Why use an Architect?

A well-planned design for your abode is well worth its weight in gold. Employing the services of a professional designer or an architect - with the experience relevant to your needs and lifestyle - will pay dividends in the long-term - Craig Hutchison (CEO: Engel & Völkers)

Experience

Our team has amassed extensive experience in participating in the development of exceptional residential, commercial, industrial and health sector infrastructure projects over the last 30 years with a qualified team of professionals who collectively have over 70 years of experience in the Architectural profession and infrastructure development.

Skill

Architects are highly skilled and professionally trained to turn your aspirations into reality. They will guide you through the design, planning and construction process whether you are constructing a new building or adapting an existing property.

Creative & Impartial

Architects apply impartial and creative thinking to projects large and small. They add value, whether from maximising light and space, adding functionality, or achieving the best return on your investment. A study by The Modern House shows that a home that is well-designed can increase the sales price by 12%

Design

Study reveals that design is a differentiator for home buyers and they are prepared to pay more for a home that has a pleasing aesthetic look and feel and that accentuates their lifestyle. So yes, good design does command a higher premium.

Regulations

An architect will also make sure that plan approval with the authorities is a seamless process and includes getting the required compliance certificates. “It takes time, money and effort to get compliance certificates but it is well worth it down the line. Rather ensure that your home fits with the regulations instead of having water damage problems in years to come, for example.”

Smart Design

Architects also understand how smart design can save you money, and as a result, increase the value of your home. “Passive energy design can make significant savings on your heating and cooling costs. You shouldn’t have to switch on the air-conditioning in Summer because your house is too hot. A house should be designed in such a way that it is comfortable throughout the year. This is where passive design energy principles come into the picture. For example, a creeper planted in front of a window will prevent too much heat entering an area, whilst in winter the leaves fall and allow more sunlight through,” explains Gouws.

Healthy House

A healthy house means healthy inhabitants. A professional can help you design a home that considers both the health of the environment and the building. “Ventilation is extremely important. A house needs to act like a great big lung, so air needs to flow comfortably through it to ensure a constant circulation of clean air. The healthier the house, the healthier you are and the more you’ll get out of your investment,” says Gouws.

Big investment, best Value

Building is a big investment, so it’s important to get the best value you can. Using an architect may seem like a luxury, but it can maximise your budget and open up new possibilities. Furthermore, in terms of lifestyle experience as well as sales price, these elements will only appreciate. “If you’re considering a renovation, making an addition or building a brand new home, getting a good architect and interior designer from the start will pay dividends later,” concludes Hutchison.

THE PROCESS

Stage 1

Inception

Receiving and appraising the client’s requirements with regards to site information, planning and statutory regulations and budget.

Fees associated with this stage entail 5% of the total fee based upon the Estimated Cost of the Construction Works (determined by a Quantity Surveyor, based on work to be undertaken). Interim installments of this, fee may be claimed by the Architects as the work proceeds through this stage.

Stage 2

Concept Viability

This stage entails the following services:

Developing the functional and technical characteristics of the project as proposed
Providing the estimated costs in relation to the budget.

Fees associated with this stage entail 15% of the fee based upon the Estimated Cost of the Works. The Architects may claim interim installments of this fee as the work proceeds through this stage.

Stage 3

Design Development

This stage entails the following services:

Developing the design concept in order to:

Define the construction of the building
Spatially coordinate the work designed by consultants and specialists
Review the design for relevant authorities.

Fees associated with this stage entail 20% of the fee, up to a cumulative total of 40% of the fee, based upon the Estimated Cost of the Works. The Architects will claim interim installments of this portion of the fee as the work proceeds.

Stage 4

Documentation

This stage entails the following services:

Preparing construction documentation and coordinate the documentation with the work designed by consultants and specialists
Providing drawings to obtain approval from relevant authorities
Reviewing the estimated cost of works in relation to the budget
Reviewing the estimated cost of works in relation to the budget
Preparing documents to procure offers for execution of the works

Stage 5

Construction

This stage entails the following services:

Administer the building contract
Issue construction documents
Initiate and check subcontract design + documentation as appropriate
Administer and perform the duties + obligations assigned to the principal agent in the JBCC Building contract or perform the duties assigned for in the other forms of contract.
§Issued certificate of practical completion.

Stage 6

Close Out

This stage entails the following services:

Facilitate the project close out
After the contractor’s obligations with respect to the building contract are fulfilled the architectural professional shall issue certificates related to contact completion
Provide the client with As-Built drawings and relevant technical contractual undertakings by the contractor and subcontractors.

Get In touch

087 077 0157
info@cocoonnetwork.com

Trading Hours

Mon- Fri: 9am- 8pm
Weekends & Public holidays: Closed

Find us Here

105 Corlett Drive,
Melrose,
Johannesburg,2196