Project Strategy & Feasibility

The earlier you start, the more opportunity you have.

Know what's possible before you commit.

Before plans, quotes or builders, we answer the question that shapes everything else — what can you actually build here, and what's the right way to approach it?

Three ways to start

From $1,200 + GST

Book a feasibility studyCompare the options
Restored heritage facade of Nimmo House, Middle Park

You may be asking

Left unanswered, these questions cost projects time and budget — or stop them altogether. This is where we begin.

  1. 1What can we actually build here?
  2. 2Will council support what we're thinking?
  3. 3Is our budget realistic?
  4. 4Is it worth pursuing at all?
  5. 5What's the right way to approach it?

Start your project with clarity

Each stage builds on the last. Start where you need to — we'll tell you honestly if a lighter or deeper option would serve you better.

01

Site Advice

Early, expert guidance on what's possible for your site.

Best for

Early direction, or advice before you buy.

What's included

  • – Site visit or online meeting
  • – Your brief, priorities and how you want to live
  • – Review of planning controls, overlays and constraints
  • – Written summary: opportunities, constraints, next steps

You'll leave with

A clear sense of whether your ideas are viable, and a confident next step.

From $1,200 + GST

Start with Site Advice

02 — where most projects begin

Feasibility Study

Move beyond assumptions and see what can be built.

Best for

Testing real options before investing in design.

What's included

  • – Everything in Site Advice
  • – Sketch plans and spatial diagrams
  • – Massing and yield testing
  • – Early planning review
  • – Preliminary cost and scope guidance

You'll leave with

Up to two tested sketch options and a clear direction for your project.

$2,500–6,500 + GST

Start with a Feasibility Study

03

Concept Design

A clear design direction you can see and feel.

Best for

Those ready to commit to a direction.

What's included

  • – Builds on the Feasibility Study
  • – Developed brief and preferred option
  • – Concept plans and key sections
  • – 3D massing views and material direction
  • – Cost check against your budget

You'll leave with

A resolved concept and the confidence to proceed into full design.

$7,000–14,500 + GST

Start with Concept Design

Not sure which is right? Tell us about your project and we'll recommend a starting point. Fees are credited towards your full project fee if you continue with us.

Glass House street front — the original cottage retained, restored with its verandah and picket fenceOriginal hallway opening through an arch to the new living space and gardenGlass House rear addition with black louvres opening to a paved courtyard

Feasibility in real life

Glass House, Richmond

An 1890s worker's cottage — and an answer that wasn't obvious.

Glass House double-height living space with fireplace, opening to the garden
Glass HouseRichmond, MelbourneView Project

The challenge

Dark and disconnected after years of ad hoc additions, with a heritage façade to keep and strict planning controls. The real question wasn't what could be designed — but what would be approved, and what the budget allowed.

The approach

Testing the site early revealed room for a modest upper level, set back to protect the streetscape while unlocking space above and behind.

The outcome

Light drawn deep into the plan through a double-height living space, the original structure retained. Early clarity avoided risk and protected the budget.

Kitchen framed by the original hallway arch at Nimmo House, Middle ParkOpen-plan kitchen and dining with courtyard glazing at Thomas House, Windsor

What happens next

No obligation at any step. If you go ahead with us, fees for this stage are credited towards your full project fee.

  1. 1

    Tell us about your project

    A short enquiry — address, what you're hoping for, and a rough budget.

  2. 2

    A first conversation

    A relaxed call to understand your site, brief and timing.

  3. 3

    A fixed-fee proposal

    A clear scope and fee for the right starting point.

Book a feasibility study

Tell us about the property and what you're hoping for. We'll confirm the right starting point and send a fixed-fee proposal. If you continue with us, fees for this stage are credited towards your full project fee.

Which would you like to start with?*

The property*

Timing

Rough budget (optional)

Thank you

We've received your details and will reply with the right next step for your property.

Something went wrong. Please try again, or email hello@ar-do.com.au.

Questions about feasibility

Can you advise before I buy a property?

Yes. Site Advice is well suited to pre-purchase — you'll understand the potential and the constraints before you commit.

Will this tell me if council will approve it?

We test your ideas against the planning scheme, overlays and heritage controls, and flag the likely risks. No one can guarantee an approval, but you'll know where you stand.

Do I need a site survey first?

Not to begin. A survey may be recommended after the Feasibility Study, to support design development.

What happens after feasibility?

If you'd like to continue, we move into Concept Design, then design development, planning and documentation, each with its own fixed fee. What you've paid for this early stage is credited towards your full project fee, and there's no obligation to continue.

A clear first step

Tell us about your project, what you have in mind and when you'd like to begin. Every project starts with a conversation.

Book a feasibility study