MEET Thomas

Holding a Diploma in Building Design and a QBCC license to practice in Queensland, Thomas is the founding building designer behind BNE Building Design.

Having worked on over 200 residential projects across 8 years with reputable design firms, architects, town planners and builders, he has developed a strong understanding of how projects come together — from early concept through to construction.

Over the years, Thomas has worked across a wide range of new homes, renovations, house raises and extensions, gaining practical insight into what makes a design not only look good, but respond effectively to site conditions and real-world constraints.

Thomas takes a hands-on approach to every project, working directly with clients to understand their goals and translate them into buildable, approval-ready plans. With a strong emphasis on efficiency and clarity, the aim is to remove uncertainty from the early stages of a renovation and make the process as smooth as possible.

Outside of design work, Thomas can usually be found out on the trails camping, fixing his project car, working on handstands in the gym, or out for a cruise on his motorcycle (you might hear his Yamaha roll up to your site).

He also spends plenty of time behind the camera photographing architecture for designers and builders, and is actively involved in the local industry — something he genuinely enjoys being part of.

Terms of Service

This Terms of Service outlines the conditions under which BNE Building Design provides building design and drafting services. They are intended to ensure clarity, transparency, and alignment throughout the design process.

1. Scope of Services

BNE Building Design provides residential building design and drafting services, including preparation of documentation suitable for planning approval and construction pricing.

All listed packages will include the following services:

Design consultation
Site inspection and property measure
Council searches, flood checks, and underground infrastructure searches
Preparation of concept plans for client sign-off
Documentation for approvals, builder pricing and construction
Coordination with external consultants through to project completion

We do not provide construction services, project management, contract administration, or site supervision.

2. What Is Not Included

Unless specifically agreed in writing, our fees do not include:

Surveying
Structural, civil, or hydraulic engineering
Energy efficiency reports
Building certification
Council or government fees
Town planning services

These services are provided by external consultants and are engaged separately by the client.

3. Appointments & Consultations

Initial consultations are conducted by appointment and typically include a design discussion and site measure-up.

Consultations are intended to:

Discuss project ideas and site constraints
Review initial feasibility
Gather a comprehensive brief to design your project

No drawings, approvals, or pricing guarantees are provided during consultations.

4. Fees, Payment & Refunds

All packages are outlined on the pricing page and selected at the time of booking a consultation.
An invoice will be issued following engagement of services after the initial consultation.
Payment must be made in full prior to receipt of the first iteration of design drawings.
Fees paid for completed work are non-refundable, unless the plans are not materially suitable for building approval by a private certifier and/or construction estimates by a licensed builder.
All prices are inclusive of GST.

5. Variations & Additional Work

Each package includes three complimentary revisions within the agreed scope of works.
Additional revisions are charged at an hourly rate of $120.
If the scope changes following the initial consultation, the initial invoice may be amended to suit the revised scope.
If the scope changes after the first design iteration, a rebalance of the initial invoice will be sent at the discretion of the designer, dependent on the scope. This may be a remuneration or a reimbursement.

6. Approvals & Outcomes

While documentation is prepared to be suitable for approvals, approval outcomes are not guaranteed.

Approval outcomes may depend on factors including:

Planning controls and overlays
Council or certifier assessment
External consultant inputs

Where changes are required by authorities or consultants during the approval process, those changes will not incur additional fees.

7. Reliance on Information

BNE Building Design operates on a feasibility-first basis to respond to known site constraints and budget considerations before clients engage additional consultants.

While reasonable care is taken, certain project parameters cannot be confirmed until external consultants are engaged, including:

Site and boundary survey information
Structural engineering requirements
Builder pricing, material availability, and construction costs

Where changes are required as a result of feedback or new information by consultants during the coordination process, those changes will not incur additional fees.

8. Intellectual Property

All drawings and documentation remain the intellectual property of BNE Building Design
Upon full payment, clients are granted permission to use the drawings solely for approvals, pricing, and construction of the approved project
Drawings, whether in PDF or DWG format, may be shared with builders, certifiers, and consultants as required - BNE Building Design do not share BIM models
Reuse, modification, or reproduction for other projects or sites is not permitted without written consent

9. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

Our liability is limited to the value of the services provided
We are not liable for construction costs, builder performance, delays, or variations outside the issued documentation
We are not responsible for outcomes beyond the design and documentation phase

10. Communication

Communication is primarily conducted via email or mobile
Response times may vary outside standard business hours
We aim to respond within a reasonable timeframe

11. Termination

Either party may terminate services in writing
Fees for work completed up to termination are non-refundable
A refund may apply only if plans are not suitable for private certification and/or builder pricing

12. Updates to These Terms

These Terms of Service may be updated from time to time. The version in effect at the time of booking or engagement will apply.

13. Acceptance

By booking an appointment or proceeding with our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms of Service.