Sydney architecture studio.
At Compass Architecture, we love what we do. Supporting development from start to finish, we specialise in making your vision a reality.
Our work focuses on new homes, alterations and additions, commercial projects and interior fitouts. Tailored to site specific requirements and council areas, our bespoke services meet high standards through quality design solutions.
Adopting passive solar principles, our Sydney architecture studio maximises energy, water harvesting, indoor air quality and materials to extend your building’s lifecycle. This practice creates harmony and balance within your site, while leaving a positive impact on individuals, communities and settings through conscientious design.
We offer all core architectural services, guiding you through the process from the start of your project, to completion when it’s ready for occupation.
Nathalie Curtet is a Certified Passive House Designer.
Initial Consultation
Scope of Work
To start the process, we assist with defining a scope of work and direction, as well as pre-purchase site and building appraisals. After an initial onsite consultation to discuss your project, we then submit a proposal of services and fees for your approval.
Concept Design
Pre-Design Assessment
We establish design parameters through frequent meetings, site assessment and analysis, development of your brief, review of budget, inclusion of authorities and regulations, and incorporation of ecologically sustainable development (ESD) guidelines and solar passive design principles.
Design Concepts
We explore a range of options for design concepts, from implantation on site, to diagrams of areas, to levels, masses and volumes. Design concepts are tailored to you, and we meet regularly to refine your brief, requirements, and discuss concept options.
Concept Refinement
Once you have selected your preferred concept, we develop the chosen direction into preliminary plans.
Design Development
Developed Design
We meet regularly during design development. This phase includes initial drafted plans, sections and elevations, meetings with consultants, coordination of information and review of your project budget.
Drawing Preparation
Once design has been developed, we prepare drawings required for the development application (DA) submission.
Development Application
Document Preparation
Gathering all documents and reports from specialist consultants required for the DA submission, we also write the Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) report, lodge the DA with council, and track application progress.
Construction Documentation
Construction Drawings
We prepare construction drawings to include all details and dimensions needed to inform the project and allow builders to establish quotes and tenders. We plan wall elevations and joinery details for your kitchen, laundry and bathrooms, prepare architectural specifications, provide a schedule of finishes, meet and coordinate with the structural engineer and specialist consultants, and complete drawings and documents for construction certificate (CC) approval.
Contractor Selection
Contractor Recommendations
We provide recommendations based on your preferred method of contractor selection, either by tender or a negotiated offer. We also provide tender documentation and drawings and liaise with tenderers to answer questions.
Contract Administration
Pre-Construction
Prior to construction we prepare all contract documents for signing.
Construction
During the construction process we report to you regularly. We also conduct regular site visits to follow building progress, address builders’ questions and administer the contract, review the builders’ progress claims and take records.
Post-Construction
We follow up defects that arise during the defects liability period and issue the final completion certificate.
Additional Services
Additional Services
We also provide additional architectural services, specific to each project. These include interior design and colour consultancy, feasibility studies, surveys of the existing building, detailed measurements, and development application negotiation.