Frequently Asked Questions

A Building Designer specializes in creating plans for residential buildings including new homes, renovations, and extensions. We focus on practical, creative designs that meet council requirements and building codes. Building Designers work closely with you to translate your vision into detailed plans ready for building approval and construction.

In Queensland you generally need a relevant tertiary qualification (often a Diploma of Building Design or higher), at least two years supervised industry experience in the licence scope, and a Building Design licence issued by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) — licence classes are Low Rise, Medium Rise and Open, each defining what projects you may lawfully design.

In Queensland, a Building Designer is a licensed professional who can take full responsibility for designing buildings, including creating original plans and making design decisions that affect how a building looks, functions, and meets regulations. A Draftsperson typically works under supervision to produce technical drawings and documentation based on someone else's design concepts.

All Aspects Design Studio is licensed by QBCC for both Low Rise and Medium Rise classes. This allows us to design a wide range of residential projects including new homes, renovations, extensions, and multi-unit developments up to three storeys.

We primarily serve Brisbane and South East Queensland, including suburbs from the Gold Coast to the Sunshine Coast. Our Brisbane base in Hawthorne allows us to efficiently service most SEQ locations for site visits and consultations.

Design costs vary based on project complexity, size, and requirements. We provide a fixed quote after our initial consultation so you know the investment upfront. This transparency allows you to budget effectively for your project.

This depends on project scope, size and complexity. Smaller projects typically take 3-6 months, while complex site or character homes can take 6-12 months as additional time is required for council lodgements and infrastructure owner approvals.

Our new home plans include site analysis, concept designs, detailed floor plans, elevations, sections, site plans, and all documentation required for building approval. We also provide 3D visualizations to help you understand the design before construction begins.

Yes, we have extensive experience designing homes for Brisbane's sloping sites. We work with the natural topography to minimize earthworks while maximizing views and creating interesting split-level designs.

Yes, we design for sites with flood overlays throughout Brisbane. Our designs incorporate appropriate floor levels, resilient materials, and drainage solutions that comply with council flood requirements.

Most external renovations and internal structural renovations in Brisbane require building approval and therefore need plans. Having professional plans ensures quality outcomes and helps with builder quoting.

We design renovations that complement your existing home style, whether it's a Queenslander, post-war, or modern home. We consider rooflines, materials, proportions, and character elements to create a seamless integration.

Options include rear extensions, side extensions, second storey additions, or raise and build under. The best approach depends on your site, existing home, budget, and lifestyle needs. We assess all options during our initial consultation.

A raise and build under involves lifting your existing home and constructing new living spaces underneath. This is a popular Brisbane renovation approach that doubles your living space while preserving your existing home and avoiding demolition costs.

Most traditional Queensland homes, including Queenslanders and post-war homes, are suitable for raising. Brick homes can also be raised but require additional structural considerations. We assess your home's suitability during our initial consultation.

Yes, raise and build under projects require building approval from Brisbane City Council. Our plans include all necessary documentation for approval, including structural engineering and site plans.

Common uses include additional bedrooms, living areas, home offices, rumpus rooms, bathrooms, laundry, and garage space. We design the layout to maximize your new space while meeting building codes.

Extension plan costs vary based on the complexity and size of your project. We provide a fixed quote after our initial consultation so you know the design costs upfront before proceeding.

Most house extensions in Brisbane require building approval. Some small additions may qualify as accepted development. We advise on approval requirements during our initial consultation.

This depends on project scope, size and complexity. Smaller projects typically take 3-6 months, while complex site or character homes can take 6-12 months as additional time is required for council lodgements and infrastructure owner approvals.

Character housing refers to homes built before 1946 that contribute to Brisbane's heritage streetscape. These include Queenslanders, workers' cottages, and bungalows with a Traditional Building Character Overlay. Special planning rules often apply to protect their character features.

Yes, character homes can be renovated, extended and raised. The key is design that respects the original home's character while providing modern living spaces. We have extensive experience with character home renovations in Brisbane.

Yes, Brisbane City Council has specific planning requirements for character homes, particularly in Traditional Building Character Overlay areas. We understand these requirements and design accordingly to streamline your approval process.

We discuss your project goals, inspect your site (if applicable), review any constraints, and understand your budget. After the consultation, we provide a proposal outlining scope, timeline, and fixed fee for the design work.

Yes, we provide 3D visualizations as part of our design process. These help you understand the design before construction begins and are useful for making design decisions and communicating with builders. We also offer a 3d walk-through file.

We design plans that builders love to quote and construct. While we don't build ourselves, we can provide recommendations for builders experienced in your project type. We also coordinate with builders during the design process if you've already engaged one.

We coordinate with structural engineers, surveyors, town planners, hydraulic engineers, energy assessors, and other consultants as required for your project. We manage these relationships to ensure a seamless design process.

Most building work in Brisbane requires building approval. Some projects may also need planning approval, particularly for new builds, subdivisions, or character homes. We advise on approval requirements during our initial consultation.

Private building certification typically takes 2-4 weeks once plans are submitted. Planning approvals can take 6-12 weeks or longer depending on complexity. We design to minimize approval timeframes where possible.

We provide approval-ready plans and can coordinate the submission process. We work with private building certifiers who assess plans and issue building approvals. For planning approvals, we can recommend experienced town planners.