The earlier, the better. Getting advice early helps you: test ideas before committing to a direction understand what’s achievable within your budget avoid costly changes later in the process Master plan to ensure you don't make upgrades or do works that then need to be removed or redone in future stages Even if you’re still in the early planning stages, having a conversation can help you move forward with clarity.

Working with a Canberra-based architect means your home is designed with a deep understanding of the local climate, regulations, and housing styles. Canberra has a unique environment — with cold winters, hot summers, and a large number of homes built in the 1960s and 70s. Designing for comfort and performance here requires more than just good design — it requires local knowledge. A local architect understands: how to design for Canberra’s climate, including solar access and thermal performance ACT planning and approval processes the common challenges and opportunities in older Canberra homes local builders, consultants, and construction costs This insight helps create a smoother process and a more considered outcome. Just as importantly, working with someone local means you have access to support throughout your project — from early design discussions through to construction.

Absolutely! Whether you're looking to renovate, extend, or build a new home, our team specializes in creating energy-efficient and sustainable designs tailored to your needs.

This depends on your home, site, brief and budget. Renovating is often the right approach when: The existing structure is in good condition You’re working within a defined budget There are elements of your home that you love and want to retain There are sections of the home you can retain as-is, or at least you are keen to renovate within the same footprint A knockdown rebuild may be worth considering if: the home is poorly oriented the layout can’t be improved effectively major structural issues are present Major reconfiguration is required to improve the homes function We assess both options early so you can make a clear, informed decision. Knock down rebuilds vs full renovation and extensions are generally around $100,000 - $300,000 different for a similar level of finish.

You do not need to have everything resolved before contacting us. It is helpful to think about what is not working in your current home, what you would like to improve and which parts of the project are most important to you.Before our first meeting, you may wish to gather:Any existing plans, surveys or approval documentsA list of your priorities and must-havesAn approximate construction budgetYour preferred timeframeInspiration images or examples of homes you likeInformation about how your family currently uses the homeAny future needs that should be considered We will help you work through the details and develop a clear project brief during the early design stages.

Existing drawings can be useful, but they are not essential. They can help us to identify the construction of the original home, which internal walls are likely to be load bearing and/ or if any previous work is unapproved.It is also helpful for Reine to be able to review the layout of your current home before we come out to site, to be able to have a more informed conversation about your options.A copy of your building file will be attached to your contract of sale from when you purchased your home, or you can arrange to purchase a new copy of your building file from the ACT government. If you are lucky a previous owner may leave you the hard copies of the original documents.