Our process
Our process and early builder involvement
Bring a builder in before your plans are final. Our Paid as Consultant (PAC) process gives you early cost guidance and a design that fits your budget.
Three stages
Design, plan, build.
01Design
We begin by translating your vision into detailed concept designs, making sure every functional and aesthetic requirement is met with precision.
02Planning
Our team handles logistics, approvals and material sourcing to create a clear roadmap for a seamless construction phase.
03Build
Construction is carried out with real craftsmanship, focusing on structural integrity and the highest level of finish.
Our PAC process
What is the PAC process?
PAC, short for Paid as Consultant, means engaging a builder early in the project, typically during the design or pre-construction stage, to provide professional advice before the plans are finalised.
Early builder involvement can help identify construction challenges, assess feasibility, provide preliminary cost guidance and highlight decisions that may affect the budget. For many clients, it's also a chance to build a relationship with us as the preferred builder before construction begins, and to reduce the risk of unexpected costs later.
The PAC model minimises design mistakes, improves buildability and keeps the project aligned with your budget. It moves away from the traditional design, tender, build process, where the design and documentation are finished before being sent to several builders for competitive pricing, often without the same scope of works, specifications, inclusions or quality. With PAC, we help before the design is complete and are involved in the project's early planning and decision-making.
Traditional
- Design and documentation finished
- Plans sent to several builders to price
- Quotes compared on different scopes and inclusions
- Price comes back over budget
- Redesign, delays and compromise
PAC
- Builder joins while the design takes shape
- Cost and buildability feedback as you go
- Decisions made with real numbers
- Plans finalised to suit the budget
- A smoother move from design to build
We often meet clients who have already fallen in love with their home design, only to be disappointed when the construction pricing comes back far higher than they expected. That's what we want to avoid: keeping your plans, and your budget, on track.
The benefits
Better for everyone around the table.
For clients
- On budget: from the outset, we give clear cost guidance to help shape a design that suits your vision and stays realistic and achievable within your budget.
- Targets are met: with more oversight of the whole process, we iron out issues as they arise and foresee many before they start, for a smoother build for you and everyone involved.
- No contract yet: you're not locked into a building contract at this stage, so you can work with us, see how we operate and make sure we're the right fit before a major financial commitment.
For architects and designers
- Real-time cost feedback throughout design development, keeping concepts aligned with the budget.
- Ideas tested against construction cost, buildability and site conditions, with support for site investigations, existing home inspections and consultant coordination.
- Clear communication and streamlined documentation that reduce redesign, delays and budget surprises.
- Stronger design outcomes that are practical to build, financially achievable and true to the client's vision.
For the builder
- A clear understanding of the design, objectives and client expectations well before construction, for more accurate pricing and greater confidence in scope, selections and program.
- Stronger relationships with the client and designer, so we can protect the design intent and resolve issues efficiently.
- Better start-date planning and fewer variations, thanks to clearer scoping and earlier selections.
- The result: an informed, prepared builder aligned with clients, designers and trades, and a smoother path from design to handover.
Questions
PAC process FAQs
What does the PAC process cost?
The PAC fee depends on the size and complexity of the project. We'll explain exactly what's included and what it costs at your first meeting.
Am I locked into a building contract?
No. At the PAC stage you're not locked into a building contract, so you can get to know how we work before making a major financial commitment.
Can you help if I don't have plans yet?
Yes. Design is the first stage of our process: we turn your ideas into concept designs, so the plans start from a realistic budget.
Do you work with my architect or designer?
Yes. We regularly work with architects and designers, and we're happy to come in early and work with your design team through documentation.
Ready to build?
Start with clarity before construction.
Book a consultation to talk through your vision, budget and timeline.