How a TERRA project unfolds, stage by stage.

A strong working relationship between you and our team is the foundation of every TERRA project. After an initial meeting and a series of detailed discussions, we develop a clear understanding of how you currently live and how you would like your home to evolve, and from there we prepare a tailored fee proposal that responds to your goals.

Concept and development

Every project begins with understanding the site, your lifestyle and your aspirations. We undertake a thorough site analysis, assessing orientation, topography, prevailing winds, views, overshadowing and planning constraints to identify the opportunities and challenges unique to your property. These insights form the foundation of a detailed project brief and inform a passive solar design approach that maximises natural light, thermal comfort and energy efficiency from the outset.

We then develop and present an initial design concept for your feedback. The presentation typically includes floor plans, 2D drawings, 3D views and carefully curated mood imagery to communicate the overall architectural vision, spatial experience and direction for interior materials and finishes.

Once the Concept Design has been refined and approved, we obtain a preliminary Cost of Works estimate to confirm alignment with your budget before progressing into the Design Development stage.

During the Design Development stage, we refine the architectural design and continue coordinating with the wider consultant team to ensure every aspect of the project develops in a practical and integrated way.

For Passive House and other high-performance homes, this is where the key performance principles are embedded into the design. We refine the building fabric, window design, shading, insulation, airtightness strategy and mechanical ventilation system to ensure they work together seamlessly, delivering exceptional comfort, healthy indoor air quality and outstanding energy efficiency.

A key milestone is the presentation of the developed design, including detailed plans, elevations and 3D views of key spaces such as the kitchen, bathrooms and joinery. Once the design has been reviewed and approved, we obtain an updated Cost of Works estimate before progressing to the Town Planning stage, where required.

If required

Choosing the right builder is one of the most important decisions you'll make during your project. We help take the guesswork out of the process by recommending builders we've worked with and trust, based on your project's scale, budget and level of performance. By involving the builder early, we can identify potential construction challenges, refine details, and ensure the design aligns with your budget before documentation begins. We also assist with builder interviews, helping you compare proposals, ask the right questions, and select a team that shares your values and vision, setting your project up for a smoother, more predictable construction journey.

We prepare and coordinate the planning application in response to the relevant statutory requirements. This typically includes the preparation of drawings, diagrams, planning analyses and supporting documentation that clearly communicate the proposal and demonstrate compliance with the applicable planning controls. We then formally lodge the application with the relevant authority and manage the process through to assessment.

During the assessment process we liaise with the relevant authorities and respond to any feedback or requests for further information. This may also involve engaging with adjoining owners or other stakeholders where required. If necessary, we prepare and submit additional drawings, reports or supporting material — and work through the negotiation process to help achieve a successful planning outcome.

Builder, documentation, interiors, construction

During this stage, we prepare the detailed drawings, specifications and schedules required to bring your project to life. These documents translate the design into a comprehensive set of instructions for the builder, ensuring the project can be accurately priced, approved and constructed as intended.

We also coordinate the wider consultant team, including structural, civil, geotechnical, energy, mechanical and other specialist consultants, to ensure every aspect of the project is fully integrated and resolved before construction begins. For Passive House and other high-performance homes, particular attention is given to airtightness detailing, thermal bridge-free construction, insulation continuity and the integration of mechanical ventilation systems, helping to ensure the building performs as designed.

Once the documentation is complete and all required approvals are in place, the project is ready to move confidently into the construction phase.

The Interior Design stage focuses on the materials, finishes and fixtures that bring warmth, character and personality to your home. Building on the architectural design, we develop a cohesive interior palette that responds to the way you live while enhancing the connection between the spaces, the architecture and the natural environment.

We are passionate about creating healthy, sustainable interiors using natural, low-toxicity and responsibly sourced materials that age beautifully over time. From timber and natural fibres to low-VOC finishes and durable surfaces, every selection is carefully considered for its aesthetic qualities, environmental impact and contribution to indoor comfort and wellbeing.

Selections are presented through mood boards, samples, drawings and visualisations, then documented in detailed schedules to ensure they can be accurately priced and seamlessly implemented during construction.

This stage is optional and depends on several factors. We can carry out regular site visits, liaise with the builder and keep you informed about progress, timing and costs. During our visits we check that the work is being carried out in accordance with the contract documents and meets the required quality standards.