Dion Seminara Architecture, Brisbane Architects
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Residential Architectural Services | Home Renovations & New Homes Designs

Dion Seminara Architecture produce original work to enhance your life. There are no standard floor plans, but numerous examples of our current and completed residential architecture projects. These include residential home renovations, new homes, kitchen renovations and new kitchens , bathroom renovations and new bathrooms, with landscape design (garden architecture) and pools also available via our associates. (Follow the links to our architectural galleries and be inspired!).

Verbal Architectural Advice

As part of our commitment to satisfying your needs, we offer on-site, verbal advice from principal architect Dion Seminara. This is called our Verbal Architectural Advice service and it's the best place to start with any residential architecture project. When you are ready to talk to us, call the office, or, complete the Verbal Architectural Advice enquiry form and Dion will be in touch to personally discuss your requirements.

Architecture Service Packages

From there, we tailor our architecture services to suit your specific budget and requirements. See our Architecture Packages (below) to gain an overview of our complete process through advice, design, documentation, management and value adding service stages. Or, if you just want a quick visual overview for now, view our Easy Steps to achieve the best design to enhance your life.

Dion Seminara Architecture are experts at:

  • integrating the three parts of your living environment: building architecture + interior + landscape
  • protecting your investment by adding value to your home and lifestyle
  • listening to you and understanding your requirements
  • creating homes which reflect and enhance your life
  • incorporating 'Eco-Housing' design elements
  • linking indoors to outdoors
  • developing creative yet functional and practical solutions
  • demonstrating the look and feel of your project
  • finding you a suitably qualified professional builder
  • negotiating, on your behalf, more than one price for your project
  • contract managing your builder

Personalised service assured by Dion Seminara, principal of Dion Seminara Architecture.

Find out How We Can Save You Money

RELEVANT BROCHURES:
Residential Architecture Services [Adobe PDF]
Verbal advice Consultation [Adobe PDF]
Concept To Creation [Adobe PDF]


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Diagram of architecture services from Brisbane architects

At Dion Seminara Architecture we aim to enhance your life through practical, well thought out designs that take into account your current and future needs. We understand that your project is about more than simply the building itself. It is about looking at all aspects, both inside and out, to ensure that your home compliments and adds to your lifestyle in a very positive way. We help you achieve this by integrating the three parts of your living environment:

BUILDING ARCHITECTURE + INTERIORS + LANDSCAPE = DESIGN ENHANCING LIFE

Some people believe that services supplied by architects are expensive and not accessible to everyone. And whilst this may be true for some architects, at Dion Seminara Architecture, we provide flexibility in the services we offer, by breaking our services down into a simple 4 Step process.

This process enables you, the client, to choose how much, or how little assistance you require, depending on your experience level and budget. You have the choice of engaging us for a single service, or multiple services depending on your needs, thus allowing you to still achieve the benefits of our holistic approach to building projects.

It is this 4 Step process that sets Dion Seminara Architecture apart from the rest.

Diagram of architecture services from Brisbane architects

We understand that not everyone has the budget to enable them to have an architect manage their entire project. And that you may only need advice.

Perhaps you simply want guidance on your new home or renovation project, as well as some ideas on what your budgets will allow you to achieve. For this reason we offer our Architectural Advice Service.

Here’s an overview of what you will get as part of this consultation:

  • I will personally come to your home to meet with yourself and any other decision makers, to explore every possible option for your project.
  • This is your chance to discuss your wildest dreams with me adding advice as we go based on my extensive building experience.
  • Along the way I will give you an idea of potential building costs, to ensure that your plans are staying within your budget.
  • I will also give you advice on approval processes and likely timelines. You will have an excellent understanding of how long your project is likely to take, and exactly what is required.

This is one step that you will absolutely love. This is your opportunity to discuss your project in-depth at your property with me personally. You can ask me anything you like, I am only too happy to answer your questions as we go.

Of course I will be offering my advice on how you can achieve your dreams without breaking the bank. This is one consultation that you simply cannot afford to miss.

Once we have completed Step 1, we move onto the 'Concept' phase of the process. This is where you truly begin to see your dreams come together.

If you are renovating, we start off by completing a measured drawing of your home and organising a surveyor to do a survey of the levels of your block. This ensures that we have correct elevations and dimensions of your existing home before we add your new renovation.

From there we create a sketch or 'concept' design of your home based on our earlier discussions, to show exactly what it will look like after your renovation, or in the case of a new home, you will now get to see it for the first time.

We will also confirm with you our opinion as to the build cost of your project and what approval you will need, and clearly outline a complete timeline for your project, including the building works. All of this will be included a written report.

Once we have completed your sketch design, we discuss any potential revisions to ensure that you are 100% happy with your proposed renovations. Any required alterations and design refinements are then made in our final detailed design.

At this point we will also arrange for an independent estimate of costs. Cost estimators make their living through understanding the current cost of materials and any forecast increases in prices, as well as having an accurate understanding of labour costs. By taking this extra step, we can ensure that your design is staying within your budget, avoiding any nasty surprises further down the track.

Now that the design and cost estimations are complete, it's time to sort out the paperwork.

We start off by producing building application drawings. Detailed construction drawings and specifications are created so the builder knows exactly what they are building and where it is to be built. We then coordinate all consultants and submit your paperwork for approval to ensure you get all relevant permits and permissions. We will take care of all of this for you, so you don't need to worry about a thing.

Of course your interior design is just as important as the building design. We will also work with you to create the ultimate colour scheme, as well as giving advice on flooring, fittings and fixtures. Storage needs will also be considered, including the complete design of your kitchen, bathrooms, ensuites, laundries, media rooms, entertainment units, studies, robes and/or wine cellars.

If you also require advice on any interior decorating items, like furnishings, you will be delighted to know that we work in association with decorating firms to ensure a perfectly seamless and united outcome. Your home will look completely integrated and uniquely stunning.

But your living environment does not end with the building itself. Our plans include landscape design, covering everything from gatehouses and pool design, to fence designs and zoning.

If you're really serious about creating the ultimate home, you simply must have a consultation with Leesa Seminara from Leesa Seminara Garden Design. Leesa is one of the best in the business at creating beautiful subtropical paradises, and I am not just saying that because she is my wife.

This is the stage where we really begin to make your life easy. Finding, negotiating and liaising with builders can be stressful, but our Architectural Building Contract Management service takes care of all of this for you.

We start by sourcing a number of suitably qualified builders. Through our vast experience, we have learnt which builders are best suited to varying styles of renovations or new homes. You're guaranteed that any builders we source will be of the highest standards.

Each builder is then invited to tender on your project. From there we will negotiate with them on your behalf, ensuring that you receive the best possible price and completion time. We do not receive any kickbacks or payments from builders. Our goal is to simply get you the best possible deal, without sacrificing quality. We will provide a detailed tender review and negotiate your contract for you, to ensure you not only have a quality builder, but one that is competitively priced.

We will then personally oversee the work done on your project, through regular onsite inspections, to ensure that all work is completed to the highest standards. If any challenges arise, we will immediately relay this back to you, in plain English, and then deal with the issue on your behalf.

By taking on the position of project manager overseeing your builder, we can guarantee that your renovations or new home will satisfy your every desire. A turnkey outcome, from concept to completion, tailored to suit your needs is what Steps 1 to 4 can offer you.

We look forward to working with you on your upcoming project.

 

 

 

ARCHITECTURE PACKAGES

Dion Seminara Architecture services are available as convenient packages to suit individual requirements.

 

 

 

 

Architect's Design + MD Package
[1 - 2a(P1)&(P2)] & 2b
Architect's Design through to Building Application Drawing Package
[1a/b - 3a]
Architect's Design, Building Application + Construction Drawing Package
[1a/b - 3e] (optional 3f)
Full Architectural Service Package - Design Through to Built Building Handover
[1a/b - 4b]
  ARCHITECTURAL ADVICE
 

1 | Verbal Advice Consultation

Exploring options, ideas and building costs

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If you are unsure of where to start, our verbal advice consultation will help you interactively explore and understand the opportunities and challenges of your house or land (also most useful prior to purchase), giving you a real sense of direction.

We will honestly present you with the facts as to whether your expectations are realistic & economically viable. We will consider your building budget and provide advice on the real building costs. We will advise you on the choice of renovation versus demolition & rebuild (or perhaps even separate rebuild) for your particular situation, and give you an understanding of hidden issues. Fees for this service represent very good value for money.

This service will essentially provide 'brain-storming verbal advice consultation'. It is perfect if you haven’t confirmed any of your ideas, or if you need help deciding on your direction.

Ideally you would receive this service upon first purchasing your property, or having lived in it for sometime (with a limited background in design or building), or just prior to the purchase of an existing building or land, in order for you to know whether your needs could be met without over or under-capitalisation.

In order to complete this service we will work with you to fully understand your short and long term goals, and aspirations with regards to your property.

Our Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) membership is your assurance of our quality, honesty and professionalism as a registered Architect and professional designer. As an RAIA member we are required to uphold the RAIA 'code of conduct'.

Our 2 hour initial verbal consultation will always be performed by the Principal of the firm, Dion Seminara, who is a registered architect, design specialist and licenced building contractor, with 20 years experience and several design awards to his credit. He will personally provide expert advice and realistic options on how to maximise the potential of your project.

This service is a verbal advice consultation only and plans or drawings are not provided at this stage. It can be upgraded to the Feasibility Analysis - Space Allocation + Association service. Our immediate upgrade service following our advice is our Architect's Design Package including Sketch Design and Detailed Design and Measured Drawings if you are renovating.

Our Sketch Design will see the discussed ideas converted into one large scale concept plan/s, a section and a number of three-dimensional sketches.

Read client Testimonials for our Verbal Advice Consultation service.

  ARCHITECT'S DESIGN
 

2a | (P1) Sketch Design 'The Concept'

(NB: Preferred pre-requisite for our ongoing architectural services)

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This is an advanced design concept service which excludes Building Application Drawings, but leads you to these services sooner.

For any size project involving renovations, alterations, additions, improvements or new homes. If you are confident about the financial feasibility of your project, this traditional architectural service will get your project underway and closer to completion.

This is the best value 'start up' design service if you are 100% confident in progressing your project to construction stage.

This service is the best choice when you:

  • want to ensure more accurate opinions of probable project cost.
  • want independent design advice for your site, free from restrictions of builder's standard schemes (this includes 'design & construct').
  • intend to progress with our Design, Documentation & Drafting services, as overall architectural service costs are usually less starting out with this service.
  • have already confirmed the overall scheme direction with our Verbal Advice Consultation service

Often following on from the Verbal Advice Consultation, this service is provided for those who are serious about progressing their project, particularly if saving time is a priority. As all drawings provided in this service are computer generated (CAD), they are of much higher detail and precision than as provided in the Initial Concept Report. This also saves considerable time when you proceed with your project.

If your project is a renovation, alteration or addition, we will need you to engage us to complete our Measured Drawing. This service gives us an accurate representation of your house floor plans and elevations in a CAD format. In addition, we require a detailed contour survey of your site which we can organise on your behalf.

The Sketch Design Service includes:

  • A meeting at your house or land to discuss your requirements and evaluate the aspects of your property.
  • A fully developed schematic design floor plan/s at 1:100 scale, drawn in CAD format to ensure a precise result. This design drawing will include professional space planning, integration and design of internal & external spaces, all in combination with your briefing requirements (Building Application drawings are not included in this service, however dion seminara architecture provides this service and many more as described on our Design, Documentation & Drafting Services Schedule.
  • At least 2 fully developed 3D perspective sketches to help you visualise your home.
  • A clear understanding of any local council issues that may affect your project.
  • An outline of all consultants fees to complete all other stages .
  • A detailed opinion as to the construction cost of your project.

On completion of this service, we will provide a written outline of all fees for architectural, engineering, town planning (if required) etc, and steps in order to complete your project.

Learn more about our Concept Design process.

 

2a | (P2) Measured Drawings

If renovating (MD)

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If renovating, measured drawings are needed to fully understand the full parameters of your existing home. We need to convert these into CAD format. This work will generally consist of a visit to your home by two representatives from our office who will spend 3-5 hours on site. Usually 1 or more weeks work is required to fully illustrate the scope of your home include existing electrical facilities ie lights etc.

 

2b | Detailed Design with Independent Estimate

Refines first concept (from 2a or 2b) and ensures our design fully satisfies.

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Following your Feasibility Analysis - Space Allocation + Association (or Sketch Design) Report we would re-address all the most important issues you now require your design to reflect, and make provision for the later resolution of more detailed issues. We will also write up all the project requirements to ensure all relevant information for an optimum design is available before the final design process is completed.

Once the final concept revisions are complete and approved, work begins on the preliminary working drawings known as Design Development. If a Development Approval is required this would be completed at this stage. We also recommend an independent detailed estimate is undertaken at this stage to ensure your project is financially viable. We will organise all sub-consultants on your behalf at this stage.

  ARCHITECTURAL DOCUMENTATION
 

3a | Building Application Drawings

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Following approval of a development application for your project (if required) and a satisfactory outcome of the independent estimate, we will convert design drawings (intended to be understood by the owner) into technical drawings to obtain the building approval. At this stage we will work closely with the structural engineering sub-consultant, who will carry out the structural design for your project.

 

3b | Contructions Drawings + Specification

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In this stage we will prepare all the construction drawings suitable to obtain accurate comparative prices, and in order to construct your project with the least amount of hassle in order to produce an architecturally designed outcome. These drawings will include construction details, electrical layouts, setout drawing and reflected ceiling plans.

 

3c | Coordination of All Consultants

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Including surveyors, structural engineers, estimators and private certifiers as required.

 

3d | Interior Design

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Detailed design and documentation of interiors as required. This can include kitchens, bathrooms, home theatres, built-in BBQs, bars, entertainment units and home offices.

 

3e | Garden Architecture

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In order to create innovative links between indoors and outdoors, we can design a range of external elements such as swimming pools, garden and paved areas, terraces, fences, gatehouses, gazebos and pavilions.

 

3f | Leesa Seminara Garden Design

(By our associated business partner) Plant selection and layout.

       
  BUILDING CONTRACT MANAGEMENT
 

4a | Sourcing Builders, Tendering + Negotiating

With 1 or more builders

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We select a builder or builders for your final approval and assessment. We can negotiate with one or more on your behalf. This is an important phase to ensure the best price, with possible final adjustments to improve quality and/or adjust price.

 

4b | Contract Administration of the Builder

Sometimes referred to as project management.

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Your building contract is administered by us on your behalf. With our experience and knowledge in the building process, and acting as your agent we will deal with the day to day issues of the project to ensure a successful outcome.
The following features can only be found in an architect administered building contract:

  • Professional assistance in building matters from someone other than the builder.
  • Monthly payments to builder, based on the actual value of work completed as assessed by the architect - therefore cash-flow is more accurately tuned to the project progress. This is better for the builder and reduces any opportunity for abuse.
  • During construction, up to 5% of the contract amount is held as security that the builder will perform all works in accordance with the contract.
  • After completion, up to 2.5% of the contract amount is held as security that any defects will be rectified under contract within the defects liability period (typically from 3 to 6 months)
  • Compensation to the owner if the builder exceeds the agreed completion date without justifiable cause.
  ADDITIONAL VALUE ADDING DESIGN SERVICES
 

5a | 2hr Verbal Garden Advice

Offered by Our Associate Leesa Seminara Garden Design

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Advice on what plants suit your site, quantities, plant spacings and heights, soil preparation, and more - ideal for the 'do it yourself' gardener.

 

5b | Full Garden Design Plans

Offered by Our Associate Leesa Seminara Garden Design

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Includes a consultation at your home to discuss your requirements, together with the preparation of a scale plan, a comprehensive list of required plants with spacings, heights and soil preparation advice- everything you need to begin creating your piece of paradise!