Design & Build vs hiring an architect: which suits you?

We're proud to work alongside some of Sydney's best architects. We also run our own Design & Build process. So we see the strengths of both up close. Here's an honest comparison.

The architect-led route

You engage an architect to design your home and document it. The drawings then go to builders to price, and the architect often stays on to oversee the build.

Best for: complex sites, highly bespoke design, and clients who want an independent design voice through the whole project.

The Design & Build route

One team takes you from first ideas through design, approvals and construction. The builder is involved from day one, so cost and buildability are tested as the design develops.

Best for: clients who want one point of contact, a design that matches the budget from the start, and fewer surprises at tender time.

Questions to ask yourself

• How important is a fixed budget compared with design freedom?

• Do you want one relationship or several?

• How complex is your site and your brief?

Both routes, real results

Our Clontarf project was designed and built by Sharpe Build. Our Manly new house was designed by Grose Bradley Architects and built by us. Different paths, same standard of finish.

Want to talk it through? Contact us and we'll help you choose the route that fits your project.