Overview

Every year, thousands of Australian families embark on building or renovating projects only to find themselves trapped between two unsatisfying options: volume builders offering cheap, fast, cookie-cutter solutions, or high-end 'grand design' projects reserved for those with unlimited budgets. This book serves the overlooked middle market-people who want more than a standard build but refuse to accept the stress, surprises, and sky-high costs that typically accompany architectural dreams. The solution is straightforward: quality homes require good design, and good design demands collaboration between three key players working as one-the client, architect, and builder. Drawing from two decades of industry experience-including roles at award-winning firms, registration as an architect, builder's licensing, running a design-and-build company, building his own home, and founding Three Hat Buildings-the author, Alexander Hill, has literally worn all three hats. This unique perspective has shown him how easily families get caught out, and more importantly, how the right process transforms everything. This practical guide features real client stories, actionable checklists, and clear diagrams that demystify the building process step by step. Readers will learn to protect their budget, preserve their vision, and sidestep the traps that derail countless projects. This isn't theoretical coffee-table reading-it's a hands-on manual from someone who genuinely cares. By the final page, readers won't just understand how houses are built; they'll know how to lead the process with clarity, creativity, and the confidence to create a home that truly reflects who they are.

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9781764296601

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Alexander Hill bridges the gap between architectural vision and building reality. With over two decades wearing both the architect and builder hats, he's passionate about making intelligent, personalised design accessible in Australia's builder-dominated market.Through Three Hat Buildings (Melbourne), Alexander champions collaboration between architect, builder, and client-valuing personal connection over scale. His homes across Victoria prove that thoughtful design isn't about size or status, but about creating environments that work for your life, your values, and your future.

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