during construction.

Our three main objectives during this phase are to ensure that a high quality of workmanship is maintained, and that the program and budget are met.

Bryant Alsop brings a unique approach to project management; with our practice bringing together the combined experience of the principals in the procurement and delivery of projects. We aim to work with clients to develop, resolve and complete projects without compromising their architectural integrity.

In our capacity as project managers, we work with our clients as their representatives to navigate the challenges projects present including statutory planning, development feasibilities and contract superintendence.

We are able to bring in consultants with industry-leading experience in health and education planning, master planning and residential development, enabling us to review critically a wide range of development and construction projects that reflect the outcomes desired by our clients.

We pride ourselves on offering a confident, personal approach to all projects regardless of scale. A central tenet of our practice is understanding the need to listen, and respond to a client’s objectives with intelligent, considered solutions.

Clear, effective communication is the key to a successful outcome, and we strive to manage risk through the process by working closely and openly with all involved as part of the project team.

Bryant Alsop sees our role as construction professionals as being responsible for the accurate and careful management of a client’s budget, the accurate delivery of the design architect’s concept, and proactively managing a project to ensure that it is delivered on time within budget.

Our experience allows us to ensure that the design intent of a project is retained whilst being able to answer queries on site quickly and accurately to minimise delays.

We are able to offer the following services across the full life of a project:

• Client/stakeholder representation
• Masterplanning and feasibility studies
• Development of project and consultant briefs
• Selection and engagement of consultants
• Contractor procurement alternatives
• Management of tenders and tender negotiations
• Contract superintendence and administration.