Architecture and Building Plans Project Brief

Professional design and plan enquiries are easier to assess when the property, intended work and available records are clearly described. This checklist helps owners organise an initial brief without assuming that every project needs the same service or process.

Identify the property and objective

• Provide the property address and describe the building’s current use.
• Explain the proposed change, addition, new structure or record that is required.
• State whether the enquiry concerns early design, measured drawings, existing-condition plans, technical information or submission support.
• Mention the target construction timing, while allowing for design and administrative steps.

Collect the records you already have

• Provide any existing drawings, previous approvals, property information or survey material available to you.
• Do not describe old drawings as accurate until they have been checked against the building.
• Photograph the exterior, relevant rooms, boundaries and proposed work areas.
• List known additions or alterations that may not appear on the records you have.

Explain the design requirements

• List rooms, approximate sizes, relationships and functional priorities.
• Describe style preferences with examples, but also explain practical needs such as light, privacy, access and storage.
• Identify budget constraints early so the design discussion remains commercially realistic.
• Separate essential requirements from preferences that may change.

Clarify the professional scope

• Ask what information is needed before a fee can be confirmed.
• Confirm whether site measurement, concept work, drawings, coordination, submission support and construction-stage services are included or separate.
• Ask who will perform each professional role and who will communicate with the builder.
• Keep professional design appointments separate from construction quotations so responsibilities remain clear.

Frequently asked questions