While each project – and every client – is unique, the process of design is similar for most of the homes we design. We start by appointing one of our experienced senior designers to manage your project, from concept to completion. This designer will be your conduit of communication throughout the project to the day you move in. They will walk you through the 6 key phases of work we complete with you – Feasibility, Design, Town Planning, Construction/Working Drawings, Interior Design and Contract Administration. There are hundreds of decisions to be made during these phases of work, and our team will collaborate to consult, research and advise every step of the way to ensure we maximise and balance a beautiful, comfortable, sustainable and affordable home for you.

After our initial (no obligation) meeting with you, we will be able to advise on the overall feasibility of your project and our indicative fees to complete all phases of work for you. It is worth noting that Maxa Design’s fees are calculated with consideration of several factors, however they are largely influenced by a project’s scale and complexity. We believe that calculating fees on a ‘percentage of construction cost’ basis is not always relevant, as some materials will have the same installation requirements, however will be at opposite ends of the price spectrum – and that doesn’t affect how long it takes us to design and document the material. Once you've decided to enlist Maxa Design to design your home, we will start with a Feasibility Concept Design Phase first and only. For this a deposit of 50% (of the cost of the Feasibility Concept Design Phase – see more information below) will be required, as well as the signing of a contract. Upon completion of this phase of work we will invoice the remaining 50% of fees for this phase. Fees will then be invoiced progressively throughout each following phase (3D Design Development, Town Planning, Construction/Working Drawings and Interior Design, and Contract Administration).

The Feasibility Concept Design Phase is an important first step in the project development process, where ideas begin to take shape. This phase involves exploring the practicality and viability of the proposed project and developing initial concepts. The Feasibility Concept Design Phase enables a thorough evaluation of the project's potential against the relevant opportunities and constraints of the site, with particular regard to climate, regulations and budget. In this stage we lay the foundation for successful implementation of your project. This phase is crucial for exploring the financial viability of the project.

The timeline to get to the build phase of a new home can vary greatly. It depends on the size and complexity of the project, the availability of consultants, and the local permitting process (Town Planning/DA). Generally, it can take anywhere from several months to well over a year to get to the build phase of a new home.

We will work closely with you, the builder and all the other professionals involved in your home building project to stick to a realistic timeline for your specific project. If you have specific timing requirements, please talk to us as we may be able to strategically fast track certain parts of the project.

Completing a feasibility study is a critical step in any project development process, even if you already know the project is financially feasible. This is because a feasibility study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the proposed project, taking into account various factors that may impact its success – such as Town Planning and other regulatory constraints.

By conducting a feasibility study, you can identify potential risks, estimate costs, determine an approximate project timeline, and evaluate the potential benefits of the project. This information is crucial for making informed decisions about the project and can help you identify ways to optimise the project's success. Additionally, a feasibility study serves as a blueprint for the project, providing a clear understanding of the project's scope, objectives, and requirements.

Ultimately, completing a feasibility study is a smart investment that can help you achieve your project goals, ensure its success, and avoid costly mistakes down the line.

It is our preference to engage a builder in the latter stages of the Design Development phase. At this stage of the project, we have enough critical information for a builder to provide valuable insight into the project’s buildability and advise on likely project costs. Upon completion of the Design Development phase we will source an estimate for your build from an agreed builder who we trust to deliver the best possible outcome for your type of project, whether that be a new build, renovation, Passivhaus, etc. If however, you would feel more comfortable to engage in a competitive tendering process, we can work with one of our preferred quantity surveyors to establish likely project costs at various stages of the design and documentation phases.

Builders’ payment schedules for a new house are generally as follows:

Deposit: A deposit is typically required at the time of signing the contract. The deposit amount may vary, but it's typically around 10% of the total cost.

Base stage: Payment is due once the base stage is completed, which includes the foundation, framing, and roofing. This payment is typically around 15% of the total cost.

Frame stage: Payment is due once the frame stage is completed, which includes the external walls, internal walls, and roof coverings. This payment is typically around 20% of the total cost.

Lock-up stage: Payment is due once the lock-up stage is completed, which includes the installation of external doors and windows. This payment is typically around 20% of the total cost.

Fixing stage: Payment is due once the fixing stage is completed, which includes the installation of plumbing, electrical, and heating systems, as well as insulation, plasterboard, and ceilings. This payment is typically around 20% of the total cost.

Completion stage: Payment is due once the construction is completed, and the house is ready for occupation. This payment is typically around 15% of the total cost.

Note 1: These percentages are a rough guide and may vary depending on the builder and the specific contract terms. Should we be engaged to manage your build for you, a full review of the contract and payment schedule will be completed by us before signing.

Note 2: For a Passive House, these payment stages and values would vary to accommodate the specialist equipment and higher cost windows. Some window suppliers are seeking a 50% deposit upon ordering, and this is a large cost for a builder to carry, so they typically vary the standard contract to accommodate this.

Yes. At Maxa Design we understand that some of our clients are excited at selecting their own fit and finish for their home, so our Interior Design service is optional. Over our many years of working with various clients we have found that this phase of work really finishes a home and harmonises the interior and exterior material palette.

Employing our interior design team can be a game-changer for your space. Interior Designers are trained to make the most out of any space, and their expertise can transform your home or workplace into a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment. Interior Designers have a keen eye for detail and can help you select the perfect colour schemes, furniture and accessories to create a cohesive and harmonious look. They can also help you maximise the potential of your space by utilising every nook and cranny to its fullest potential. Ultimately, hiring our interior designers can save you time, money, and frustration, as they will help you achieve the look and feel you desire while working to your budget and avoiding costly mistakes. So, whether you are renovating your home, redesigning your office space, or just looking to refresh your decor, our Interior Designers can be your secret weapon for achieving your design goals.

You can see examples of the previous projects we have designed on our website. Head here to explore our new home projects as well as our renovations. You’ll also be able to explore our Passivhaus designs, as well as our self-sufficient homes, in the city, suburbs and rural regions. Some of our home designs are award-winning too!

Maxa Design was established in Melbourne in 2004. Our office was set up in Blackburn Victoria until 2020, where – due to Covid restrictions – we closed the office and started working remotely. Our team is mostly spread throughout greater Melbourne, however we travel to sites all over Australia.

Over the last 18 years we have worked on projects all over Australia, from Geraldton WA, to Cairns Qld, Kangaroo Island SA and Bruny Island Tasmania. We love exploring new regions and climates throughout our beautiful country.

Over the years of providing our services on a wide range of projects, we have formed fantastic relationships with various consultants. Our team of consultants have experience working with us on similar projects and are familiar with our design philosophy and working processes. We find this leads to a more cohesive and efficient project development process. That said, we are very happy to be introduced to your preferred consultants to review their suitability for your project.

Yes, we regularly receive enquiries from people looking for their dream block of land. After an initial conversation with you about your project goals, we can conduct a quick desktop analysis to help advise of any potential issues that may create challenges and limit a project’s success.

Absolutely! We are firm believers that it is typically more sustainable to adapt our existing housing stock, rather than demolish and build new. Of course, there is also a financial consideration with this approach. Our team of designers and consultants are well versed in assessing the viability of renovating an older home when considering our clients’ wish lists.

While Maxa Design will consider and locate primary landscape components such as decks and swimming pools, we prefer to engage specialist landscape designers to take these ideas and develop them into a full landscape scheme. We enjoy working closely with our preferred landscape designers, and welcome introductions to those we haven’t had the good fortune to meet yet.