Sanctum Design Consultants

Formed by James Cooper in 1998, Sanctum provides design services for sustainable bespoke homes, renovations, multi-unit dwellings, special-use buildings and interiors, as well as pre-designed homes. We also provide pre-purchase consultations for those considering buying a new home.

Based in Neutral Bay on Sydney’s North Shore, our central location allows us to serve metropolitan, rural and coastal locations along the east coast.

• Design services

Sanctum Design provides architectural and design services to Sydney metropolitan and eastern seaboard areas, including rural and selected off-shore locations. We provide design, documentation and administration services for individual homes, multi-unit housing and other special use buildings.

The design and construction process involves seven key stages, throughout which the Sanctum Design team works to keep our clients well-informed and involved.

• Sketch Design

The sketch design phase involves preparation of the client brief. We conduct a site analysis to determine design opportunities and restrictions from both a natural and regulatory perspective. A preliminary plan is then created to facilitate client discussions regarding room and area sizes and relationships of spatial function.

• Design Development / 3D Modelling

During the design development stage we transform the plan into a tangible 3-dimensional model, resolving details and selecting specific materials to support the architectural intent. Floor plans are annotated to show specific room sizes and indicative locations of furniture and fittings. Elevations are developed to explore the design intent and preliminary consultant advice is sought for integration as the design evolves.

• Development Application / Approvals

Sanctum Design will provide full co-ordination and submission of development applications, general planning and construction permits. Our network of leading consultants including Town Planners, Landscape Architects and Environmental Consultants ensure best case practice for complex and sensitive sites. A confident understanding of many metropolitan and regional councils, ensures that compliance requirements are rigorously addressed in the design and submission processes.

• Construction Detailing

The DA drawings are developed into construction documents including detailed sections, stair details, construction details, services, fixtures + fittings, and joinery details illustrating the essence of the design. This phase includes the production of technical specifications and schedules of fixtures, finishes, doors and windows to satisfy the requirements for a construction certificate.

• Interior Design

Where required a detailed interior design package is produced to convey the design detail of the building and integrate high quality solutions into the kitchens, bathrooms, built-in cabinetry and the like. Further assistance can be provided to select all internal colours, finishes and fixtures towards a completely integrated design solution.

• Tendering

During the tender process, Sanctum Design works with the client to gather a list of preferred builders. Tender documents are issued and an assessment of costs ensues. Once a builder has been chosen and the contract decided upon, a set of contract documents is prepared for sign-off by both the client and the builder.

• Contract Administration

Contract administration is provided via our registered architects or building designers to improve the management and accounting of payments and control of building quality and to ensure that the contract is carried out to the full intent of the contract documents. Whilst acting in this capacity, we are required to act impartially to facilitate the successful implementation of the construction process and provide a continuation of resolved construction details. This ensures best case outcomes for the materialisation of the design.

Services may be taken up in part or in full, however, for optimum results we recommend your project be commissioned from initial design stage through to contract administration and building handover.

Please browse our portfolio via the link above and feel free to contact us for more information.