Clear. Coordinated. Buildable
Design support for builders delivering complex commercial projects
CASE STUDY
Rydges Melbourne
Spacecraft provided peer review and design management services for the Rydges Melbourne hotel refurbishment – a complex, live-environment renovation spanning 19,400 m² while the hotel remained operational.
Working closely with the head contractor, we reviewed and coordinated documentation, responded to RFIs, supported value-engineering decisions, and attended the site regularly to maintain design intent through delivery.
The result: a completed refurbishment delivered on programme, on budget, and to a design standard that EVT have since rolled out across other properties in their portfolio.
19,400m²
Total project area
Live Environment
Hotel remained operational throughout
What You’re Balancing
- Yield and floorplate efficiency
- Brand alignment across assets
- Budget control and cost certainty
- Programme pressure and delivery timelines
- Approvals and compliance
- Long-term operational performance
Design needs to support the numbers, not fight them
How We Help
We bring strong documentation discipline and real construction awareness to every project. We understand site pressure, programme realities, and what it costs when design doesn’t keep up with the build.
Peer review documentation before it hits site
We identify gaps, clashes and compliance issues in existing documentation before they become expensive on-site problems
Coordinate consultants and resolve clashes
We manage consultant alignment across architecture, structure, services and interiors to reduce coordination failures
Respond to RFIs quickly and practically
Fast, clear RFI responses that keep the job moving – no chasing, no vague answers, no delays waiting on design decisions
Produce construction-ready documentation
Clear, coordinated drawings and schedules that builders can price accurately and construct with confidence
Support value engineering without losing intent
When budgets tighten we find practical solutions that maintain the design outcome without compromising buildability
Stay on site through delivery
We attend site regularly, review progress, manage defect inspections and keep design decisions moving forward
Our Services
Full design support across documentation, compliance and construction delivery
Design Review & Risk Mitigation
- Peer review of architectural documentation
- Accessibility and compliance audits – AS1428, BCA
- Services coordination review
- Safety in design review
- Clash detection
Documentation & Technical Support
- Construction-ready documentation packages
- Detail resolution and shop drawing review
- Consultant coordination
- Defect schedule preparation
- Monthly reporting
Construction Assistance
- RFI responses
- Site attendance
- Variation review
- Defect inspections
- Design management
- Value engineering support
Working on a D&C project and need design support? Let’s talk through what you need
Common Questions
What is a peer review and why do builders need one?
A peer review is an independent check of design documentation before construction begins. We review drawings for gaps, compliance issues, service clashes and buildability problems – identifying anything that could cause an RFI, delay or variation on site. Catching these issues before they hit the build saves significant time and cost.
How quickly do you respond to RFIs?
We treat RFI response time as a priority. Our standard turnaround is 24–48 hours for standard queries and same-day for critical path items. We understand that every hour a builder waits on a design decision has a programme and cost impact – so we stay available and responsive throughout the build.
Do you work on D&C projects?
Yes – we regularly work with D&C builders from the early tender stage through to construction completion. We can provide concept design, developed design, construction documentation, and ongoing design management as part of a D&C delivery model. We’re experienced in working within the commercial and programme constraints that D&C projects require.
What documentation do you provide for builders?
We produce full construction documentation packages including architectural drawings, reflected ceiling plans, floor finish plans, joinery documentation, FF&E schedules and specialist consultant coordination. All documentation is produced to be construction-ready – priced accurately, built confidently, and compliant with BCA, AS1428 and relevant Australian Standards.
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