Why Building a New Home Requires a Team
Designing and building a new home is one of the most exciting — and significant — projects you'll ever take on. It starts with a dream, a sketch, and a vision of how your family might live in a new space. But turning that vision into a real home takes more than just great design. Behind every successful build is a coordinated team of professionals, each bringing a different set of skills to the table.
At JDA Lammin Architects, we don’t just design beautiful, practical homes. We act as your guide, your advocate, and your project coordinator — connecting you with the right people, asking the right questions, and keeping everything moving smoothly.
So, who else do you need on your team? And how do you find the right people? Let’s break it down.
JDA Lammin Designed Home
The Hidden Complexity of Building Projects
Much like a builder manages all the trades on site — the plumber, electrician, tiler, and so on — we manage the broader professional team behind the scenes. These are the people whose input is essential long before the first hole is dug or frame is raised.
One of the key benefits of engaging residential architects like JDA Lammin is access to our trusted network of industry professionals. From planning consultants to engineers and surveyors, we’ve spent years building strong relationships with experts we know and trust — and who we’ll introduce you to when the time is right.
Let’s take a closer look at the kinds of specialists who may be involved in your project.
Who’s on Your Project Team?
Residential Architect
We’re the creative lead and strategic coordinator — helping you clarify your vision, balancing design and functionality, and ensuring your home suits your needs, site, and budget. We also manage the bigger picture — from early feasibility to final documentation — and help you navigate the maze of approvals and technical requirements.
Land Surveyor
Before any design begins, you’ll need a detailed land survey. This maps the levels, features, and constraints of your site — including slope, trees, fences, and neighbouring buildings — and informs everything from layout to council compliance.
Town Planning Consultant
If your project needs a planning permit (which many do), a planning consultant can help interpret the local planning scheme, prepare reports, and negotiate with council. Their insight can be the difference between delays and a smooth town planning process.
Engineers
Structural Engineer: Designs the skeleton of your building — beams, slabs, and supports — to make sure your home is safe and sound.
Civil Engineer / Geotechnical Consultant: Designs stormwater and drainage systems and conducts soil tests to ensure the ground conditions are suitable for building.
Energy Rater
Energy efficiency is a key part of building code compliance. The energy rater assesses your home’s thermal performance and provides strategies to improve comfort and reduce energy costs — all while ensuring you meet the 7-star rating requirement.
Building Surveyor
They review your documentation to ensure compliance with the National Construction Code and issue the building permit before construction begins. They also inspect the works during construction to ensure compliance.
Interior Designer
An interior designer can help select fixtures, finishes, colours, furnishings, and lighting to create a cohesive and personal interior that reflects your style and lifestyle.
Landscape Architect
Good outdoor design complements your architecture and enhances how you use your home. A landscape architect designs elements like decks, pergolas, pools, planting, paving, and lighting to create beautiful, functional outdoor areas.
Builder
The final piece of the puzzle — the builder brings everything to life. The best builders do more than build; they collaborate early, helping with cost planning, buildability advice, and program timelines. We work with reputable builders who are excellent communicators and trusted members of our extended team.
Case Study: Navigating Planning Challenges with Expert Coordination
When our clients Sam & Eamon bought a subdivided block on the Mornington Peninsula, they had big dreams for their family home — including capturing the sweeping bay views. But local planning rules required any new development to 'share' the view with neighbours, making their design constraints tight.
We partnered with one of the town planning consultants in our network — Town Planning & Co — and worked collaboratively to resolve the complex planning issues. Together, we developed a proposal that preserved key viewlines for neighbours while still delivering the two-storey home Sam & Eamon envisioned.
The result? A planning permit granted without delays or a stressful VCAT hearing — saving time, money, and frustration.
Why Project Coordination Matters
What most homeowners don’t realise is that managing all these moving parts takes time, experience, and a whole lot of communication. That’s where we come in.
At JDA Lammin Architects, we take the pressure off you. We:
Coordinate the consultant team on your behalf
Manage timelines so the right information comes in at the right time
Ensure all designs and documents align
Translate technical language so you don’t need to learn how to read engineering reports
Introduce you to reliable experts from our trusted network
With us, you won’t have to search for a geotechnical engineer or worry about whether the energy rating will pass — we’ve got it all covered. We know who to call, what questions to ask, and how to make sure every piece fits together.
The Value of Experience
With decades of experience and hundreds of projects completed, we understand the process inside and out. When you engage us, you’re not just hiring an architect — you’re gaining a knowledgeable guide and a team leader who’s fully invested in making your home a success.
Let us coordinate the complexity so you can focus on the exciting parts — dreaming, designing, and preparing to live in a home that feels like you.
Ready to take the first step?
Our Home Design Explorer Pack is a great way to explore your ideas, understand costs, and map out a path forward — with expert guidance every step of the way.
If you’re thinking about transforming your home, working with JDA Lammin Architects can help you unlock its full potential. Get in touch with us today to explore how great design can make all the difference!
