Steele Studios

How we do things:

You know exactly what you're getting when you work with us. We are straightforward, very open, and absolutely on your side. Our clients love what we do, but also, the way we make their life easier.

Concept Design Service

Getting the information you need

To provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision, we provide a standalone Concept Design service.

We take the ideas floating around in your head along with your scribbled napkin notes and turn them into considered concept designs that feel like you and fill you with joy.

The Concept Design Service Will:

• Give an objective perspective on your current site through site analysis and investigation
• Identify potential areas of weakness and potential issues that may arise
• Present you with 2-3 workable design concepts
• Allow you 2 rounds of feedback on your chosen design

This is perfect for you:

If you need a professional design service but comfortable taking the reigns during the construction and project management phase. This custom concept design gives you all the essential drawings you need for council approval, and to get your home built.

By the end of Concept Design Service, you will understand your options in regards to your new build, renovation or extension and have a few decisions to consider. Once you’ve settled on a direction, we’ll provide you with a realistic estimate of what it will cost in the current market.

We only take on a few new build projects at a time so we can give you our full attention. 

Full Architectural Service

If you love our approach and design ethos so far, why not hire us for our Full Architectural Service. Our ultimate package gets you relaxing in your new home sooner so you can pop that bottle of bubbly.

The full Architectural Service includes:

• Concept Design Service
  
• Design Development: Developing Interiors including palette, finishes, appliances, fixtures and joinery, building servicing systems like heating and cooling, Coordination of consultant input, taking a deep dive into cost estimate so we are well within budget.
  
• Town Planning/Development Applications: Prepping drawings and supporting documents and managing the application process through council. Liaising with Council.
  
• Construction Documentation: Nitty-gritty blueprints that will be used to obtain a building permit. We manage the application process with the Building surveyor.
  
• Contractor Selection: Tapping into our Big Black Book of tried and tested chippies, we manage the tendering process by reviewing options, weighing up the pros and cons of each builder and advise on who should build your home.
  
• Contract Administration: Oversee the preparation and execution of building contracts and construction. We have regular meetings on-site with tradies to make sure all the nuts are bolted in securely and correctly. We answer any contractor queries and manage variation requests. Once the builders are done, we run our eyes over, checking for defects and fine-tuning.

Our Values

Transparency

We practice openly, not only through our design process but also through our personal mindset. We share our minds and communicate transparently even if that means challenging others.

Honesty

Honesty is valued in every communication and transaction between clients and co-workers. It starts by being honest with ourselves, how we work and how we relate to clients.

Responsibility

We have a strong sense of responsibility and integrity throughout our approach to design in regards to budgets, resources, how a space functions and value towards the currency of time. We practice personal responsibility in how we engage in conversation and how we manage the design process.

We are a modern residential architecture studio based in Melbourne and country Victoria. Our design process begins with you (because we don't like to design alone).

01.   Scoping Out – Are We A Good Fit?

The process starts with a Contact Form. Fill it out here. We will continue with a short email exchange and conclude with a phone call. On this short phone call – we’ll ask you questions about your project, time-frames, and budgets.

02. Meet and Greet

Hopefully, you’ll appreciate our curiously filled eyes and ears, but we’ll have a coffee or kombucha on site to have an in-depth dive session to extract the nitty-gritty. We listen to how you’re going to be living in these spaces, brewing coffee in them, snoring away the sweetest dreams, and bathing kids in them. This initial meeting makes sure we’re a good fit. From there, we’ll submit a proposal that includes a quote for our professional fees.

03.  Lock It In

We’re going to be creating something special together. Working together means you join our community, enabling you to tap into our local expertise,  hand-picked builders, trades, and other experts. Once you’ve paid your deposit, we’ll send you a proposal of our services; how we will guide you through the dust and mud, and tips on how to strengthen your working relationship with an architect, plus a few more surprises.

04.   Define

Goals have been outlined, challenges assessed and initial research has been performed. We explore concepts and ideas and take them to the next level, refining them, pushing them and pulling them into reality. We propose a solution that fits within your timeline and budget. You will able to review the concept and provide feedback for the final idea.

05. Design

Once you home design has been confirmed by you, this design phase is a detailed deep dive into the drawings and supporting documents needed to create your project. These may be submitted to your local council and shared with trades. Every design is a response specifically to that project which means no two designs are ever the same.

06.  Build

If you’ve decided to let us manage the construction of your project, we will oversee the preparation and execution of the building contract and build. We have regular meetings on-site with tradies to make sure all the nuts are bolted in securely and correctly. We answer any contractor queries and manage variation requests, as well as keeping you up-to-date with construction progress. Once the builders are done, we run our eyes over, checking for defects and fine-tuning. Then, we hand over the keys so you can move in.