All content © Topology 2026

Topology acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our studio stands. The Yalukit Willam people of the Boon Wurrung and the wider Kulin Nation. Each of us pay our deepest respects to the elders past, present and those emerging. We pledge our commitment in caring for this land and its first people. We promise to respect its history and continue to speak the truth.

info

All content © Topology 2026

Topology acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our studio stands. The Yalukit Willam people of the Boon Wurrung and the wider Kulin Nation. Each of us pay our deepest respects to the elders past, present and those emerging. We pledge our commitment in caring for this land and its first people. We promise to respect its history and continue to speak the truth.

info

THE PROCESS

We provide Architectural services through all stages of design and construction, from the first tracing paper sketch through to the completed project. The following process outlines the typical stages of a residential project.

CONCEPT DESIGN

The Concept Design stage is a highly creative part of the architectural process. Ideas are formed, explored and tested in response to the brief and the site conditions. We consider our Clients aspirations, site conditions including the most appropriate orientation, mass, materiality, and the spatial qualities of the design. Environmental considerations are integral.

During this stage, the design is periodically reviewed against planning regulations, statutory regulations and the budget. The design is refined and, with approval, lodged for planning.

Planning

We have extensive experience in navigating projects through the planning or report and consent process including heritage approvals where required. Where required we work together with Planning Consultants and specialist Heritage Architects to manage sensitive or complex projects during this crucial stage.

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

The Design Development stage can begin either once a planning permit has been received or in parallel. It commences with a check of the design against the budget. We then work together with the consultant team (engineers, surveyors and other specialist consultants) on the principal structure and services, and confirm key material decisions for both internal and external finishes. We work closely with our Clients to develop the detailed design of the interiors and functional elements such as the joinery and fit-out. The cost plan is revised again at the completion of this stage.

CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION

The drawings and specifications that will form the tender and the construction documents are prepared. This is when all materials, details and finishes are finalised and documented. This is an intensive stage during which we coordinate the consultant team to produce their accompanying drawings and specifications. The cost plan is revised again to provide a baseline against which to compare tenders.

CONTRACTOR SELECTION AND TENDERING

We prepare a shortlist of potential builders who have the relevant experience and capabilities to undertake the project. With Client approval, we then put the project out to a competitive tender. Upon receipt of all responses to the tender, we assess each one and provide a report for Client review. Once the client accepts a tender, we facilitate contract negotiation if required and prepare the contract documents for signing.
Alternatively some projects are better suited to a negotiated tender directly with a preferred contractor to reach a mutually acceptable budget and program.

Building Permit

Once a contractor is selected and the Construction Contract negotiated we work with consultant team to provide all the required documentation to the Building Surveyor to obtain a Building Permit which is required to commence Construction.

Contract Administration

In our role as Contract Administrator we manage the contract between the client and the builder. We respond to the contractor’s requests for information, assist in the resolution of detailing questions on site and, together with a quantity surveyor, assess progress claims and variations. This is a critical stage as we work hard to make sure that the original design intent is carried through until completion. At the conclusion of this stage, the project will be at practical completion and ready for the Client to move in.

Defects Liability Period

The defects liability covers a period of 12 months from the date of completion during which we remain in contact in our roles as Contract Administrator to assist in orderly completion / rectification of defects that may arise.

Additional Services

Upon request we can provide additional services including master planning, pre-purchase and pre-design stages, landscape design, feasibility studies and furniture & soft furnishing selection. Our projects typically include the design of interiors however we are also comfortable working collaboratively with interior designers should the Client prefer.

THE PROCESS

We provide Architectural services through all stages of design and construction, from the first tracing paper sketch through to the completed project. The following process outlines the typical stages of a residential project.

CONCEPT DESIGN

The Concept Design stage is a highly creative part of the architectural process. Ideas are formed, explored and tested in response to the brief and the site conditions. We consider our Clients aspirations, site conditions including the most appropriate orientation, mass, materiality, and the spatial qualities of the design. Environmental considerations are integral.

During this stage, the design is periodically reviewed against planning regulations, statutory regulations and the budget. The design is refined and, with approval, lodged for planning.

Planning

We have extensive experience in navigating projects through the planning or report and consent process including heritage approvals where required. Where required we work together with Planning Consultants and specialist Heritage Architects to manage sensitive or complex projects during this crucial stage.

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

The Design Development stage can begin either once a planning permit has been received or in parallel. It commences with a check of the design against the budget. We then work together with the consultant team (engineers, surveyors and other specialist consultants) on the principal structure and services, and confirm key material decisions for both internal and external finishes. We work closely with our Clients to develop the detailed design of the interiors and functional elements such as the joinery and fit-out. The cost plan is revised again at the completion of this stage.

CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION

The drawings and specifications that will form the tender and the construction documents are prepared. This is when all materials, details and finishes are finalised and documented. This is an intensive stage during which we coordinate the consultant team to produce their accompanying drawings and specifications. The cost plan is revised again to provide a baseline against which to compare tenders.

CONTRACTOR SELECTION AND TENDERING

We prepare a shortlist of potential builders who have the relevant experience and capabilities to undertake the project. With Client approval, we then put the project out to a competitive tender. Upon receipt of all responses to the tender, we assess each one and provide a report for Client review. Once the client accepts a tender, we facilitate contract negotiation if required and prepare the contract documents for signing.
Alternatively some projects are better suited to a negotiated tender directly with a preferred contractor to reach a mutually acceptable budget and program.

Building Permit

Once a contractor is selected and the Construction Contract negotiated we work with consultant team to provide all the required documentation to the Building Surveyor to obtain a Building Permit which is required to commence Construction.

Contract Administration

In our role as Contract Administrator we manage the contract between the client and the builder. We respond to the contractor’s requests for information, assist in the resolution of detailing questions on site and, together with a quantity surveyor, assess progress claims and variations. This is a critical stage as we work hard to make sure that the original design intent is carried through until completion. At the conclusion of this stage, the project will be at practical completion and ready for the Client to move in.

Defects Liability Period

The defects liability covers a period of 12 months from the date of completion during which we remain in contact in our roles as Contract Administrator to assist in orderly completion / rectification of defects that may arise.

Additional Services

Upon request we can provide additional services including master planning, pre-purchase and pre-design stages, landscape design, feasibility studies and furniture & soft furnishing selection. Our projects typically include the design of interiors however we are also comfortable working collaboratively with interior designers should the Client prefer.