Question 1

How did you decide to get into your line of work?

Accepted Answer

The principal of DVRA, Dominic, comes from a family with a history in the architectural profession with both his uncle and father practicing architects in Queensland.  As he grew up, Dominic watched his father in the architectural profession and gained a respect for the architectural craft and the wider design industry.

Question 2

What questions should a customer ask to hire the right service professional?

Accepted Answer

When working with someone claiming to be an Architect, the first question you should ask is, "Are you a registered Architect?"  A registered Architect is an Architect registered with the state or territory board of Architects where the work is being undertaken. To check whether an Architect is registered, visit the state or territory board of architects website for your particular state or territory and search the register.  Unfortunately it is not unheard of for someone to claim that they are an Architect when they are not.  If they are not on the register then they are not an Architect.

Question 3

What questions do customers commonly ask and how would you answer them?

Accepted Answer

There are too many questions and answers to list here.  Our website has a long list of frequently asked questions along with in-depth answers.  Visit www.dvra.com.au to have all your questions answered or get in contact with us and we will answer them for you.

Question 4

How can a customer save money before you start the work? Please give 3 tips

Accepted Answer

Here are some tips for you to help in the realisation of your project: Be as clear as possible about what your goals for the project are, what you need and what you can afford. If there is anything that you don’t  understand, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification Ensure that you understand what is, and isn’t, included in the scope of works Be as specific as you can as early as possible.  Although you can make design changes in the later stages of the process, it may lead to cost increases if the changes are significant. Be prepared to select and employ other required consultants on advice from your Architect. Provide access to the site for the Architect and other consultants promptly. Ensure that you understand the different roles of the Architect, Builder and Certifier. If the Architect is administering the building contract, all queries should go through them and they will deal directly with the Builder. Give instructions to the Architect in writing. Keep notes of meetings or ask your Architect for copies of their notes.  If there is any confusion, or items that you disagree with, discuss them immediately. Be aware that there are a number of variables outside of the control of the Architect when considering time frames. For example, Council approvals, the weather, supply of materials, latent conditions and other construction delays.

Question 5

What makes your pricing competitive?

Accepted Answer

Being a small business, we can keep our overheads quite low.  This means that our fees can be more competitive than a lot of other architectural practices out there who are larger and have more overheads to cover.

Question 6

How do you normally charge for your service?

Accepted Answer

There are 3 ways an Architect charges for their services including a percentage fee, a fixed lump sum or hourly rates. Sometimes a combination of the 3 types of fees are used at different stages of the project.  Generally DVRA will use both fixed lump sum and hourly rates.

Question 7

What experience, skills, qualifications or training do you have to make you the right person for the job?

Accepted Answer

I am a registered Architect (#4938) with the Board of Architects Queensland and a member of the Australian Institute of Architects.  A registered Architect is an Architect registered with the state or territory board of Architects where the work is being undertaken. To check whether an Architect is registered, visit the state or territory board of architects website for your particular state or territory and search the register.  Unfortunately it is not unheard of for someone to claim that they are an Architect when they are not.  If they are not on the register then they are not an Architect.  An Architect is a university qualified, accredited and registered professional.  Under each state or territory’s Architects Act, the title “Architect” can only legally be used by a professional who is registered with the Board of Architects of the state or territory where the work is being undertaken.

DVRA | Dominic Van Riet Atelier

Business contact details

Business description

Browse architect experts by suburb

Services

Qualifications

Add your review

Frequently asked questions

How did you decide to get into your line of work?

What questions should a customer ask to hire the right service professional?

Need an expert?

Customer

Businesses

Cities

About Oneflare

Oneflare group

Download our apps