Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about architecture and building-related subjects. We will answer any questions you have.
ARCHITECT FAQ
Architects are highly trained professionals within the design and planning of any type of building. We as an architectural practice urge people to do proper research before appointing any architect or draughtsman for their project. a Professional Architect will ensure all the client’s needs within a building gets designed as efficient and sustainable as possible within all the legal requirements and constraints.
The initial meeting (Inception Stage) is where the client shares his ideas with the architect (brief). The architect will ask some of the following questions to determine what is possible.
- What is the current zoning, rights and constraints of the stand you want to develop?Â
- What is your budget?
- What is your timeline and expectations?
- What services will you require from the architect?
- Do you want to make use of other consultants i.e. Interior Designers, Quantity Surveyors, Structural Engineers etc.?
From here the Architect will provide you with a quotation for the services you require.Â
Depending on the complexity and scale of the project, but on average for a residential house it will take:
1 – 3 weeks from the concept to final design.
2 – 4 weeks for preparation of municipal and construction drawings and documentation.
1 – 3 months for municipal approval of drawings, depending on which municipality you are submitting with.Â
Depending on the complexity and scale of the project, but on average for a residential house it will take 8 to 12 months from the design phase to completion of construction.
What makes Arch@Ease unique is that we approach your project from a panoramic view. We do an all-in-one package covering the Architecture, Structural Engineering, Interior Designing, Quantity Surveying and Local Authority approvals for you. This simplifies the designing process significantly for our clients and ensures a high-performance end product.Â
For more info click here.
Yes, we do both residential and commercial architecture. Our past and current projects with Pont de Val, Mercor Transport, My Mechanics, Nashua and multiple other clients gives us a strong testimonial support base to put your mind at ease. For more info click here.
Depending on the level of appointment. If we are appointed as principal agent on the project, we will manage the entire project on behalf of the client. For a detailed layout of services please click here.
This all depends on the complexity and scale of your project, but for a rough estimate you can use the following rates:
- Economic Housing (Very basic building methods with cheap finishes): R4500 per m²
- Standard Housing (Basic building methods with standard finishes): R6000 per m²
- Middle Class Housing (Moderate construction methods and finishes): R8500 per m²
- Luxury Housing (Complex construction methods and high-end finishes): R12000 per m²
- Exclusive Housing (High complexity construction methods and exclusive finishes): R18000 per m²
This all depends on the complexity and scale of your project, but for a rough estimate you can use the following rates for Architectural and Engineering costs on a house:
- Economic Housing (Very basic building methods with cheap finishes): R100 per m²
- Standard Housing (Basic building methods with standard finishes): R150 per m²
- Middle Class Housing (Moderate construction methods and finishes): R200 per m²
- Luxury Housing (Complex construction methods and high-end finishes): R250 per m²
- Exclusive Housing (High complexity construction methods and exclusive finishes): R300 per m²