[David B]

matthew must be reading these forums as I got a response from him just now

Sorry, but unable to assist.  Damn shame for him as I was planning on doing something special with concrete, lifts ( people and cars) rammed earth, infinity pool and views

hope I didnt piss him off with my post mate ?

FYI those interested; My 2017 flythrough I have completed the exterior now and the lighting.

Its supposed to mimic Kinglake bush, which is a tricky balance of greenery and dryness.  The building is just a massing at the moment.  As discussed; I will be using timber, stone and my favorite Dark (not rusty!!!) corten.

images show three positions in triangle around house to check lighting shadows, atmosphere how I want it.

oh all 3D too no images other background skyplate.

Cheers,

[dodger]

The good part about that place is the grounds... without that it's just a box that needs weekly window cleaning.

I hope I wasn't commenting on someone's actual house  , the place is obviously stunning but it's the setting that makes it.......IMO

[psw]

I hope I wasn't commenting on someone's actual house  , the place is obviously stunning but it's the setting that makes it.......IMO

I suspect it's just a guest accommodation pavilion, on as you say a beautiful property/setting.

[JBO]

matthew must be reading these forums as I got a response from him just now

Sorry, but unable to assist.  Damn shame for him as I was planning on doing something special with concrete, lifts ( people and cars) rammed earth, infinity pool and views

Hey mate I am a bit of an architecture nerd and know a few amazing practices. Would you like a few suggestions?

[B2]

What is the secret to finding a good architect?  My plan is to bulldoze my house and rebuild at some point.  I know what I want but hard to put on paper and obviously would benefit from a good architect.

[Aircon]

What is the secret to finding a good architect?  My plan is to bulldoze my house and rebuild at some point.  I know what I want but hard to put on paper and obviously would benefit from a good architect.

I can tell you from seeing it over and over...that question is impossible to answer.

[Joel]

What is the secret to finding a good architect?

Finding one who realizes that you're paying the bill and they work for you.

The current project I'm on has the best architect I have worked with. He gets things done and answers questions within a day or 2. His stylistic flair may not be as good as others but he knows his shit and gets it done.

[amgsl55]

Finding one who realizes that you're paying the bill and they work for you.

The current project I'm on has the best architect I have worked with. He gets things done and answers questions within a day or 2. His stylistic flair may not be as good as others but he knows his shit and gets it done 3.  Also ensure that the drawings are highly detailed so that no one is scratching their heads wondering how to get some of the details done.

^^^^^^^
this

same goes for interior designers

Its important to meet with a few to 1.  know you will get along without clashing, 2. ensure their design style matches yours

Also, many have their own time agendas that may not match yours, watch out for that and watch out for those that will charge you a % of the build costs.

There are also some gifted draftsmen around.

[Fortis]

MCK, they completed our house back in '04 as a relatively young & new practice, it won them a lot of awards & recognition back then, they've won a Wilkinson since.... good architecture IMO is timeless.

Your house is beautifull congratulations 

[psw]

I have used architects numerous times, residential & commercial & would never build or renovate without one. Collaboration IMO is essential, you need to like the existing work a practice has completed, although that IMO is not essential, we were slightly concerned on our current house the architects could design to our brief & create the feel we were after, they were previously very minimalist, but they convinced us they could do what we wished & were incredibly keen to do the project, that was a big plus in our decision process after interviewing 5 architectural firms. I believe a good architect interprets your brief & turns that into a successful end product.

If it is a house for you to live in, giving them design freedom within your brief I think is essential, after all they are the experts, I have given free reign each time & IMO an absolute must is to allow them to design, document & finally contract administration, with ongoing project meeting attendance for the duration. Without them administering the contract & build, most builders will always try to take shortcuts & IMO the end result hinges on the architect being involved to the end. Many people think once the drawings & documentation are complete they don't need the architect any more, in my experience when that happens the end result is compromised.