Bauhinia Architects

What if we don’t like what you design?

A client told us once that friends of theirs were considering engaging Bauhinia Architects to design their house and were concerned “what if we don’t like what they design?” Our client told them “that almost can’t happen, it’s a process.” Generally, buildings designed by Bauhinia Architects are more a reflection of our client than us. Our design process identifies our client's functional requirements and aesthetic preferences. The building is designed to our client’s preferences.

We hear you need a big budget to use an architect for a house?

No, this is not true, particularly for Bauhinia Architects who work in regional Queensland. Every house deserves to be well planned and thought out, it is after all where we spend a lot of our time. Bauhinia Architects have designed houses to a diverse range of budgets, as low as $50,000 (1994). We set our level and scope of services appropriate to our client’s level of expectation and budget. Contact us for a no obligation discussion to enquire on how we may be able to assist with your project.

What style of houses do you design?

Our client's aesthetic and subjective preferences dictate the style of our houses we design. Furthermore each site is an influencing factor in the style of house. The truth is we design houses with our client. It is a very collaborative approach. Some clients say "I have no idea what style I like, I just want it functional and well designed". Most people do have a particular aesthetic preference. Bauhinia Architects step by step process will bring this aesthetic preference to the fore.

Do you specialise?

Over the years Bauhinia Architects have been commissioned to provide architectural services on a diverse range of projects. These have included: residential - individual homes, renovations, retirement villages, multiple dwelling development, hospitality, tourism - motels, backpacker hostels, resorts, commercial offices and workplaces, schools and tertiary education, indigenous organisations and communities, retail interiors government and civic buildings.

What’s the difference between an architect and a building designer?

Qualifications and registration. To be an architect in Australia, you need to have completed a university course, normally 5 years full time, followed by at least two years of experience, followed by passing State Government Board of Architects examinations. If you are not on the Board of Architects Register, you cannot call yourself an architect, or offer architectural services.

How much do you charge?

There is a common misconception architects cost a ‘bomb’! Our scope of services and your options are discussed in detail prior to commencement. Once determined, we then offer a service proposal which sets out what we will do, how we go about it and how much it will cost. Fees can be charges by one, or a combination of three methods: time based with an anticipated maximum ceiling or a percentage of the build cost or a lump sum for an agreed scope of services. The choice is yours.

Do you do residential renovations?

Yes, Bauhinia Architects have completed numerous residential renovations. Some have been major alterations and additions, others feasibility or concept design only. On each renovation project we recommend an initial feasibility study to determine whether the project will meet your objectives and budget.

Do you design to a budget?

Yes, all projects are designed to a budget. The challenging aspect is to achieve maximum ‘bang for your buck’ for a given budget. A low budget is no excuse for poor design. Part of Bauhinia Architects obligation and responsibility is to advice on where to spend your money so you get maximum return on your investment.