Planning a substantial custom home, knockdown rebuild or project on a difficult site? Request a Consultation and include your site or suburb, project type, approximate construction budget, desired timing and the main decisions you need help resolving. You can also review how our design process works, learn about a knockdown rebuild on the Gold Coast, or browse our illustrative design inspiration.
A custom home needs more than an attractive plan. It needs to respond to the site, the brief, the construction budget and the decisions that affect buildability before documentation is complete.
Design Science works with Gold Coast clients planning substantial custom homes, knockdown rebuilds and homes for technically demanding sites. David is both a Queensland-licensed building designer and licensed builder, so site response, design intent, documentation and construction practicality can be considered together from the outset.
The initial consultation is $280, payable upfront. If you proceed with design, the full $280 is credited to your design fees. We discuss your site or location, project type, brief, approximate construction budget, timing and the constraints already known. The consultation helps determine whether the project is a suitable fit and what should be investigated next; it is not a fixed construction quote or a substitute for the specialist investigations your site may require. You can Request a Consultation.
If you are still testing whether your overall build budget and brief line up, read our guide to checking whether your custom home budget is realistic before design starts.
This service is best suited to clients planning a substantial custom home who want site constraints, design decisions, construction reality and budget considered together. It is particularly relevant to knockdown rebuilds, sloping or difficult sites, and acreage or hinterland properties.
The work begins by testing the brief against the site and the practical decisions that shape the home: orientation, access, levels, layout, structure, services, material choices and likely construction complexity. The aim is to identify important constraints early, develop a clear design direction and produce documentation appropriate to the agreed scope.
David’s combined building-design and construction background informs these decisions. It does not replace engineers, certifiers or other consultants where they are required, but it helps keep buildability and the information a builder will need in view as the design develops. You can read more about David’s background here.
After the consultation, Design Science prepares a project-specific scope and fee. The scope and fee depend on the project’s size, site conditions, complexity and required level of service. Depending on the agreed scope, services may include design development, 3D modelling, construction documentation, consultant coordination, approvals support, an itemised quantity take-off and cost estimate (separately priced), or construction-stage services. Not every item applies to every project.
The process and deliverables are confirmed before the next stage begins, so you can see what is included and what information or specialist input is still required. See the full design process here.
If you are considering a custom home on the Gold Coast, Request a Consultation and tell us about your site, project type, approximate construction budget and desired timing.
Clear documentation starts with resolving the practical questions that affect the design. As the project develops, David considers matters such as levels, structural logic, roof form, wet-area locations, services and the information a builder will need for pricing. The exact drawing set and consultant inputs are then defined by the agreed scope and the requirements of the site. This construction-informed approach also supports our renovation design service.
A Gold Coast home should respond to its particular setting rather than rely on a standard plan. Orientation, breezes, sun, storms, views, privacy, access and outdoor living can all influence the design, while sloping, canal, suburban and hinterland sites bring different constraints. These factors are considered alongside your brief and construction budget so the design direction suits both the site and the way you intend to live. Learn more about our sustainable design approach.
"David actually respects a budget, thinks practically, and is relentlessly solution-focused. He cares more about delivering for the client than unnecessarily spending a client's money. He listens, truly listens, understands what you mean, and makes the whole journey centred around you as the client."
"David did the design for our house extension and we couldn't be happier. The builders commented that the plans and design were really well done and made a lot of sense to them — they weren't surprised when I told them Dave also has a building background."
Read all reviews · 5.0 out of 5 on Google
Request a consultation to discuss your project. The initial consultation is $280, payable upfront. If you proceed with design, the full $280 is credited to your design fees.
Already formulated your vision? Or seeking a start point and guiding hand?
We can help you commence your journey today.
Fully insured • Personalised consultation • Transparent pricing
Transparent pricing with no hidden costs. 3D modelling and construction documentation are provided as set out in your agreed design scope. A complete bill of quantities can be prepared for an additional fee.
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