Consultation:   Every project is unique and all that you may need is some advice, but we feel strongly that such advice should be of a holistic nature and not just a list of materials or processes which may or may not achieve the goal of creating both a eco friendly structure but also make a strong contribution to the moral and physical well-being of its occupants and the wider public.

We can assist you with guidelines, reports and recommendations on the following:

Ecological land use: this may include single or multiple residences, eco-village concepts and extend to small commercial and industrial projects, being single or multiple units, schools and community halls. Environmental impacts at planning stage (building products selection and assessments) and construction stage ( building methodology minimisation of impact on the site’s immediate environment. These will include: Consideration of Health issues through the selection of building products which have a demonstrated non-toxic value on people and the environment. Water has now become the major factor in eco-design, effectively exceeding the Energy issues in the design or upgrade of new structures. We can help and advise on the best storage, use, distribution and temperature control of your freshly collected rainwater.

Your Comfort: The holistic approach to design which we use does not stop at the correct selection of materials, equipment and processes : these are just the obvious basic fundamental elements which you will need to achieve the required result. Together, we need to understand and respond to your personal ethics and physical comfort and this will require considerable care and efforts on both our parts : This where good design applied to that unique site of yours come together to create the special environment that will satisfy your current needs and allow for your spirit to develop further.

This essential part of your project will require the greatest attention from both you as the Client, and me as your Architect and guide, as this is the space which transcends the simple material world which normally makes a structure.

Other Professional Services:

Independent advice on documentation work done by others:
You may already have had some design advice and drawings and may wish to obtain an independent advice on what you have already paid for : We will review such documentation in total objectivity and suggest any improvement which you may make to what you have already done.

Help and advice on setting up Building Contracts (all types of buildings): The correct method of selecting and setting up a contract for that most important investment of yours will be critical for you to achieve your objectives.

Help and advice on matters associated with an existing or possible Land and Environment Court case: You may already reached a point of no-return in the dealings between your Council and your project. Gerry Rihs has had considerable experience in this area, including Residential, Commercial and Industrial projects. It is not possible to go into more details here other than stating that we would be happy to assist you in this area.

Building Quality Control during construction (all types of buildings) : The successful completion of any project depends heavily on the type and quality of the Building Contract referred to in 2.02 above.

Preparation of Reports on any of the above sections : This may be required for any purpose relevant to your particular project.

Fees and Charges: We are prepared to receive your brief, whatever it is, at no charge at all to you provided that it is either over the telephone, faxed or e-mailed to us, or we meet you personally in Bangalow or Byron Bay. Should you wish to meet at a location more appropriate to you, we are happy to discuss with you a minimal charge to cover our traveling costs.

Thank you for your visit. We look forward to hearing from you.