RMR Architects

Welcome to RMR Architects

We specialize in Residential-scale work and undertake projects that range from extensions and renovations to new homes and multi-unit developments.

We believe that good design should bring to life the ideas and aspirations of clients, maximize the potential of sites, enhance and add to the characteristics of existing structures and environs, be economical and environmentally sustainable. We are passionate about bringing these principles to bear on every one of our projects.

Our process emphasises close engagement with our clients in order to understand their needs and ideas, to distill them and use them to develop a truly satisfying design. It is based on the notion that a good design must in some way reflect the client’s own aspirations, philosophy and lifestyle.

Our process encapsulates the notion that service delivery must be thorough to provide for successful outcomes. From the earliest stages we familiarize with and understand the site, its context, its constraints and potential in terms of orientation, direction of views, topography, neighbouring properties etc.

Our process involves a commitment to applying practical and environmentally sustainable design principals that respond creatively to spatial planning, building controls, planning guidelines and client budget.


Services

Understanding the services an architect can offer is important. It is key to realising the goals of each project however big or small. The following is a range of services we offer and each stage demonstrates the process.


SKETCH DESIGN STAGE

The first step is to listen and understand the client’s needs, establish a brief including the client’s budget. The next involves investigating the site and regulatory requirements. The third entails creating an overall design that encapsulates these requirements while taking into consideration planning issues, good design principals relevant to spatial configuration and orientation including incorporating environmentally sustainable design principles.


TOWN PLANNING

Some projects may require town-planning approvals depending on locality, site area and type of project. This involves preliminary discussions with town planners, to fully understand local council guidelines, neighbourhood planning strategies and overlays. The next step entails resolving the design and developing submissions that respond to the above while maintaining client objectives. We believe a collaborative process interested parties ensure a smoother outcome.


DETAILED DESIGN

The aim of this stage is to look at all aspects of the project in detail in terms of aesthetics and functionality. It involves carefully designing cabinet work in kitchens and wet areas in terms of client preferences, considering materials and finishes, looking at colour selections, type of lighting, fittings and fixtures, methods of heating and cooling etc.


CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION

This step involves the preparation of working drawings, specifications and schedules that draws together all aspects of the project including the technical. Through out this stage we coordinate and work in closely with consultants who bring in expertise relevant to structure, mechanical and electrical. The number of consultants is generally determined by the nature and scale of the project.


CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

The intent of this sage is two fold. The first involves advising clients of suitable building contracts and selecting a suitable builder, either through tender or by negotiation. The second involves administering the project through the process of construction in accordance with the contract documents.

We as the architect will act, as agent to the client and carry out periodic site inspections, issue instructions to builders’, certify payments and comment on quality and time. We believe running a project smoothly is ultimately important in realising a successful project outcome in terms of overall design and cost.