Home renovation and building advisory services
Do you need a second opinion on your renovation project, need help in progressing your new build, or are unsure if you are getting the best results from your investment?
James Cooper is a multi-award-winning Chartered Building Designer with over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry, covering disciplines of design, construction management, contract administration and practice management.
As Principal Designer and Director of Sanctum Design, James has designed and facilitated the approvals, documentation and construction process of over 250 projects ranging in scale from small renovations through to complex residential and commercial works.
The experience gained within these often-complex projects serve as invaluable advice and knowledge, with services now available to those either renovating or building their own home - and who need either specific professional advice - or a second opinion in the following areas of expertise:
- Evaluation of planning controls and assistance with project planning and Council approval strategies.
- Provide design critiques and appraisals to ensure you have achieved the most appropriate design solutions for your budget.
- Review of design and construction documentation to ensure adequate scope coverage.
- Construction budget and tender appraisals for assessment and comparison of submissions.
- Need assistance with finding the right builder for your project.
- Provide Building Contractor liaison and negotiations where communications start to break down or you are concerned about the project’s progress.
- Construction superintendence and defects inspections to provide third party professional evaluation.
- Assistance with Contract terms and conditions and administration as an independent evaluator.
Even if you need just a second opinion on something that is causing frustration in your project, James is available without obligation for an initial discussion, with a fee for time consultation proposal provided upon request.
Please call James Cooper direct on 0412 445 354 for further information.
Curriculum Vitae – James Cooper
Education and Professional Affiliations
Master of Design Science (USYD)
Diploma of Building Design
Chartered Building Designer (BDAA)
QBCC Licensed Building Designer
Member Building Designers Association of Australia
Member Design Institute of Australia
Affiliate Member Australian Institute of Architects
Professional Contributions
BDAA / HIA / LGA Conference presentations – Thermal Performance Evaluation, Climate Conscious Design, Contemporary Design Inspiration, Practice Management Systems, Design for Bushfire prone areas, Residential Design Case Studies.
BDAA – National Design Awards Judge 2016-2020
Media Publications and Contributions
Better Home and Gardens TV – Design Consultant and Researcher 1997-2002.
The Complete Backyard Book - Murdoch Books
Warm House Cool House – Nick Hollo
Australia’s Best Beach Houses – Think Publishing
Rethink Building Materials – CL Creations
Various Design Periodicals – BH&G, Grand Designs Australia, InDesign, Luxury Home Design, SMH etc.
