Our Approach

Over the years, we have refined our approach towards working with our clients.
To ensure a distinguished service, we have distilled our practice down to two distinct pathways.

Build

When our clients have already engaged an architectural design firm, we offer our established building services to deliver these unique residences with technical proficiency.
Executing the creative vision of talented architects and designers will always be an important and valued part of our practice.
This is the foundation upon which our discipline has been honed over many decades.

Additionally, we have found that our early involvement during the design phase serving as a resource to architects, designers and engineers is extremely beneficial.
Leveraging our knowledge from a technical building standpoint allows us to offer critical insights, recommendations, and solutions aimed at optimising design plans and build costs.
Our consultancy throughout the journey of the design process often yields dividends which would not be possible after design finalisation.
Consequently, we are able to achieve better project outcomes for our clients whilst simultaneously preserving and protecting the architectural design intent.

Design & Build

When working with a blank canvas, we offer our integrated design and build services to create bespoke architectural residences for our clients.
We manage every phase of the project including; concept ideation, site analysis, architectural design, structural engineering, interior design, landscape design, value management, planning, permits, construction and handover.

This holistic approach ensures processes can be streamlined, creating efficiencies and synergies across the full spectrum of criteria demanded of a successful project.
By providing this tailored service we are able to craft truly unique residences for our clients, whilst simultaneously optimising their investment from both a time and cost perspective.

Outlined below are the four phases, and the associated benefits, of our design and build service.

  • To create something truly unique for our clients, we first need to form a deep understanding of their vision for their future.

    The discovery phase is an opportunity for us to connect with our clients on a personal level.
    We start to understand their individual nature and curiously discuss their desired way of living with regard to the performance of the residence and the feelings and experiences it should cultivate.
    To begin shaping the concept from both aesthetic and functional perspectives, we take a granular look at the requirements of each specific space and individual preferences around form and materiality.

    We also delve into our ethos and the fundamental design principles which define the KC signature.
    This allows us to openly explore our clients interpretation of these ideologies and how they envision these might be woven into their own residence.

    Understanding all of these individual preferences and requirements informs the design response.
    In order to provide a clear framework for this design to be refined around, it is also necessary to establish a budget from the outset.

    In addition to the discovery consultation, we conduct an independent site analysis.
    This provides valuable perspective on the site's unique context and potential as well as any planning conditions or constraints it may be subject to.

    The consolidation of all of this information obtained throughout the discovery phase is then analysed, ideated on and then ultimately presented back to our clients as a return brief before progressing to the design phase.

  • So much of the value our design and build approach provides for our clients is achieved in the design phase.

    We approach the design development in a holistic manner unique to KC.
    We consider not only the architectural form, but also the interiors, landscaping, structural engineering, mechanical design and electrical design as one cohesive entity.
    Which is what allows us to produce emotive residences that foster a more conscious lifestyle and a deeper connection to nature for our clients to inhabit.
    Creation of truly unique habitats is always front of mind.

    Concurrently, the defined budget guides the design process and offers true utility when paired with our intimate awareness of construction costs and methodologies.
    As the design evolves, we carefully monitor the cost to build these iterating concepts against the budget.
    The structural design is frequently interrogated to optimise for cost efficiencies without compromising design intent.
    These disciplines provide the flexibility to tinker with the design before it is finalised, ensuring an optimal allocation of the budget based on the ambitions of our clients.

    We also manage all aspects of planning and permit acquisition.
    By leading this administrative process, we are able to streamline the back and forth requirements demanded between council, building surveyor, services authorities, builder, architect and engineer.
    Significantly reducing the timeframe and effort required to obtain an approved building permit.

  • With approval to build secured (and celebrated), construction commences within one month.

    Our detailed understanding of the project particulars gained throughout the discovery and design phases allows for concise and efficient construction implementation.
    This accelerates project timelines and limits the potential for any delays or unwanted surprises, whilst also enabling the quality in execution that has become synonymous with KC.
    We take great pride in this technical proficiency; each residence we deliver is reflective of an unwavering commitment to our artistry.

    We conduct fortnightly site meetings with our clients throughout the construction phase.
    Witnessing their tailored residence gradually taking form is a special experience for our clients and something we find great pleasure in facilitating.
    For our clients with demanding schedules or frequent travel commitments, we have a dedicated online portal where written and visual updates can be accessed.

  • In the lead up to handover, we conduct a final walkthrough with our clients.
    This is an opportunity to identify any final touches requiring attention and to set an official date for handover.

    After this final walkthrough, all remaining items are addressed and the residence is treated to a thorough final clean.
    On the arranged date, the keys are handed over and our clients take possession of their new residence.

    A new way of living begins.