Solari Architects

How involved should I be in the architectural design process?

You can have as much or as little to do with your project, as you like. We can steer the ship or simply fill the gaps in your plan. Remember, your project is exactly that – yours. It is your vision guided by our experience and expertise.

How should I communicate what i want to Solari?

Words, pictures, examples, feelings, thoughts – in whatever way you choose! Share your pinterest board or note pad of ideas…it could even be an interpretive dance. We’re open to whatever it takes to get us all on the same page.

What technical programs do you use?

We use 3D-CAD to bring your project to life before putting a nail in anything. We understand that even with all the mood-boards and scrap books in the world, it can be hard to visualise the final product. Designing a 3D render always erases the guesswork or confusion for our clients.

What types of insurance do you carry?

As registered Architects we are subject to a statutory code of practice and have ‘Professional Indemnity Insurance’ to protect our clients.

How can you be sure a project doesn't go over budget?

Firstly – you can relax in knowing this isn’t the first time we’ve done something like this. Our vast experience has taught us what to look out for and to always be 20 steps ahead of everyone else. To add to this, we’re transparent, honest and have an obsession with planning - but are equally quick on our feet and able to calculate a new direction if need be. From start to finish we will always revisit your budget and provide accurate quotes, so there are no unexpected surprises.

What sized project is Solari capable of taking on?

MYTH: The bigger the team, the more capable they are of taking on a bigger project.

Every industry is changing in this respect. A task that once took a team of 10 to complete can now be done by 1 – thanks technology. Our focus is on being the smartest firm in town – not the biggest. You see, at Solari, we don’t like waste. Wasted time, wasted material and most of all wasted money.

Everything is streamlined from our process to the development stage and we believe having a small, tight-knit team allows us to do this. We’ve minimised the amount of stepping-stones it takes to develop a project – because nobody likes a game of Chinese whispers when there’s a lot at stake.

Over his time spent in Australia, our founder James has developed fantastic working relationships with companies such as Woods Bagot, Cox, Scott Carver and GHD Woodhead.

Across the board these firms have international experience in sectors such as Aviation, Hospitality, Workplace and Retail. Because we love collaboration we can always partner with these firms to offer the best international expertise whilst still dealing with a local firm.

Why use an architect?

Architects are design focussed. Now that doesn’t mean we just make our projects look good – although we do that too. We make them feel good and function well. We design structures that respond to their wider context. We look past the “now” to deliver a product that will stand the test of time. Ensuring it will respond to future changes in the economic environment, lifestyle and demands of future buyers, investors or your growing family.

It seems so expensive to use an architect?

We hear this often, to which we say; every dollar goes somewhere. And we can assure you we’re not having a good old laugh on our private yacht, popping bottles of Champagne once your project is completed. We’re firm believers in truly giving our clients what they pay for.

Your project is an investment. If it’s your own home it may be one of the biggest investments you make in your lifetime. So take the opportunity to do it right and ensure its long-term value. As your architects we will fuss over quality products, creating a space that is right for you now AND in the future and squeezing every drop of value out of your site with a design that is tailored to your “wish list”. We don’t cut corners and you’re not just another job that needs to be “processed”. We genuinely care for our client’s satisfaction and spend a lot of time putting ourselves in your shoes to design a project that is uniquely you.

On a practical note: Registered Architects are subject to a statutory code of practice and have ‘Professional Indemnity Insurance’ to protect their clients. So you can sleep well at night knowing that we’ve got your back.