Our Process
From concept design and town planning to detailed construction drawings, DHF Design guides homeowners, builders and developers through every stage of the building design process.
Our collaborative approach combines thoughtful design, clear documentation, and specialist coordination to turn your ideas into construction-ready plans.
We've outlined each stage of our building design process below to give you a clearer understanding of what to expect. While the indicative timeframes may seem lengthy, every project is different, with council requirements and approvals influencing the timeline. We'll work closely with you, keeping you informed and updated every step of the way.
01. Initial Consultation
02. Site Feasibility & Fee Proposal
02. Site Feasibility & Fee Proposal
Understanding your vision
Timeframe: Respond to enquiries within 48 business hours | Book a consultation within 72 business hours.
Every great project begins with a conversation.We aim to respond to all new enquiries within 48 business hours and arrange an initial consultation booking within 72 business
hours.Whether you're planning a new home, renovation, extension or residential development, we'll discuss your vision, project goals, budget expectations and anticipated timeframes.This initial conversation allows us to understand what you're hoping to achieve, explore your ideas and determine how DHF Design can best support your project.
What we'll discuss:
- Your project goals and design preferences.
- Your property or proposed building site.
- Your anticipated budget and timeframes.
- The type and scope of building design services required.
- Any initial questions or concerns.
The outcome: A clearer understanding of your project, its potential and the recommended next steps.
02. Site Feasibility & Fee Proposal
02. Site Feasibility & Fee Proposal
02. Site Feasibility & Fee Proposal
Understanding your site's potential.
Timeframe: Within 24 business hours of your initial consultation.
Before beginning the design process, it's important to understand what's possible on your site.Following our initial consultation, we undertake a preliminary site feasibility assessment to identify opportunities, potential constraints and relevant planning requirements that may influence your project.This includes reviewing site conditions, local council planning controls, neighbouring properties and other factors that could affect the proposed design.
Within 24 business hours of your consultation, we aim to provide an itemised fee proposal outlining the recommended building design services, project scope and associated fees.
What we'll consider:
- Site characteristics, orientation and existing conditions.
- Relevant planning zones, overlays and permit requirements.
- Setbacks, neighbouring properties and potential design constraints.
- Opportunities to maximise the site's potential.
- Project scope and additional consultant requirements.
The outcome: An initial understanding of your site's potential and a clearly defined fee proposal to move your project forward.
03. Concept Design & Development
Bringing your ideas to life
Indicative timeframe: 6-8 weeks
This is where your vision starts to take shape.
Before developing the concept design, we coordinate the initial site information and specialist advice required to inform the project. Depending on your site, this may include land surveys, arborist reports, town planning advice and other consultant assessments.
We work with trusted industry consultants, arranging quotations for your review and approval before proceeding.
Floor Plans & Spatial Planning
Using the information gathered during site feasibility and our initial discussions, we begin exploring floor plan options that respond to your brief, lifestyle and site.
We consider how spaces connect, natural light, privacy, functionality and how your home will work for you both now and into the future.
Establishing the right layout is our first priority before progressing to the building's external design.
Exterior Design & 3D Visualisation
Once the floor plans have been developed and refined, we turn our attention to the exterior design.
We explore the building's form, rooflines, materials, finishes and architectural features to create a cohesive design that responds to its surroundings.
Through detailed elevations and 3D perspectives, you'll gain a clearer understanding of how your finished home could look and feel.
A Collaborative Design Process
We believe the best designs are developed through collaboration.
You'll have the opportunity to review concepts, provide feedback and work with us to refine the design. We encourage thoughtful consideration during this stage, as these decisions significantly influence the overall project outcome.
Where practical, we may also seek preliminary builder feedback to help assess construction feasibility and budget expectations before progressing to detailed working drawings.
The outcome: A developed concept design that reflects your vision, responds to your site and establishes a clear direction for the next stage.
04. Town Planning Applications
05. Working Drawings & Design Development
05. Working Drawings & Design Development
Navigating the council approval process
Indicative timeframe: 2–9 months, depending on the project and council
This stage applies where a planning permit is required.
We'll discuss the likely approval pathway and anticipated timeframes with you during the early stages of your project.
Depending on your location, site conditions and proposed works, your project may require town planning approval before construction can proceed.
If a planning permit is required, DHF Design prepares the necessary town planning drawings and coordinates the application process with the relevant consultants.
During this stage, we;
- work with experienced town planning professionals to liaise with council
- address planning requirements
- respond to Requests for Further Information (RFIs) or design amendments where necessary.
Planning approval timeframes vary depending on project complexity, site conditions and the relevant council.
Having worked with councils across Melbourne and Victoria, we have developed a practical understanding of different council processes and typical assessment timeframes.
Keeping your project moving
Your project doesn't necessarily stop while council assesses the planning application. We continue progressing design development and working drawings in the background, helping maintain momentum while awaiting a planning decision.
This allows us to coordinate the next stages of your project efficiently, although any changes required through the planning process may need to be incorporated into the documentation.
The outcome: A coordinated planning application and, where approved, the necessary planning permit documentation to progress your project.
05. Working Drawings & Design Development
05. Working Drawings & Design Development
05. Working Drawings & Design Development
Turning your design into detailed building plans
Indicative timeframe: 6–8 weeks
Once your concept design is sufficiently developed, we begin preparing detailed working drawings that communicate how the building is intended to be constructed.
Where appropriate, this work can progress alongside the town planning application rather than waiting for the entire approval process to conclude.
Over approximately 6–8 weeks, we develop the technical drawings, refine construction details and coordinate the information required for builder pricing and further documentation.
Our approach focuses on producing clear, comprehensive building plans that communicate the design intent, materials and construction requirements.
Included in our working drawings:
Depending on your project scope, documentation may include:
- Site, set-out and slab or subfloor plans.
- Detailed floor and roof plans.
- Building sections and elevations.
- Framing, lighting and wall type plans.
- Door and window schedules.
- External materials and finishes specifications.
- Additional construction details relevant to the project.
These documents provide builders with the information needed to prepare more informed construction quotations and establish a foundation for final construction documentation.
The outcome: A comprehensive set of preliminary working drawings suitable for builder pricing and further technical coordination, subject to the agreed scope.
06. Interior Design & Detailing
07. Building Permits & Final Construction Documents
07. Building Permits & Final Construction Documents
Bringing every detail together
An optional service that can be incorporated into your project and incorporated within the 6–8 week working drawings stage
A well-designed home is about more than its exterior and floor plan. The materials, finishes, fixtures and finer interior details all contribute to how a space looks, feels and functions.
DHF Design can incorporate interior design and detailing into the working drawings stage, helping ensure internal spaces are thoughtfully developed and coordinated with the overall building design.
We can work collaboratively with you or your appointed interior designer, or provide a more comprehensive interior design service depending on your project requirements.
Interior Design Services
Depending on your project scope, this may include:
- Kitchen, bathroom and laundry design.
- Custom joinery and storage solutions.
- Bedroom and wardrobe detailing.
- Internal elevations and 3D perspectives.
- Fixtures, fittings and finishes schedules.
- Material, colour and surface selections.
Why Consider Interior Design Early?
Some clients prefer to finalise interior selections directly with their builder during tendering or construction.
However, resolving key interior decisions earlier can provide greater clarity around the finished design, support more accurate construction pricing and reduce the number of decisions required during construction.
Detailed interior documentation can also help minimise avoidable changes, delays and unexpected costs.
The outcome: Coordinated interior design documentation that complements the building design and supports a more streamlined construction process.
07. Building Permits & Final Construction Documents
07. Building Permits & Final Construction Documents
07. Building Permits & Final Construction Documents
Preparing your project for construction
Timeframe: Up to 8-10 weeks for documentation and consultant coordination, including approximately 3-5 weeks for building permit assessment.
With the design developed and builder requirements confirmed, we move into the final stage of construction documentation and building permit preparation.
This stage brings together the detailed building plans, technical information and specialist consultant reports required to prepare your project for construction.
Our process is divided into two key phases.
Weeks 1–4: Final Construction Drawings
DHF Design develops and finalises the construction drawings, incorporating agreed design amendments, construction details and any relevant requirements identified during the previous stages.
This ensures the drawings accurately communicate the design intent and provide the technical information required for further consultant coordination and building permit assessment.
Weeks 5–8: Specialist Consultant Coordination & Permit Preparation
Once the construction drawings are sufficiently developed, we coordinate the final technical documentation with the relevant external consultants.
Depending on your project, this may include:
- Structural engineering documentation.
- Geotechnical investigations and soil reports.
- Civil and hydraulic engineering, where required.
- Energy assessments and compliance documentation.
- Other specialist consultant reports relevant to the project.
We compile and coordinate the consultant information with the construction drawings, addressing any necessary updates before preparing the final documentation package.
Once complete, we coordinate lodgement of the building permit application with the appointed building surveyor.
Building Permit Assessment
Timeframe: Up to 4 weeks following lodgement
The appointed building surveyor reviews the submitted documentation and assesses the application against the relevant building requirements.
Additional information or amendments may be requested during this process. We assist with design and documentation responses within our agreed scope.
Note: Building permit assessment timeframes are dependent on the building surveyor, application completeness and any additional requirements.
The outcome: A comprehensive set of coordinated construction drawings and supporting consultant documentation, submitted for building permit assessment and ready for construction once the necessary approvals are obtained.
08. Construction Support
Supporting your project beyond the drawings
Timeframe: As required throughout construction, within the agreed scope.
Our commitment to your project doesn't necessarily end once the construction drawings are complete.
During construction, questions can arise that require clarification of the design or technical documentation.
DHF Design remains available to collaborate with you and your builder, responding to documentation queries and assisting with the resolution of design-related issues within our agreed scope.
Our aim is to help maintain the integrity of the design and provide clarity when it's needed.
Construction support may include:
- Responding to builder questions about the drawings.
- Clarifying design details and specifications.
- Addressing documentation discrepancies.
- Coordinating design-related amendments where required.
The outcome: Ongoing design and documentation support to help your builder interpret and deliver the intended design.
Construction management, site supervision and building inspections are not included unless separately agreed.
Ready to Bring Your Project to Life?
Every project starts with an idea, and we'd love to hear yours.
Whether you're planning a renovation, extension, new home or residential development, DHF Design can help you understand the opportunities, considerations and next steps involved.
© 2026. All Rights reserved. DHF Design Pty Ltd. ACN: 677 870 021
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