What to Expect When Working With Ashley O’Neill Architects

When you scroll through architecture websites, it is easy to get swept up in the stunning imagery, perfectly framed photos of finished houses, sunlit interiors, and bold architectural forms. But once you have found a practice whose work speaks to you, a practical question usually follows: what actually happens next?

If you have never worked with an architect before, the process can feel mysterious. How much will you be involved? How long will it take? What will you get at each stage? And perhaps most importantly, will your vision survive all the technical, budget, and approval steps along the way?

At Ashley O’Neill Architects, we believe in making the process clear and collaborative from day one. Here is what you can expect, step by step, through the questions our clients most often ask.

How do we start?

The first step is always a conversation. We meet in person so we can hear directly from you, your aspirations, your practical needs, and your lifestyle. We will also walk you through our process and give you an idea of the overall timeline. This is not just a meet-and-greet; it is where we identify the key parameters for your project, including site constraints, council requirements, and budget expectations.

By the end of this stage, you should have a clear understanding of how we will work together, and we will have a strong grasp of your goals and priorities.

When do the first designs appear?

After our initial meeting, we begin the Concept Design phase. This is where ideas start to take physical form, but before that, we do our homework. That means researching your site conditions, such as existing services, easements, slope, access, and title boundaries.

Once we know what is possible, we translate your brief into several layout options. These are not yet final, they are conversation starters. We encourage you to react to them, challenge them, and discuss what feels right or wrong. Through these discussions, we refine the design into one concept that captures your vision and aligns with the realities of your site and budget.

How detailed will the design get?

The Design Development stage is where the concept becomes more tangible. We explore the building’s form, proportions, and how it interacts with light and views. This is also where we present a preliminary palette of exterior materials for discussion.

You will see 2D plans alongside 3D visualisations, allowing you to experience the space before it exists. This collaborative process ensures you can make informed decisions and feel confident about every element.

What about council or planning approvals?

If your project needs planning approval, we manage it for you. This typically starts with a pre-application meeting with your local council, where we present the design and get early feedback. Based on their response, we prepare the formal submission, including all required documentation such as shadow diagrams or overlooking assessments.

This stage can take time depending on council processes, but our experience means we can navigate it efficiently while keeping you informed at every step. You can see examples of how we have successfully navigated similar processes in our Projects portfolio.

When does the project become “ready to build”?

That happens during the Construction Documentation stage. Here, every detail of your project is documented for accuracy and compliance. This includes detailed floor plans, elevations, sections, material schedules, and specifications.

We coordinate with engineers and other consultants to ensure the design meets all technical and regulatory requirements. This package is what builders will use to price, plan, and construct your home.

How do we choose a builder?

We guide you through the Tendering process, which means inviting a shortlist of reputable builders to price your project. We review their submissions with you, assess their quality, and help you select the right team, not just the cheapest.

We also assist with negotiations and contract preparation so that everything is clear before construction begins.

Will you still be involved once building starts?

Absolutely. In the Contract Administration phase, we act as your representative on site. We conduct regular site visits to check progress against the drawings and ensure quality standards are met.

We also handle queries from the builder, issue instructions when required, certify progress payments, and assess variations. This ongoing involvement means your design vision stays intact right through to completion.

What will the experience be like?

Clients often tell us they expected the process to be stressful, but found it surprisingly enjoyable because they understood each stage before it began. Our aim is to keep you informed, reduce uncertainty, and ensure that every decision is made with confidence.

Working with an architect is not just about creating a beautiful building, it is about crafting a journey that respects your vision, your budget, and your peace of mind.

In short: from the first coffee to the final handover, we are here to guide you, advocate for you, and bring your project to life in a way that feels effortless and inspiring.

Ready to discuss your project?

We would love to hear from you. Call us on +61 401 819 636, email ash@ashleyoneill.com.au, or send us a message through our Contact page.