Caulfield Krivanek Architecture

In April 1978, Robert Caulfield and Ivo Krivanek started their architectural practice in the front room of Ivo's Hawthorn home. More than 40 years on, the founders of Caulfield Krivanek Architecture can reflect on an enduring and successful partnership that has seen them collaborate on over 3,000 projects both locally and overseas.

ALL OVER THE WORLD

As the driving force behind one of Australia's most enduring architectural practices, Robert and Ivo's broad portfolio extends to the international market. They have master-planned cities for Chinese provincial governments and tycoons and designed commercial, government and apartment projects in Dubai, China, India, Vietnam, Azerbaijan, Belarus and the United States

HOW MUCH DO ARCHITECTS CHARGE TO DRAW UP PLANS?
If you only want house plans from an architect, they may charge around 5% of the total building costs. For example, a renovation that costs $200,000 may have fees of $10,000.  If you are unsure of your construction costs or do not have a set budget, an architect may instead charge either a flat rate based on your house size or an hourly fee.  To get an accurate quote it is recommended to speak to an architect and have them assess your situation and give you an estimated cost.

CAN YOU NEGOTIATE THE ARCHITECT'S FEES?
Architects typically structure their fees in 3 ways.
1. An agreed fixed price is negotiated during the preliminary design consultations with your architect. However, if your plans change your fee may change too.
2. An hourly fee is often used if you only need partial services, for example, plans for a town planning permit or contract administration services.
3. A percentage-based fee is the most common fee structure and can also be negotiated at the beginning of the process however, is also subject to change if the scope of work required changes significantly.

IS IT WORTH GETTING AN ARCHITECT?
A great architect will help you bring all the ideas you have in your head to life.  With their education and experience, they can help you produce a detailed design based precisely on your needs and wants.  Aside from the design work, an architect can also help you plan and manage the build.  They can help you obtain permits and find builders and work with you to ensure the construction process is going smoothly and within budget, saving you a lot of work yourself.

SHOULD I USE AN ARCHITECT OR A BUILDER?
A builder and architect each have very different roles in construction. A builder is in charge of the actual construction. If you’re doing a pretty straightforward renovation, you probably only need a builder. However, if you’re looking at a more complex renovation or are building your own home entirely, an architect is essential for the design process. Architects can use their knowledge to solve problems in the home. They can design based on natural light and air, consider space efficiency, and design your aesthetics. If you want the best possible results for your home, use both a builder and an architect.

SHOULD I HIRE AN ARCHITECT TO DESIGN MY HOUSE?
The advantage of using an architect to design your house is that you’re using years of experience and design knowledge. If you want a unique home, you may need to look at luxury architects in Melbourne. However, even simpler homes will benefit from an architect. An architect can help you design your home to make it the most optimal that it can be. They can help you create extra storage and design around the natural landscape on your land.

CAN I DESIGN HOMES WITHOUT BEING AN ARCHITECT?
Australia is unusual in that you don’t require an architect to design your home. You could do it yourself and get it drawn up by someone with the necessary skills, as long as you follow the building legislations and standards.
Three leading professionals in Australia are associated with designing homes: architects, building designers, and craftspeople. An architect’s primary focus is on design, and they are the most educated out of the three.  They are also generally the most expensive.
A building designer’s focus is on technical drafting.  Their necessary qualifications vary by state, but in Victoria, they need to have a diploma.
A draftsperson has either studied at TAFE or has learned how to draw buildings on the job.

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT ARCHITECT FOR MY HOME?
To choose the right architect for your project you should start by looking for an architect whose existing work you like. Style and personal taste are essential factors and if you see an architect with designs you enjoy, you’re likely to be happy with what they design for you. Besides taste, you may also want to look at architects who specialise in your needs. If you’re interested in renovating your home, look for home renovation architects, don’t go for new home architects.

HOW MUCH DOES AN ARCHITECT COST
Many architects typically charge between 5% and 20% of the total construction costs. Some architects may also charge a fixed fee or an hourly rate. The cost to hire an architect will depend on: the services the architect is offering, the type of property you’re building or renovating, how complex the project is, and the land’s geography.