Despite everything, this is an ideal time to get started

We are busy at Austin Maynard Architects, and that’s because our clients realise that they are in the box seat. Strangely, it is a time for optimism in the building industry. This is the correction we needed.

While the current uncertainty in the world is proving difficult for many, it is actually an ideal time to get your project underway. It seems counter-intuitive, but the reality is you are embarking on a project at an ideal time.

Briefing, design, cost estimates, planning applications and building permits take almost a year to prepare before construction can begin. All of the above can be delivered digitally with relative ease. Furthermore, Austin Maynard Architects has effectively used video conferencing for years. Which has enabled us to produce award winning project such as Canberra’s Empire House and Newcastle’s Greenacres with minimal travel and minimal physical contact. Once the project is ready for tender, in a year from now, the building market will be very quiet and highly competitive. Ideal.

Over the last 20 years Australia, and specifically Melbourne, has been in a building boom. Even the GFC couldn’t slow it down. Everything has been expensive, and everyone has been flat-out trying to keep up. This has meant lengthy and expensive delays due to overworked consultants, builders and councils. This leaves you in an ideal position. Projects that proceed now will do so with minimal competition. Council planners will have more time to process applications efficiently and quickly. Consultants will be able to dedicate more time to ensure that documents are coordinated and delivered in a timely manner. Most importantly, builders, subcontractors and suppliers will be looking for new projects for the first time in years. This will lead to a truly competitive market that has not existed since the ‘90s recession. On top of this, interest rates have never been so low and lending has never been so easy.

I started AMA in 2002 and we have created incredible award winning projects in a “sellers market”. Builders and subcontractors were always been empowered to pick, choose and demand. Meanwhile our clients were often in the unenviable position of taking the price and schedule they got, rather than the best from a competitive selection. I look forward to a market shift where we can, for the first time, create outstanding projects that are priced in a truly competitive manner. You’re in the box seat. Congrats.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns then please do not hesitate to contact myself, Mark Austin, or one of the amazing AMA team.

Regards,
Andrew Maynard