“People engage us because they want a great design,

but what is a great design?

“Great design means things feel right, everything

works well together and spaces flow. Great design

achieves the right levels of comfort, creating a bright

and inviting environment. It looks great, is eco-friendly,

feels balanced and everything is in proportion. These are

signs of a great design and these are the cornerstone of

a dsarchitecture design.”

Dion SeminaraPrincipal - dsarchitecture

Our focus is always on creating great ideas that exceed our client’s

expectations while satisfying their needs. Creating a wow factor or

simply designing buildings, interiors and landscapes our clients love to

be in. Our wealth of experience in the building industry and architectural

profession combined with the detail and quality of our designs enables

us to achieve and often exceed our client’s goals.

It is this combination of experience and talent that has lead to Dion

Seminara appearing a number of times on Australia’s Best Houses. If you

missed the episodes on 7TWO you can find them on the dsarchitecture

website at:

http://www.dsarchitecture.com.au/video-gallery

Architecture is more than just a profession to us. It is a passion. At

dsarchitecture we are committed to creating designs that work for

you; lifestyle designs with a strong focus on sustainability. We are

committed to turning your dreams into reality.

why choose dsarchitecture

our history, your future

dsarchitecture (formerly known as Dion Seminara Architecture)

started in 2003 but the experience of the team goes well beyond

that. Our founder, Dion Seminara, has been in private practice since

1993 and been in the architectural profession and building industry

for more than 30 years.

A qualified builder, Dion knows how to create functional, elegant

designs that enhance the lifestyle of the occupant.

By combining our knowledge of construction with our obvious design

abilities, we are able to create building design solutions that give

maximum value for our client’s investment.

It is this history of construction experience, combined with well over

a decade of creating well crafted design solutions that results in the

ideal outcome for our client’s future.

“(Dion) is an outstanding architect with a creative mind and shows tremendous attention to detail.”

Anthony Ferro • BrISBAne

The only thing that matters at dsarchitecture is that our clients achieve a great outcome.

We understand that a great outcome can only be achieved by fully understanding our client’s needs; their goals, their dreams and their wishes.

At dsarchitecture we:

•workshopwithyoutofullyunderstandthewayyouuseyourhomeorbuilding

• conductathoroughconsultationprocesstofindoutwhatyoutrulywant

• focusonyourlifestyleneedsandshort,mediumandlongtermgoals

• placeastrongemphasisoneco-friendly,sustainablebuildingdesignsthatarebothcomfortableandefficient

• respectourclient’sbudgetsandtimeframes,deliveringthebestvaluein the shortest possible time

• pride ourselves on high levels of communication and customerservice

• understand the importance of bringing together all elements ofbuilding design, interior design and landscape design to enhance our client’slives

a successful philosophy

“Dion really listened to our needs and presented ideas that went to the heart of what we wanted.”

Warwick Absolon • BrISBAne

Building or renovating can often seem stressful. Things like

dramatically sloping blocks, limited space or tired architecture that

devalues a property are just a few examples of things that can cause

frustration and anxiety.

But at dsarchitecture we can overcome these challenges and help

take the worry out of your project. In just one consultation we can

present you with solutions that will leave you feeling confident and

inspired.

One of our great strengths is taking the complicated and making

it simple, turning problems into solutions. Our vast experience and

design skills allow us to find effective ways to fix even seemingly

complex challenges.

Our team has a wealth of experience in both design and construction,

enabling us to offer you practical, cost effective solutions.

Working with dsarchitecture allows you to relax and enjoy the

process, safe in the knowledge that your project will meet your

stated objectives.

stress free solutions

“Dion and his team not only helped us achieve a beautiful family home, they also gave us peace of mind ...”

Matthew and Angela • SprIngWOOD, BrISBAne

When it comes to architecture and building design our talent along with the depth and diversity of our experience means that dsarchitecture can handle a wide range of projects.

Our expertise extends to:

•Largeandsmallhomerenovationdesign

•Customnewhomedesign

•Luxuryandprestigedesign

• Interiordesign&selections

•Externalworks&landscapedesign

•Shippingcontainerarchitecture+modulardesign

•Multi-residentialdesign

•Placeofworshipdesign

•Officefitoutdesign

•Specialistenduserdesign

the building project types we excel in

“Dion took an ordinary brick box and created a modern, contemporary styled home suited to the lifestyle we envisaged ...”

Trevor & Anne Schramm • nOBBy BeACH, gOlD COAST

dsarchitecture is a boutique architectural firm committed to creating designs that are perfectly tailored to suit our client’s needs. We see ourselves as partners with our clients, our employees, our community and the environment. Our aim is to grow our business through referral and repeat business and to ensure our client’s satisfaction by staying at the forefront of design styles and architectural trends.

Our company will always exhibit the highest levels of

• integrity –onlyeveradvisingandactinginourclient’sbestinterests

• professionalism – producing the highest quality work in a timely manner

• transparency – with no hidden agendas or third party deals

• sustainability –makingthemostofthefiniteresourcesthisplanethastooffer• utilitarianism – with practical designs that focus on useability and lifestyle

At dsarchitecture we understand that every project is different and that not every client requires the same level of assistance. So we offer a simple 6 step process that enables our clients to choose the level of support that they feel they need.

From initial consultation right through to gaining approvals and overseeing your builder, you get to choose the level of assistance that you require.

No matter what your needs, our 6 step process has been

designed to give you complete peace of mind.

how we can help you

“With concept development, drawings, building plans, tendering, project management, through to practical completion, Dion gave us great service.”

Andrew and Margaret Coates • greenSlOpeS, BrISBAne

STEP 1Our unique pre-design service is suited to our residential clients who quite often need advice in the early stages, sometimes before they even purchase their home. Our range of services extends beyond design to include:

DESign oPTionS aDvicEperfect for non-residential projects, investment properties and short term residential projects for people who plan to live in their homes for up to 5 - 7 years, where you wish to explore design options to resolve specific challenges.

LifESTyLE DESign oPTionS aDvicEIdeally suited to clients who wish to remain in their homes for the long term, beyond 10 years, this service will explore your current and future needs and provide design solution options, ideas and building cost advice.

Pre-Purchase design oPtions adviceIf you are looking to purchase a home or block of land, this service will help you determine if the property will suit your design needs.

fEaSibiLiTy concEPT REPoRTFollowing on from our advice or assessment services we can document our discussions and advice to give you a better handle on concepts and building costs involved. This service acts as a stepping stone to our ongoing design services.

STEP 2Master Planning (scheMatic design service)This is the stage where your dreams begin to take shape. We start by creating your initial schematic design along with a detailed brief development, a concept floor plan and section, project report and opinion of cost including external works design for standard domestic sized sites. We then present this information to you for your review.

STEP 3styling (design develoPMent service)Should you require any adjustment we will now refine your design and prepare revisions to the floor plans and elevations, working with you to produce your ultimate design. We also prepare 3D visuals that will confirm your project’s look and feel before presenting this information to you and making any required revisions. “Dion was the only person who had the creativity to make

our house look the way we wanted it to ...”Di Farmer & Ian Collier • HAWTHOrne, BrISBAne

STEP 4 aPProvals (Pre-building aPPlication service)This step involves the creation of architectural pre-building application documentation required for obtaining approvals for your project, along with the drafting of detailed drawings and specifications that your builder will use during the actual construction phase.

DETaiLED coST PLanningAt this stage you may also wish to take advantage of our optional independent detailed cost estimate and extent of works report.

DEvELoPmEnT aPPLicaTionSDevelopment application drawings may also be created at this time if applicable to your project.

STEP 5construction docuMentationAt dsarchitecture we pride ourselves on the amount of detail that we include in our drawings which ultimately helps to reduce mistakes and make your project easier to build. This work includes detailed construction drawings, external material selection and electrical layouts including at times selections. If applicable this service will also include any external works detailing such as fences, paths, gatehouse structure, pools and garden features and edging.

PRojEcT managEmEnTWe can also co-ordinate any required sub-consultants such as surveyors, building certifiers, engineers, etc. as well as providing interior design and landscaping design services.

“We thought we could do this on our own but there’s no doubt that Dion’s assistance was well worth every cent.”

Sheila & Terry Harmes • COOrpArOO, BrISBAne

STEP 6Now that your designs are complete it’s time to find and hire a builder and get your project built. Step 6, which is divided into 2 key stages, is optional however it does offer a number of significant advantages.

The first stage involves tendering and contract negotiation. As part of our service we can:

•arrangefortendersfromsuitablyqualifiedbuilders

•negotiatewithbuildersonyourbehalftogetthebesttermsand pricing

•help youassess each tenderandaward theproject to thewinning builder

•preparetailormadecontractsonyourbehalf

•arrangeforsigningandexecutionofcontractsbyallparties

The next stage is contract administration, which is where we act on your behalf to ensure that the project is completed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract. As part of this service we:

• visit the construction site periodically to ensure correctmaterial selection, design integrity and quality of work

• reportbacktoyouregardingprogressandstandardofwork

•answeranyquestionsoraddressanyconcernsfromourclient,the builder or any specialist consultants or sub-contractors

•assessconstructionprogressandissueprogresscertificates

• releaseprogresspaymentsuponsatisfactorycompletionofstages

• liaise with the builder on your behalf on such things asvariations, delays, material unavailability, etc.

•assessandreportbacktoyouregardinganyrequestsbythebuilderforvariationsortimeextensions

•makeany requiredadjustments tomonetary sumssuchasprime costs and provisional sums

•notify all parties regarding any defective or incompletework

•assess practical completion and issue notice of practicalcompletion

• carryoutdefectinspections“... we not only have you to thank for the design of our home but also for managing the construction work.”

Donna and Michael Cant • HAWTHOrne, BrISBAne

One of the big advantages we at dsarchitecture offer our clients is an all encompassing design service beyond simple architecture. Understanding the importance of all aspects of a project complementing each other we also offer the following services in-house:

inTERioR DESign• Interiordesignconstructiondrawingsandschedules•Storageneedsevaluationandsolutions•Livingareas•Kitchendesign•Bathroom&ensuitesdesign•Mediarooms,entertainmentunits,studies,wardrobes,

laundries and cellars•Lightingscheme•Electricallayoutandfittings•Colourschemes

LanDScaPE DESignOur landscaping and garden design service is available to ensure that your garden and yard areas complement the design of your new home or renovation.

Important extras

“Thanks to Dion, we have seen a huge growth in the value of this home ...”

Anne and Adam Allica • BUlImBA, BrISBAne

As a boutique practice our focus at dsarchitecture is on quality over

quantity. Our small but talented team brings a diverse range of skills

and experience to the table which, when combined with our large

industry network, enables us to handle any project big or small.

So if you’re looking for personalised service where you get to deal

with the principal himself, dsarchitecture is the company for you.

our team

“I have said “Thank you God for sending Dion my way” many times since I met you.”

Marie Byrne • InDOOrOOpIlly, BrISBAne

dsarchitecture awards It has always been our belief that our client’s lifestyle outcomes are more important than awards. However, we have still managed to win our fair share without even trying to.

• InternationalDesignAwards“HonourableMention”fortwoprojects

•AffordableandFloodFreeawardwinner

•2011WinnerofLJHookerGranthamFloodHomeDesignCompetition.

•2006FinalistintheHousingIndustryAssociation(HIA)Renovation&AdditionsAward(projectsover$250,000)

•2006FinalistintheHIAResidentialBuildingDesigneroftheYearAward

•2005WinneroftheHIARenovation&AdditionsAward

The awards listed below were won by Dion Seminara’s previous architectural practice, ‘arcStyle’.

•2002HIAResidential–AwardWinner(Renovations&Additions)

•2001HIAResidential–AwardWinner

•2001HIAInnovativeUseofSteel–AwardWinner&NationalFinalist

•2000SmartHousingthatisenergyefficient,universallydesigned,affordable,safe&secured

•2000SmartHousingforInnerCityResidentialDesign

•TropicalHousingDesignCompetitionAward

t 07 3899 9450 m 0402 842 096 e dion@dsarchitecture.com.au | Suite 1/6A Thynne Rd, Morningside Q 4170 | PO Box 465, Bulimba Q 4171www.dsarchitecture.com.au