01 / Profile

Bruce Dawe is a sole practitioner specialising in high quality residential design & documentation. His individual practice commenced in 1982, & has developed into a highly respected design practice.

Bachelor of Arch. (R.M.I.T)
Registered in Victoria
Member R.A.I.A

His family background in the building industry, included kicking around on sites at an early age, learning the ropes from tradesmen at a grass roots level. These early experiences built into a wealth of knowledge in how the construction process evolves. With this appreciation, Bruce has worked closely with builders to produce well-crafted houses of individual character that are specifically designed for their owner’s needs and changing lifestyles.

Bruce has completed residences and getaways in areas ranging from acreage to inner city sites. The major portion of his work has been single and multi-house developments along the metropolitan coastal fringe.

Bruce has designed residences from the classics to the modern contemporary. With all styles they lean towards an influence of classic elegant lines and proportions.

The small scale of his practice means his personal attention is given to all areas of each project.

02 / Vision

Our home is an integral part of our daily lives, and is a large contributor to our sense of wellbeing. Our aspirations, routines and needs are unique.  Homes need to be designed with these differences in mind.

The spaces we occupy affect our senses and over time, the effect on our subconscious is surprising. Creating light and airy spaces offers our senses room to breathe.

These spaces are articulated by elegant, clean and crisp lines. Contrasting textures concentrate the aesthetic, resulting in unique contemporary homes, formed around your life.

Bruce Dawe Architect homes are designed to reflect who you are and how you choose to live.

03 / Services

Architectural Consulting

Here, your needs and aspirations for your new home are discussed and clarified. Bruce Dawe Architect will offer a professional opinion on the project opportunities.

Site consultations

Site inspections are always completed with clients prior to the initiation of the design process.

Pre-build consultations, consultations during construction or after as required, are offered to assist you in the process.

Architectural Documentation

Finishes and Colours

  • Exterior finishes and colours schemes

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  • Interior finishes and colours schemes

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Architectural Design

Schematic Design

During the initial design stage, the architect will view the site and its immediate surroundings.

The main areas of consideration are the areas outside the site and the broad layout within the site and how they interact with each other, including: site orientation and sun, views from the site, prevailing winds, building location, broad zoning of areas within the building, vehicle and pedestrian access, massing of the structure, circulation, use area relationships. Finally, the overall size of the building and budget.

Architectural Design

Design Development

This is the stage when the broad design concepts are developed and refined.

The areas of consideration are generally within the site and the building in particular, including: the detailed layout of the building and its characteristic look, the finalisation of the type of structure and materials, the suitability of services, the external finishes and the budget.

The design is refined in all areas and illustrated by more detailed drawings.

Architectural Design

Town Planning

Town Planning specific architectural work is required for a planning permit.

Work to be carried out includes: external colours and materials schedule, a site analysis drawing, Shadows and Screening diagrams, Wildfire/Bushfire assessment by a qualified consultant.  Also, a landscaping plan by a qualified landscape designer.

Architectural Documentation

Construction Working Drawings

This is a major part of the architects work and involves the preparation of detailed drawings. These documents will be used to obtain building approval from the authorities and they form part of the contract with your builder.

These documents are not pretty design drawings but the technical drawings that convey to the builder what is required to be built.

Architectural Documentation

Construction and connection details

Large scale details of the main structural components, edge details of roof, decks, balustrades etc. to ensure sharp and clean lines in the finish detail of the building.

Architectural Documentation

Cabinetwork details and finishes

Large scale design and details of all built in cabinetwork for kitchen, ensuites, bathroom, powder rooms, laundry, study and main living rooms.

Architectural Documentation

Project Specification

An outline specification of nominally 8 to 12 pages, with selections of materials, fittings, appliances and equipment.  Generally, items that are not able to be fully specified on the drawings.

Finishes and Colours

Exterior finishes and colours schemes

These are generally a requirement with town planning applications and often need to be specified at an early stage in the process prior to the building’s construction.

Finishes and Colours

Interior finishes and colours schemes

This is usually part of the cabinetwork design and detailing, combined with the specification of equipment and finishes.  Consulting advice can be given to assist as required, if you have elected to do this work yourself.