Design Service Fees

Design Fees

My design fees vary based on the size of the project, the scope of my involvement and the specifications of fittings and furnishings. I can work on an hourly rate or a fixed fee basis, and I will always provide a fee estimate in advance.

To help my clients select an appropriate level of service, I have created a three-tier approach

Tier 1 – BASIC DESIGN CONCEPT – $950 plus GST

My basic concept design fee includes:

3D concept layout to maximise space and patient flow
Counter, floor display and wall fixture layout
Finishing suggestions for paint, fixtures and flooring
Basic lighting layout

Tier 2 – COMPREHENSIVE DESIGN CONCEPT – from $2,500

My comprehensive design service includes all of the basic design concept above plus:

Design documents which may include all, or some, of the following
Concept Floor and fixture plans
Lighting schedule
Interior elevations
Cabinetry design and specifications
Colour and material specifications
Coordinate architectural plans
Design consultation through completion

The comprehensive design service is determined by the size and scale of the project and has a minimum fee of $2,500 plus GST

Tier 3 – COMPREHENSIVE DESIGN CONCEPT + PROJECT MANAGEMENT

If your preference is to contract me to provide a full design and project management service which includes all of the above and:

Tender for general contractors bids and review contracts
Coordinate all contractors
Full budget management
Manage any council consents required
Quality control
Local media and industry coverage if required

For this service, I charge an initial comprehensive design service fee and then an on-site project management daily rate of $450 + GST

Travel and accommodation are an additional cost, which is why I advocate the use of video and stills in place of site visits as where at all possible

Other Potential Costs

If the work you plan purely is cosmetic – such as paint, carpet, tile, fixtures and display lighting, then you may not need an architect. If you intend to build walls, add electric, plumbing, heating ventilation and air-conditioning or other structural building elements, then you are likely to need a permit and an architect or architectural draughtsperson may be required. I often associate with local architects and will help you coordinate the drawing requirements to keep costs to a minimum.

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What do my design services include?

There are some fundamental questions that I like to ask so that I can provide you with a scope of services and an estimated fee.

Are you looking for a full refit or just a few minor changes?

I am as happy working with clients who just wants a low-cost refresh as I am providing a complete practice refit or relocation

What clientele are you trying to attract?

Determining this helps decide the overall look and feel of the space. It also helps me to determine the level of surface finishes and interior fittings that are likely to be specified.

How do you wish to differentiate your practice?

Your practice concept may be based on a lack of competition, a novel approach to the existing business model, better value or higher grade of service. I want to know what makes you unique and different?

Do you have an idea of the way you want your practice to look?

If you’ve seen elements in other practices that you like, you may want to pull some of those ideas into your practice. It could be a type of flooring or individual fixtures, colours or lights. Your input is very valuable; this is a collaborative process, and I work closely with my clients to develop a design that will not only not only look great but also increases your eye wear sales and delivers on both budget and time frame.

What is your project deadline?

I am often asked how long the design process typically takes. If permits are required Council can slow the process down as your plans, wind their way through inspection, corrections, revisions, re-inspection and approval. If a permit can be avoided, the process speeds up dramatically.

What is the budget for construction?

Determining a budget early in the process is crucial, so I don’t create a design that is out of your budget. If you have your trades people plumber, electrician, cabinetmakers, I can factor this into the projected cost.

Where are you?

To reduce my client’s costs, I try to do as much of my work as possible via e-mail and courier. If the job is sizable with many people involved several on-site meetings may be required.

How long does it usually take to develop concept drawings?

I can usually provide concept drawings within a fortnight if I have access to the existing floorplan and photos and videos of the entire practice both interior and exterior.

How does the process typically work?

To begin the process, I get a feel for how much you want to invest and how you want your practice to look. I then create preliminary drawings. These drawings are critiqued and discussed in depth so that we can develop a second set that is much closer to the final design. Together we again go through the review process and eventually arrive, collaboratively, at a final design that you are happy with.

The final design goes in for bid review, and if necessary we discuss how to adjust the design to match the budget (This process usually involves some vendor and contractor negotiation as well).

Most of my clients have additional questions or concerns, so please feel free to contact me with any inquiries.