Question 1

What is a floor plan review and what does it include?

Accepted Answer

A floor plan review is a professional analysis of your existing home layout, redesigned with two alternative options drawn to scale. FTLO Design's Stage 01 Floor Plan Review includes: your existing floor plan drawn and documented to scale, two redesigned layout options with measurements, 3D renders of each option, a full video walkthrough explaining every design decision, budget context, and builder instructions, and DWG-ready files for your draftsperson or builder. Delivered in 5 business days for $699.

Question 2

How much does a floor plan review cost in Melbourne?

Accepted Answer

FTLO Design's Stage 01 Floor Plan Review is $699, delivered in 5 business days. This is a fixed-fee service with no hidden costs and no obligation to continue. The $699 covers two redesigned layout options drawn to scale, 3D renders of each option, and a full video walkthrough explaining the design decisions.

Question 3

What suburbs in Melbourne does FTLO Design service?

Accepted Answer

FTLO Design primarily serves Melbourne's north-east, including Eltham, Warrandyte, Diamond Creek, Research, Greensborough, and surrounding Nillumbik suburbs. All three design stages are delivered remotely, so clients throughout Melbourne can access the service.

Question 4

What is the difference between Stage 01, Stage 02, and Stage 03?

Accepted Answer

Stage 01 is a Floor Plan Review ($699): your floor plan redesigned with two layout options, 3D renders, and a video walkthrough. Stage 02 is Exterior Design Concepts: two 3D options for your front facade and two for the rear, with materials direction and a video walkthrough. Stage 03 is Interior Design Concepts: full 3D concepts for every room, materials and finishes schedule, joinery direction, lighting plan, and a complete builder briefing document. Each stage is independent with no lock-in.

Question 5

Do I need to live in Melbourne to work with FTLO Design?

Accepted Answer

No. All FTLO Design stages are delivered remotely. You send your floor plans, photos, and references, and the output including 3D renders, video walkthrough, and all files is delivered digitally. Stage 03 Interior Design Concepts includes an optional in-person materials session for Melbourne-based clients only.

Question 6

What does the video walkthrough include?

Accepted Answer

The video walkthrough is a recorded presentation by Taeler Jordan walking you through both design options, explaining what was designed, why each decision was made, where the budget is being spent, what to watch out for, and exactly what to tell your builder. It can be paused, rewatched, and shared with your partner or builder.

Question 7

Is FTLO Design a registered architect or full architectural service?

Accepted Answer

FTLO Design is not a full architectural service and does not provide construction documentation for permit submissions. FTLO Design is an architectural-level design direction service, founded by Taeler Jordan who holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in architecture with over 10 years experience in high-end Melbourne architectural firms. The service is designed for $150k to $350k Melbourne renovations that need expert design thinking without full architectural fees.

Question 8

What type of renovations does FTLO Design work on?

Accepted Answer

FTLO Design specialises in residential renovations typically budgeted between $150,000 and $350,000 in Melbourne. Common projects include floor plan redesigns, rear extensions, exterior facade updates, and full interior design direction for homes preparing to go to tender. FTLO Design has particular experience with Melbourne's north-east housing stock including 1970s brick veneers in suburbs like Eltham, Warrandyte, and Research.

Question 9

How do I get started with FTLO Design?

Accepted Answer

Most people start with Stage 01, the Floor Plan Review at $699. Enquire via the website, send your existing floor plan in any format, and receive two redesigned layout options with 3D renders and a video walkthrough in 5 business days. There is no lock-in and no obligation to continue to further stages.

Question 10

What qualifications does Taeler Jordan have?

Accepted Answer

Taeler Jordan holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in architecture and has over 10 years of experience in high-end Melbourne architectural firms. She is the founder of FTLO Design and has completed residential development projects including Gumtree House, Fler House (a Robin Boyd home in Warrandyte), Morelle House in Research, and Napoleon House in Eltham. She is a member of the BuildHer Collective and appeared on Channel 7's Dream Home.

Question 11

Can you do a floor plan review if I haven't bought the property yet?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A Floor Plan Review is commonly used by buyers who want to understand renovation potential before committing to a purchase. Send the floor plan from the real estate listing and Taeler will design two alternative layout options and explain exactly what the renovation potential looks like before you sign anything.

Question 12

Do I need a builder before working with FTLO Design?

Accepted Answer

No. FTLO Design is specifically built for the stage before your builder is appointed. The floor plan options, 3D renders, video walkthrough, and builder briefing document are exactly what you need to brief and tender to builders with confidence.

Question 13

What is the difference between FTLO Design and a traditional interior designer?

Accepted Answer

Traditional interior designers typically manage sourcing appointments, attend showrooms, and charge a percentage of project cost or high hourly rates. FTLO Design provides architectural-level design direction at a fixed fee. The client then sources materials themselves, keeping the budget in their control.

Question 14

Does FTLO Design work on heritage or council overlay properties?

Accepted Answer

FTLO Design provides design direction, not permit-ready architectural documentation. If your property requires heritage approval or complex council overlay submissions, a registered architect is needed for that component. FTLO Design can still assist with design thinking and concept direction, and will advise at enquiry stage if a registered architect is required.

Question 15

Are FTLO Design fees fixed or hourly?

Accepted Answer

All FTLO Design services are fixed-fee. Stage 01 is $699. Stages 02 and 03 are priced at enquiry. There are no hourly rates and no percentage-of-project fees. Each stage is independent so you pay for what you need with no commitment to all three stages.

Question 16

Does FTLO Design have experience with Eltham and Warrandyte homes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. FTLO Design's completed development projects are all in Melbourne's north-east: Napoleon House (Eltham), Morelle House (Research), Fler House a Robin Boyd home (Warrandyte), and Gumtree House. This includes experience with bushfire overlays, older housing fabric, and the block sizes specific to this part of Melbourne.

Question 17

What do I need to send to start a floor plan review?

Accepted Answer

Your existing floor plan in any format you have. A photo on your phone, a PDF, a scan of an old drawing, or a digital file all work. Include photos of the house and any reference images if you have them.

Question 18

How long does a floor plan review take?

Accepted Answer

Stage 01 Floor Plan Review is delivered in 5 business days from when you send your plans.

Question 19

I've been going back and forth with a draftsman and feel stuck. Can FTLO Design help?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When you've been going back and forth on a floor plan and no version feels right, the problem is usually that the design thinking hasn't been done clearly enough before the drawing work started. A Stage 01 Floor Plan Review produces a clear, decided design direction that you can take back to your draftsperson with confidence.

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