Our Design Process: From First Conversation to Final Handover
Renovating or redesigning a home can feel complex, particularly when it’s unclear what comes first or how early decisions impact the final outcome. At Cloud23 Design, our process is structured, transparent, and designed to give clients clarity at every stage — from the first conversation through to handover and post-construction support.
Below is an outline of how we guide residential projects from concept to completion.
Initial Consultation
Every project begins with an initial consultation. This first conversation is focused on understanding you, your home, and what you’re hoping to achieve.
We discuss:
How you live in your space
What isn’t working and what you’d like to improve
The scope of works you’re considering
Budget expectations and indicative timeframes
Any early planning or approval considerations
This stage allows us to understand the project holistically and establish a clear foundation before moving into design.
Brief Development
Following the initial consultation, the project brief is refined and confirmed. This step ensures clarity and alignment before drawings begin.
The brief typically defines:
Project scope and priorities
Spatial requirements and functional needs
Preferred aesthetic and level of finish
Budget parameters
Likely approval pathway (CDC or DA, where applicable)
A clear brief helps ensure design decisions are intentional and prevents unnecessary changes later in the process.
Site Visit & Existing Conditions
A site visit is carried out to understand the existing conditions of the home and site.
This stage may include:
Site measurements
Photographs
Review of existing layouts and constraints
Coordination with surveys or consultant information where required
Understanding the physical conditions early allows the design to respond accurately to the site and avoids assumptions during later stages.
Concept Design & Spatial Planning
Concept design focuses on layout, flow, and how the space functions.
At this stage, we explore:
Spatial planning and layout options
Circulation and adjacencies
Design intent and overall atmosphere
Initial feasibility against planning controls
Concept designs are typically presented through plans and, where appropriate, 3D visuals. This stage is collaborative, allowing feedback to guide the design direction before further refinement.
Design Development
Once the concept direction is approved, the design is developed in detail.
This stage may include:
Finalised layouts
Joinery design intent
Material, finishes, and fixture selections
Lighting and electrical design intent
Coordination with consultants such as engineers, certifiers, or specialists where required
Design development ensures the project is cohesive, practical, and resolved before documentation begins.
Documentation & Approvals
Documentation translates the design intent into detailed, build-ready drawings.
This phase may involve:
Architectural and construction drawings
Coordination with engineers and consultants
Preparation of approval documentation
Lodgement and responses for CDC or DA approvals
Clear documentation is essential for accurate pricing, approvals, and a smooth construction process.
Construction Support
During construction, Cloud23 Design remains involved to support the delivery of the design intent.
This may include:
Responding to builder queries
Reviewing shop drawings
Site visits at key stages
Clarifying design details as required
Ongoing involvement helps ensure the design is executed as intended and issues are resolved efficiently.
Defects & Handover
At the completion of construction, we assist with the final stages of the project.
This stage may include:
Defects inspections
Coordination with the builder to address outstanding items
Final walkthroughs
Support through practical completion and handover
The goal is a resolved, functional, and well-considered outcome that aligns with the original design intent.
A Considered Approach from Start to Finish
Every project is different, but the intention remains the same — to guide clients through the renovation process with clarity, structure, and confidence. By breaking the journey into clear stages, we ensure each decision is informed, purposeful, and supported from start to finish.