Frequently Asked Questions
We love answering your questions - below are some of the most frequently asked to get you started. If you don't see the question you would like to ask below please contact us - we would love to provide you with some answers.
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The first step is to schedule a 15 min clarity call - during this meeting, we'll discuss your project goals, timeline, and budget, as well as answer any questions you may have. From there, we'll work closely with you to develop a tailored design solution that brings your vision to life.
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No - many of our clients come to us before they've chosen a builder. We can help you develop your design first, and if you don't already have someone in mind, we're happy to refer you to trusted builders from our network. We're also glad to work alongside a builder you've already selected.
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Absolutely - we can guide you from the very early stages, helping you understand what's possible on your site before finalising a design direction.
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Based in East Maitland, we work mostly with clients across Maitland, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie and the wider Hunter region, but can work with you anywhere in Australia.
Getting Started
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At Green Ink Design Studio, we specialise in personalised architectural design services for residential projects, including new home constructions and renovations. Our comprehensive suite of services encompasses everything from conceptual design to obtaining approvals and overseeing the construction process.
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Yes - we work across both new home builds and renovations/extensions, tailoring our approach to suit the scope and constraints of each project.
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Our core focus is architectural design and drafting, though we do consider interior layout, flow and functionality as part of the overall design process. If you'd like more detailed interior styling or selections, we can put you in touch with talented interior designers we regularly work with.
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Building designers and architects both create home designs, but architects are university-qualified and registered under state architecture legislation. As a Residential Design Consultant with a Masters of Architecture (not a registered architectural practice), Green Ink offers high-level design and drafting services without the registered-architect title — giving clients quality design outcomes, often at a more accessible price point.
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Yes - we consider orientation, natural light, ventilation and energy efficiency requirements as part of the design process. All new homes or renovations are required to pass under the Basix/NatHERS assessment - we arrange all these assessments and documentation on your behalf.
Our Services
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The duration of the design process can vary depending on the complexity of the project and factors such as council requirements and builder wait times. Typically, we work with clients anywhere from 6 months to a few years from the initial engagement to the commencement of construction. From the initial engagement we typically have concept designs back to you for review within 2-4 weeks.
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We understand that not everyone can read plans and that is ok. Our role as your designer is to help you understand all aspects of your project whether that is understanding the size of the space or what the space looks like. We have a number of ways to help you understand your home design i.e. measuring out your extension within your yard, showing you comparable spaces, creating 3D renders (life like images - in black & white or/and colour), all of these methods help bring clarity to make informed decisions. We design our projects in a 3D drawing program (ArchiCAD). We utilise advanced design software to create detailed and realistic 3D models of our proposed designs, allowing clients to visualise their future homes with unparalleled clarity.
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Our design process is intentionally collaborative. Rather than developing a single concept, we begin by presenting three different concept design options. This allows us to explore different layouts, room relationships, orientation, functionality and overall design approaches before committing to a preferred direction.
We present these concepts to you in person, explaining the thinking behind each option, why key design decisions were made, and the benefits and trade-offs of different approaches. This gives you the information you need to confidently select a direction for your project.
Some clients fall in love with one concept straight away and are ready to move forward with only minor refinements. Others find themselves drawn to different elements from each concept - and that's completely normal. In fact, it's often easier to identify what doesn't work than to articulate exactly what you love (and that is completely fine).
Our role is to listen to your feedback, understand what resonates with you, and combine the strongest elements from each concept into a single, cohesive design that reflects your vision. It's a process we're highly experienced in, and one of the most rewarding parts of the design journey.
The design phase includes a set number of revision rounds to refine the design together. These revisions allow us to respond to your feedback, fine-tune the layout, materials and detailing, and ensure the design aligns with your lifestyle, priorities and project goals before progressing to the next stage.
Our goal isn't simply to "use up" revision rounds - it's to work collaboratively with you to achieve the best possible outcome. In reality, very few clients require all of their included revisions. By exploring multiple concepts and thoroughly testing ideas at the beginning of the design process, we can refine the preferred direction with confidence and minimise the "what if”s later on.
If additional revisions are requested beyond those included, or if there is a significant change to the project brief or scope after a design phase has been approved, we'll discuss any additional fees with you before proceeding, so there are no unexpected surprises.
The Design Process
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Yes - our service includes preparing and lodging documentation for council or private certifier approval (DA/CDC/CC), and we manage this process on your behalf. We also arrange and manage all the necessary consultant reports/drawings to support your application.
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Costs vary depending on project size, scope and complexity. We provide a tailored fee proposal after your initial consultation, once we understand your project goals.
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Yes - as mentioned in our services, we can oversee aspects of the construction process to help ensure the build stays true to the approved design.
Approvals, Costs & Construction
Working with other professionals
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Yes. We coordinate all of the consultants required throughout your project, so you don't have to. Depending on the scope of works, this may include structural and civil engineers, surveyors, bushfire consultants, arborists, hydraulic engineers, energy assessors and other specialist consultants. We manage the coordination of consultant information, ensure everyone is working from the latest design, and incorporate their input into your project as it progresses through design, approval and documentation. Our role is to streamline the process, giving you a single point of contact and reducing the stress of managing multiple consultants yourself.
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Absolutely. Over the years we've built strong relationships with a network of trusted builders, interior designers, landscape designers, engineers and specialist consultants throughout the Hunter region. Whether you're looking for a builder to price your project during the design phase or additional professionals to support your project, we're happy to introduce you to people we've worked with and trust. While you're welcome to engage your own team, we're always happy to provide recommendations if you need them.