Services
Design it with us. Build it with us. Or both.
We're a building design studio with an architect in-house and a licensed builder on the same team. That means you can come to us for the drawings alone, or hand us the whole job.
Why full service
Nobody to point at but us.
On most projects the designer hands over a set of drawings and walks away. Anything the drawings didn't answer becomes a variation, and you're the one standing between a designer who says it was drawn correctly and a builder who says it can't be built that way. We do both jobs, so that gap doesn't exist.
It also changes how we draw. When you know your own team has to build from a detail, you detail it properly the first time.
Meet the studio →
In-house architect
Architectural design, without the handover.
Isaac McNicol, our Design Manager, is an architect and works in-house on Lumea projects. You get architectural thinking on your site and your brief, tested against buildability by the people who may end up constructing it — in the same room, in the same week.
Meet the team →Two ways to work with us
Start where it suits you.
Both paths begin with the same free consultation. You don't have to decide today.
Path one
Design
We design your home or renovation and document it properly — concepts, working drawings, council approval. The plans are yours.
Best if you already have a builder, or want to tender the job and compare real quotes.
Path two
Design & build
We design it, get it approved, then build it. One team, one contract, one point of contact from the first sketch to the keys.
Best if you'd rather not project-manage the gap between the drawings and the site.
Everything we do
From a first sketch to the keys in your hand.
Four stages, one point of contact. Take the whole run or any part of it — most clients start with the first and add the next when they're ready.
- Stage 01
Concept Design
Including feasibility cost estimate.
This stage is highly flexible to allow for the different needs of every client. Concept design can range from purely a drafting exercise to confirm the layout, to a more exploratory, open process of investigating options. Our designers all hold masters degrees in architecture and have decades of local design experience. Working with a design and construct builder, you can be confident our designs are equal parts beautiful and practical — and you're in the driver's seat every step of the way. The inclusion of a cost estimate by an experienced local builder at this stage is what sets us apart as a design and construct business: from the first line on the page, we are thinking through the build-cost implications.
Concept & design → - Stage 02
Planning Approval
We have a lot of experience with the local Councils, so we can set things up for success from the start. If we have any concerns we will be proactive in getting early feedback from Council to minimise delays. We specialise in complex sites: sloping blocks, bush-fire zones, septic systems, complex stormwater requirements, heritage overlays, native vegetation restrictions and narrow blocks.
Drafting & approvals → - Stage 03
Building Approval
Also known as BRC, or Building Rules Consent.
In this stage the design is taken to the next level of detail — structural engineering and timber framing design, and confirmation of energy efficiency rating compliance. This is where all the little tweaks that make a place feel like a house custom-made for your needs get resolved. At completion of this stage we provide a full quote to build, which again means minimal room for surprises. For clients looking to build with Lumea we review the scope and cost to make sure you're happy with everything before signing a construction contract, and finalise all fixtures and finishes selections.
Specification & tender → - Stage 04
Construction
This is where dreams turn into bricks and mortar. During construction our focus is on clarity, communication and craftsmanship. You'll have a dedicated site supervisor who keeps you informed with regular updates, photos and walkthroughs at key milestones. We actively manage quality on site, checking details against the design intent so nothing is left to chance. Variations are minimised because the design has already been thoroughly resolved — and if anything unexpected arises, you'll hear it from us early with a clear plan forward. Our trades are long-term partners who share our commitment to delivering homes that feel considered, solid and beautifully finished. From first footing to final clean, we build with care.
New homes →
Not sure which path you need?
A short call is usually enough to tell you what's possible on your site.