Building Design & Renovation Services | O&Co. Building Design

Explore O&Co.’s full building design services — from concept design and council approvals to construction documentation across the NSW Central Coast.

Here's how we work together. As a solo practitioner, you work directly with me through every stage — no handoffs, no miscommunication. Just clear progress from brief to build.

As a solo practitioner, you'll work directly with me, Sarah, through every stage - ensuring consistent vision and clear communication from start to finish.

01 Client brief → 01 Understanding your vision

Your design brief is where everything begins. It's how you tell us what you're dreaming of for your home - from your must-haves to your wish list, your style preferences to your budget considerations.

Sharing inspiration photos and discussing your lifestyle needs helps us create a design that's uniquely yours.

We'll usually develop this brief together during our initial site visit, where we can see your property's potential firsthand and understand how your vision can work with your site's specific conditions.

All of this is captured and organised in your project's Notion dashboard for easy reference throughout the journey.

Learn more about preparing your brief here.

02 Fee proposal → 02 Transparent pricing

Once we've completed your site visit and captured your brief, we'll send through a comprehensive fee proposal. This gives you full transparency on our design fees for each stage of your project.

We'll outline everything clearly so there are no surprises down the track.

Upon acceptance, we'll set up your personalised project dashboard where you can track every milestone and decision. (Council fees and any specialist consultants like structural engineers or bushfire consultants are additional - we'll guide you on these costs when they apply to your project).

Understanding Total Project Costs:

• Design fees: Outlined clearly in your proposal

• Construction costs: Use this construction calculator for estimates

• Council & consultant fees: We'll advise based on your specific requirements

No hidden fees or surprises - everything is outlined upfront.

03 Concept design → 03 Bringing ideas to life

Your concept design translates your brief into actual plans - this is where you'll see your ideas taking shape.

We focus on getting the overall layout and design right first, before fine-tuning details like specific window placements or material selections. I'll set up a private Pinterest board for your project where we can share inspiration images, discuss finishes, and refine the aesthetic direction together — it keeps everything visual and makes the process genuinely collaborative.

All design iterations and your feedback are documented in your Notion dashboard, creating a clear record of the design evolution.

Once you give us the thumbs up on this concept, we'll move into refining all those important details.

Since major changes after concept approval may incur extra fees, we'll make sure you're completely happy with the direction before moving forward.

04 Plans → 04 Detailed documentation

Now we take your approved concept and develop it into full plans.

Depending on your project, we'll prepare these for either a Development Application (DA) through council or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) through a private certifier - we'll advise you on the best pathway for your project.

These plans include all the technical details and information required for approval.

Every drawing and document is uploaded to your dashboard as it's completed, so you always have access to the latest versions.

05 The approval process → 05 Navigating approvals

Once your architectural plans are complete, we'll determine the best approval pathway - either a Development Application (DA) through Central Coast Council or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) through a private certifier. We'll guide you based on your site's zoning, constraints and what you're planning to build.

For a DA pathway: We submit to council, and once approved, your plans then go to a licensed structural engineer for engineering documentation. After engineering is complete, a private certifier issues your Construction Certificate (CC).

For a CDC pathway: Your plans go to a structural engineer first for engineering documentation. Then we submit everything - architectural plans plus engineering - to a private certifier who assesses and issues both your CDC and CC together (typically 10-20 business days).

Either way, once you have your Construction Certificate, your builder has all the detailed documentation needed to provide an accurate construction quote.

Throughout this process, we'll liaise with council, certifiers and consultants on your behalf, keeping you updated at each milestone through your Notion dashboard.

While we can't control assessment timeframes, we'll do everything possible to keep things moving smoothly.

06 Post approval services → 06 Support through the build

Once your approvals are secured, we don't just hand over the plans and disappear. Many clients value our continued support during the construction phase. Our Post-Approval Services package helps ensure your vision is properly realised.

This includes:

• Calling tenders and assisting with builder selection - helping you find the right builder for your project

• Initial builder consultation and clarifications - ensuring your chosen builder fully understands the design intent

• Contract administration support - if you need help navigating construction contracts

• Site inspections and responding to builder RFIs - being your advocate on-site to ensure the build matches the design

(after Step 06)

CHOOSING YOUR BUILDER The next crucial step - and I'm here to help

Coming from a building family, I know how important the right builder is to your project's success.

My builder selection support includes:

• Trusted Central Coast builder recommendations

• Help comparing quotes accurately

• Key questions to ask potential builders

• Red flags to watch for

• Ensuring builders understand the design intent

Builders I trust: Based on consistent quality and client satisfaction:

• Bay Built

• Sandi Built

Want my full builder selection guide with interview questions and comparison checklist?

Read My Complete Builder Selection Guide →

Builder selection assistance is included in my Post-Approval Support package.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Every great home begins with a conversation. Let's explore what's possible for your property.

Free Discovery Call - 15 minutes to discuss your ideas

On-Site Consultation - $295 for detailed site assessment