Our Process

At 3Js+Z Studios, our process is built on transparency, collaboration, and a shared vision with our clients. From the very first meeting, we take the time to sit down with you, listen carefully, and understand how you envision your space coming to life. This open dialogue ensures that your ideas and aspirations are at the core of every decision we make.

Our journey begins with an in-depth discussion to explore your needs, lifestyle, and goals for the project. From there, we translate your vision into a thoughtful conceptual design, ensuring every detail aligns with your brief and exceeds expectations. As we move beyond concept design, we maintain clear and consistent communication, guiding you through planning approvals, detailed documentation, and construction coordination.

At every stage, we are committed to keeping you informed and involved, ensuring that the process is seamless and stress-free. By combining your input with our expertise, we deliver spaces that reflect your vision, balancing functionality, beauty, and quality in every detail.

Under James’ leadership, the studio offers a diverse range of expertise to meet client needs. In addition to architectural design and documentation, our services include planning assessments and services, heritage consultancy, feasibility studies, and concept planning. Whether it’s navigating complex planning regulations, revitalising heritage-listed properties, or assessing site viability, our team provides detailed, practical solutions to ensure every project is both visionary and achievable.

The team led by James are all well-accomplished in architecture, planning, and heritage. No job is too small, with every job given the finest attention by our talented team of designers.

The studio specialises in residential and small-scale projects, focusing on thoughtful details and seamless integration with the natural and built environment.

  • You, as the client will be involved with the design of your project from day 1, and can be as involved in the whole process as you would like. We love getting new ideas for spaces, and encourage your voice in key design decisions. After all, this is your home, we are just helping you realise it.

  • We are familiar with all Council guidelines and will ensure our design follows the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP) of your Local Government Area. We will also ensure, should there be State Environmental Planning Policies that apply to your site, that these be adhered to closely such that development approval can be achieved.

  • We will be assisting you in the whole process. Our team of architects, designers, and planners, are well equipped in handling any questions you may have in regard to controls and site constraints. We have your best interests at heart, and will ensure the design complies with all controls.

  • You are able to engage us as your project managers. This will incur in an additional fee. You are also able to engage an independent project manager, and we will be able to work with them to ensure the project goes smoothly. Alternatively, you are also able to step into the project management role.

  • Consultants will be engaged by you, however, we will always give you advice on who to engage. 3Js+Z Studios will only hire consultants at a secondary consultant level, and will never be liable for payment to consultants, nor will we be liable for the quality of the work they produce, as it is not covered in our Professional Indemnity Insurance policy.

  • Once the Fee Agreement is signed and returned to us, we will have an in-depth conversation on what you wish to achieve in your project. During this conversation, we will also lay out the entire process from concept design, to development approval. This will ensure you have a clear picture of what is to come, and what to expect.

  • As listed in our Fee Agreement, we charge architectural documentation fees at 2% to 3.5% of the total costs of works, depending on the complexity of the project. The costs of works will either be estimated by our office based on past experience, or by yourself as Clients. Alternatively, an independent Quantity Surveyor can be engaged to provide a figure. It is to be noted that as the project progresses, the costs of works may increase, and therefore, the fee payable will also increase accordingly. All fees will be discussed before invoiced to ensure transparency.

  • The title ‘Architect’ is protected and can only be used be persons who have underwent significant education, training, and examination by the Architects Board. Choosing an Architect therefore gives you the peace of mind that the work product will be to a high standard. At 3Js+Z Studios, we have been recognised by the Board as Architects in NSW, and ensure all our work maintains the standard required. This, coupled with our philosophy of ensuring that all our design is unique to the client, is why you should engage us in your next dream project.