ideas to reality

Here's how a building project comes to life, and who's involved along the way.

Keen to know more? Check out this quick video.

1. Concept Design

The Developer, or 'Client', buys a site to build on. They bring together a team to workshop what's possible to build, how much it will cost, and requirements from Council/Government like height limits or sustainability metrics.

• Developer • Architect • Project Manager
• Quantity Surveyor • Ecologist
• Community engagement • Planner

2. design development

The creative and technical teams come together to develop the design for the building, usually in 3D digital models as well as 'blueprint' drawings. They need to stick to any Council/Government requirements, as well as keeping to the Developer's budget.

• Project Manager • Engineer
• Architect • Quantity Surveyor
• Planner

3. Tender

When the building is mostly designed, Builders or 'Contractors' price how much they think it will cost to build it. The Developer selects a Builder, and usually hands over the last 30% of the building design to them to finish off.

• Project Manager • Contractor (builder)
• Lawyer • Subcontractors

4. design finalisation

The design is fully completed incorporating ideas from the builder - e.g. a different façade system or lighting design. The design drawings are now ready to be built from! Authorities including Sydney Trains, Council etc. need to approve these final drawings before we can start on site.

• Contractor including Design Manager
• Engineer • Architect • Subcontractors

5. Construction

Shovels are in the ground - we're building!
The Engineer and Architect go to site regularly to check on progress. Subcontractors make the magic happen - from concreters through to crane drivers and electricians. The Builder manages all of these smaller companies under them to get the work done.


• Contractor including Design Manager
and Site/Project Engineers • Engineer
• Architect • Subcontractors • Quantity Surveyor

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