A GUIDE TO
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT

Design & Construct is a holistic project delivery method where a single entity, like Marshall Group Services, is responsible for both the design and construction phases of a project. This differs from traditional approaches where design and construction are separate contracts.

Key Benefits of D&C:

• Single Point of Accountability: One main contact for all aspects of your project, simplifying communication and problem-solving.
• Seamless Integration: Design and construction teams work hand-in-hand from day one, fostering better collaboration and reducing potential conflicts or misunderstandings.
• Streamlined Process: Overlapping design and construction phases can significantly reduce project timelines.
• Cost Efficiency: Early contractor involvement often leads to value engineering, identifying cost-saving opportunities during the design phase.
• Risk Mitigation: The integrated team takes greater responsibility for overall project success, including budget and schedule adherence.
• Innovation & Customisation: Our team can conceptualise unique solutions tailored precisely to your business needs, ensuring a space that truly reflects your brand and operational requirements.

In Sydney's dynamic commercial landscape, a well-executed office space is more than just a place to work; it's a strategic asset. Opting for a Design & Construct model ensures:

• Optimised Functionality: Spaces designed with your specific workflows and team dynamics in mind.
• Brand Alignment: An office environment that visually and functionally embodies your company's identity and culture.
• Enhanced Employee Experience: Modern, ergonomic, and aesthetically pleasing spaces that boost morale, productivity, and employee retention.
• Future-Proofing: Flexible and scalable designs that can adapt to future growth and evolving work trends, such as hybrid working models.
• Predictable Outcomes: Greater certainty regarding project costs, timelines, and quality, critical for effective budget planning.

Our end-to-end service encompasses every stage, from the initial spark of an idea to the final finishing touches.

Concept & Visioning

It all begins with your idea. Whether you're moving into a new space or refurbishing an existing one, we'll help shape your vision.

• Collaborative Brainstorming: We'll explore your goals, influences, and specific needs for the new space.
• Needs Assessment: We'll define requirements for staff numbers, collaborative areas, private offices, meeting rooms, breakout spaces, kitchens, and other amenities.
• Technical Requirements: Detailed mapping of IT, AV, power outlets, network cabling, and server room needs.
• Budget & Feasibility: Establishing a realistic budget, including a contingency, and assessing the project's viability.

Integrated Design Development

This phase blends creativity with practicality, ensuring your space is both inspiring and functional.

• Preliminary Design & Layout: Developing initial floor plans and conceptual designs that align with your objectives.
• 3D Visualisations & Walkthroughs: Creating immersive 3D renders and virtual tours to help you visualise the finished space before construction begins.
• Material & Finishes Selection: Guiding you through the selection of furniture, fixtures, equipment (FFE), and all interior finishes, considering durability, aesthetics, and sustainability goals.
• Detailed Documentation: Preparing comprehensive construction drawings, specifications, and schedules of finishes.

Navigating Approvals & Compliance

One of the most critical aspects of any commercial project in Sydney is navigating the regulatory landscape. Marshall Group Services simplifies this complex process for you.

Designers and Building Practitioners Act 2020 (DBP Act) & Regulation 2021:

This NSW legislation imposes significant obligations on design and building practitioners to improve building quality and address defects. We ensure full compliance, including:

• Duty of Care: Understanding and adhering to the duty of care in relation to construction work, which extends to current and future owners, and potentially has retrospective effect.
• Registration Regime: Ensuring all relevant Design Practitioners, Principal Design Practitioners, Building Practitioners, Professional Engineers, and Specialist Practitioners involved in your project are appropriately registered with NSW Fair Trading.
• Regulated Designs & Compliance Declarations: Managing the preparation of "regulated designs" (designs for building elements or performance solutions) by registered design practitioners and obtaining "design compliance declarations" to verify adherence to the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and other requirements.
• Builder's Declaration: The builder's responsibility to provide a declaration prior to an occupation certificate, confirming compliance with BCA and other regulations, and reliance on regulated designs and declarations.

Council & Statutory Approvals:

• Complying Development Certificate (CDC): For straightforward projects that meet specific criteria, allowing for a faster approval process (weeks). We work with private certifiers to secure this.
• Development Application (DA): For more complex projects, requiring approval from the local council. This can be a longer process (months). A Construction Certificate (CC) is required after DA approval.
• Occupation Certificate (OC): The final certification required before you can legally occupy the building. We ensure all necessary documentation is in place for its issuance.

Landlord & Building Management Approval: We manage the entire process, including reviewing fit-out guidelines, preparing scopes of work, and attending necessary inspections with the Building Manager.

Safety & Compliance: Adhering to the National Construction Code (NCC)/Building Code of Australia (BCA), Australian Standards (AS), Accessibility Standards (AS1428.1 and DDA), Fire Safety Regulations, and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements.

Our dedicated construction oversight team ensures every aspect of your project adheres to the highest standards.

• Project Management Excellence: Our experienced project managers oversee all phases, coordinating trades, managing schedules, and mitigating risks.
• Skilled Craftsmanship: We utilise a network of fully qualified and experienced tradespeople who work cohesively to ensure an efficient and high-quality build.
• Quality Control: Meticulous selection of materials and rigorous on-site management to maintain a keen eye for detail.
• Minimised Disruption: For projects within occupied buildings, we are live environment specialists, planning staged works and coordinating noisy activities outside of regular business hours.
• Regular Communication: Consistent updates, site meetings, and a "One Company Contact Policy" ensure you're always informed of progress.
• Work Health & Safety: Implementation of robust work health and safety procedures to ensure a safe site for everyone.

The culmination of the Design & Construct process is a seamless handover of your new, inspiring workspace.

• Final Installation: Delivery and installation of all furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
• Final Finishes: Painting, signage, and decorative elements.
• Professional Cleaning: A thorough clean to prepare the office for immediate use.
• Defects Inspection & Testing: A comprehensive walkthrough to ensure everything meets your satisfaction.
• Documentation: Provision of "as-built" drawings and all relevant certificates (fire protection, AC, glazing, etc.) to the landlord and for your records.
• Post-Occupancy Service: Our commitment extends beyond handover, with post-occupancy site quality control visits to ensure your long-term satisfaction.