PRACTICE
Contemporary Architecture Pty Ltd is a design focused practice based in Sydney's Lower North Shore. It was established by Clare Carter in 2002 and since then has been involved in the creation of over 160 homes across Sydney. Contemporary Architecture is a dedicated team of graduates and registered architects with a friendly and easy going attitude. The team are always working towards achieving high quality design outcomes while working within the constraints of your budget and site. We believe the design process requires a holistic understanding of people, design and communication. We focus on your needs, your site’s opportunities and constraints and environmental sustainability. Good architecture improves our built environment while protecting our natural resources and enhancing your life.
People
At the core of good architecture is the focus on people. Architecture has no relevance if it does not meet the needs of the people who are using it. We will spend many meetings talking through what you like - dislike, need - want, love - hate. Conversations inform the design.
We always refer to the process of building as a team sport. The team consists of the client, the architect, consultants and the builder and each member of this team has their own requirements and needs. As the architect we always work to find solutions to these sometimes competing demands on an ongoing basis. When the team works well you have an enjoyable experience culminating in a project that each member of the team is proud to be associated with.
Design
Our practice is called Contemporary Architecture because it does not have a set style, every project is different and responds to the three fundamental areas of design:
Your requirements - each project must respond to your needs and desires and the requirements of people who will be using the building.
Technical requirements - the building has to stand up, it has to be built within a budget, it has to be sustainable and it has to comply with the building codes and planning constraints.
Aesthetic requirements - the building must be a pleasure to be in, there must be a progress through the building that is considered, and a cohesion of elements that produces unity. We want your home to be beautiful.
A great design outcome not only benefits you, but it benefits the community. Good design respects the context of the site and improving the environment for everyone is our responsibility.
Sustainabiliy
Sustainability is not an afterthought. Throughout the design process we strive to limit the ecological footprint of our designs while remaining mindful of your individual budget. Opening up old homes to light, ensuring the maximisation of winter sun penetration and screening from the hot summer heat are key factors in ensuring a low emission design. Moreover, sustainable design responds to the long term functioning of the building and not to fashion, hence materials must be chosen for their long life cycle, rather than just aesthetics. In drawing on our knowledge of heating and cooling, insulation, maintenance of materials, low energy fittings, solar installation, water re-use and glazing specifications we have the ability to meet specific and general sustainability needs within the constraints of your budget.
Communication Through Technology
At Contemporary Architecture we have used the three-dimensional computer aided design (CAD) package, ArchiCAD, for the last two decades to design and document our projects. By continuously working in 3 dimensions within ArchiCAD, we are able to give you a glimpse of the home before construction begins. Working in conjunction with a set up in our office, as well as an optional, take home, 3D BIMx file, we are able to interact with the design and you, in response to ongoing discussions. In doing so, we communicate our intentions for your site more clearly with you, with council, with engineers and with the builder.
We understand you are busy, travelling or even located overseas. To ensure this does not become a hindrance to the design process we use bespoke cloud based solutions which allow you to access your documents and information worldwide. Cloud based access is especially valuable during the tender documentation stage as we work together sharing, tracking and managing the specification of your design for your home, simultaneously reducing mistakes and the need for excessive personalised communications.
Communication Through Quality Documentation
At Contemporary Architecture we pride ourselves on the quality of our documentation. Comprehensive documentation minimises questions and mistakes during construction ensuring a smoother and more time efficient process. Our projects are well received by Councils for the Development Application process, by Certifiers for the Complying Development Certificate process and by Builders for the tendering and construction process. Our tender documentation covers all aspects of your building producing a comprehensive package co-ordinating windows, doors, lights, power outlets, joinery, and much more. We model in the engineers' beams and columns to ensure that they work with our design. Having an integrated CAD based design and tender package helps bring all these small and often complicated pieces together.
PRACTICE
Contemporary Architecture Pty Ltd is a design focused practice based in Sydney's Lower North Shore. It was established by Clare Carter in 2002 and since then has been involved in the creation of over 160 homes across Sydney. Contemporary Architecture is a dedicated team of graduates and registered architects with a friendly and easy going attitude. The team are always working towards achieving high quality design outcomes while working within the constraints of your budget and site. Listening to and understanding your needs and desires creates a quality solution. We believe the design process requires a holistic understanding of people, design and communication. We focus on your needs, your site’s opportunities and constraints, environmental sustainability and local council codes. Good architecture improves our built environment while protecting our natural resources and enhancing your life.
People
At the core of good architecture is the focus on people. Architecture has no relevance if it does not meet the needs of the people who are using it. We will spend many meetings talking through what you like - dislike, need - want, love - hate. Conversations inform the design.
TEAMWORK
We always refer to the process of building as a team sport. The team consists of the client, the architect, consultants and the builder and each member of this team has their own requirements and needs. As the architect we always work to find solutions to these sometimes competing demands on an ongoing basis. When the team works well you have an enjoyable experience culminating in a project that each member of the team is proud to be associated with.
Design
Our practice is called Contemporary Architecture because it does not have a set style, every project is different and responds to the three fundamental areas of design:
Your requirements - each project must respond to your needs and desires and the requirements of people who will be using the building.
Technical requirements - the building has to stand up, it has to be built within a budget, it has to be sustainable and it has to comply with the building codes and planning constraints.
Aesthetic requirements the building must be a pleasure to be in, there must be a progress through the building that is considered, and a cohesion of elements that produces unity. We want your home to be beautiful.
Improving Our Built Environment
A great design outcome not only benefits you, but it benefits the community. Good design respects the context of the site and improving the environment for everyone is our responsibility.
Sustainabiliy
Sustainability is not an afterthought. Throughout the design process we strive to limit the ecological footprint of our designs while remaining mindful of your individual budget. Opening up old homes to light, ensuring the maximisation of winter sun penetration and screening from the hot summer heat are key factors in ensuring a low emission design. Moreover, sustainable design responds to the long term functioning of the building and not to fashion, hence materials must be chosen for their long life cycle, rather than aesthetics. In drawing on our knowledge of heating and cooling, insulation, maintenance of materials, low energy fittings, solar installation, water re-use and glazing specifications we have the ability to meet specific and general sustainability needs within the constraints of your budget.
Communication Through Technology
At Contemporary Architecture we have used the three-dimensional computer aided design (CAD) package, ArchiCAD, for the last two decades to design and document our projects. By continuously working in 3 dimensions within ArchiCAD, we are able to give you a glimpse of the home before construction begins. Working in conjunction with a set up in our office, as well as an optional, take home, 3D BIMx file, we are able to interact with the design and you, in response to ongoing discussions. In doing so, we communicate our intentions for your site more clearly with you, with council, with engineers and with the builder.
We understand you are busy, travelling or even located overseas. To ensure this does not become a hindrance to the design process we use bespoke cloud based solutions which allow you to access your documents and information worldwide. Cloud based access is especially valuable during the tender documentation stage as we work together sharing, tracking and managing the specification of your design for your home, simultaneously reducing mistakes and the need for excessive personalised communications.
Communication Through Quality Documentation
At Contemporary Architecture we pride ourselves on the quality of our documentation. Comprehensive documentation minimises questions and mistakes during construction ensuring a smoother and more time efficient process. Our projects are well received by Councils for the Development Application process, by Certifiers for the Complying Development Certificate process and by Builders for the tendering and construction process. Our tender documentation covers all aspects of your building producing a comprehensive package co-ordinating windows, doors, lights, power outlets, joinery, and much more. We model in the engineers' beams and columns to ensure that they work with our design. Having an integrated CAD based design and tender package helps bring all these small and often complicated pieces together.
PRACTICE
Contemporary Architecture Pty Ltd is a design focused practice based in Sydney's Lower North Shore. It was established by Clare Carter in 2002 and since then has been involved in the creation of over 160 homes across Sydney. Contemporary Architecture is a dedicated team of graduates and registered architects with a friendly and easy going attitude. The team are always working towards achieving high quality design outcomes while working within the constraints of your budget and site. Listening to and understanding your needs and desires creates a quality solution. We believe the design process requires a holistic understanding of people, design and communication. We focus on your needs, your site’s opportunities and constraints, environmental sustainability and local council codes. Good architecture improves our built environment while protecting our natural resources and enhancing your life.
People
At the core of good architecture is the focus on people. Architecture has no relevance if it does not meet the needs of the people who are using it. We will spend many meetings talking through what you like - dislike, need - want, love - hate. Conversations inform the design.
TEAMWORK
We always refer to the process of building as a team sport. The team consists of the client, the architect, consultants and the builder and each member of this team has their own requirements and needs. As the architect we always work to find solutions to these sometimes competing demands on an ongoing basis. When the team works well you have an enjoyable experience culminating in a project that each member of the team is proud to be associated with.
Design
Our practice is called Contemporary Architecture because it does not have a set style, every project is different and responds to the three fundamental areas of design:
Your requirements - each project must respond to your needs and desires and the requirements of people who will be using the building.
Technical requirements - the building has to stand up, it has to be built within a budget, it has to be sustainable and it has to comply with the building codes and planning constraints.
Aesthetic requirements the building must be a pleasure to be in, there must be a progress through the building that is considered, and a cohesion of elements that produces unity. We want your home to be beautiful.
Improving Our Built Environment
A great design outcome not only benefits you, but it benefits the community. Good design respects the context of the site and improving the environment for everyone is our responsibility.
Sustainabiliy
Sustainability is not an afterthought. Throughout the design process we strive to limit the ecological footprint of our designs while remaining mindful of your individual budget. Opening up old homes to light, ensuring the maximisation of winter sun penetration and screening from the hot summer heat are key factors in ensuring a low emission design. Moreover, sustainable design responds to the long term functioning of the building and not to fashion, hence materials must be chosen for their long life cycle, rather than aesthetics. In drawing on our knowledge of heating and cooling, insulation, maintenance of materials, low energy fittings, solar installation, water re-use and glazing specifications we have the ability to meet specific and general sustainability needs within the constraints of your budget.
Communication Through Technology
At Contemporary Architecture we have used the three-dimensional computer aided design (CAD) package, ArchiCAD, for the last two decades to design and document our projects. By continuously working in 3 dimensions within ArchiCAD, we are able to give you a glimpse of the home before construction begins. Working in conjunction with a set up in our office, as well as an optional, take home, 3D BIMx file, we are able to interact with the design and you, in response to ongoing discussions. In doing so, we communicate our intentions for your site more clearly with you, with council, with engineers and with the builder.
We understand you are busy, travelling or even located overseas. To ensure this does not become a hindrance to the design process we use bespoke cloud based solutions which allow you to access your documents and information worldwide. Cloud based access is especially valuable during the tender documentation stage as we work together sharing, tracking and managing the specification of your design for your home, simultaneously reducing mistakes and the need for excessive personalised communications.
Communication Through Quality Documentation
At Contemporary Architecture we pride ourselves on the quality of our documentation. Comprehensive documentation minimises questions and mistakes during construction ensuring a smoother and more time efficient process. Our projects are well received by Councils for the Development Application process, by Certifiers for the Complying Development Certificate process and by Builders for the tendering and construction process. Our tender documentation covers all aspects of your building producing a comprehensive package co-ordinating windows, doors, lights, power outlets, joinery, and much more. We model in the engineers' beams and columns to ensure that they work with our design. Having an integrated CAD based design and tender package helps bring all these small and often complicated pieces together.