A Letter to our client

Dear Client,

Thank you for considering us for the design and documentation of your new home. To help you get started and compile your ideas into a clear brief, we’ve outlined the following steps. Your brief doesn’t have to be perfect from the start; the key is to start putting your thoughts on paper, and we can refine the details later. The more thorough and detailed your brief, the better we can achieve the home you desire. However, it’s essential to focus on the big picture initially, as there will be time for fine-tuning later.

1. Describe Your Site

Gather all available information about your site, including the Certificate of Title, legal information, covenants, topographical and geotechnical surveys, and any existing plans. Note what attracted you to this site, its strengths, and potential limitations. Mention any specific views you’d like to incorporate.

2. Identify Your Goals

Determine the main reasons for building your new home. Consider factors like family well-being, lifestyle, sustainability, and the intended mood or atmosphere of your home. Define the activities and functional requirements, as well as the design and sensory qualities you prefer.

3. Understand Your Lifestyle

Analyze your current daily life and preferences. Identify what you like and dislike about your current living situation. Pay attention to daily routines, favorite rooms, and what happens at different times of the day. Consider if you work from home and which aspects of your lifestyle are well-supported or lacking.

4. List Specifics

Define the spaces and rooms you need, including their intended functions and the furniture or items that will occupy them. Note storage requirements, access to natural light, and any outdoor living areas.

Gather images, swatches, and colors that you like, and explain what attracts you to them. This will help create a cohesive design.

Consider materials, fixtures, and fittings for both the interior and exterior of your home. Note any preferences for construction methods and heating and cooling systems. Sustainability options like renewable energy sources and rainwater harvesting are also important.

Provide a budget that excludes taxes, fees, soft furnishings, and external landscaping elements. A Quantity Surveyor will later assess if the proposal aligns with the budget.

5. Analyze the Brief

Consider how the rooms and spaces relate to each other and to the overall design. Think about multifunctional spaces, material choices, and your top priorities. Focus on your specific needs and desires, rather than conforming to what others are doing.

Don’t prioritize aesthetics at this stage; instead, think about quality, comfort, and functionality. The brief can outline your objectives and measurable targets, such as energy efficiency and health considerations. It can also include specific timeframes or milestones.

6. Next Steps

Send us your brief, and we’ll reach out for a discussion to understand your project better. Once we have a clear understanding, we’ll provide a proposal for the design and construction of your new home.

We look forward to working with you and bringing your vision to life.

Sincerely,

Cherie Shi

Founder & Director