Architect / Interior Designer – Residential Planning Challenge

I am seeking a floor plan concept for a proposed renovation of a freestanding house in Melbourne, Australia. The goal of this project is to achieve design excellence in spatial planning. I am seeking a concept design only, presented as a hand sketch, PDF markup or simple CAD plan. No rendering or detailed documentation is required at this stage. The emphasis is on the quality of the spatial solution rather than presentation. Brief: The layout should include: • 1 master suite with ensuite and robe • 2 additional bedrooms, minimum 3.0 m dimension • 1 secondary bedroom / study • 1 main bathroom • 1 separate laundry • 1 powder room, if possible • Open-plan kitchen, dining and living, located at the rear • Walk-in pantry is desirable if it improves the overall plan The main priorities are: • Strong use of northern natural light to the main living areas • Generous open-plan living with excellent flow, circulation and function • Strong connection between the main living areas and backyard • A layout that works well for everyday living, including a practical services zone • A plan appropriate to the Melbourne residential market Submission: The final submitted concept should clearly resolve the overall floor plan, while achieving the above requirements. The final submission should include • All room and zoning arrangements and sizes • All window and door placements • Proposed demolition • Kitchen layout • Bathroom and laundry layouts • Storage and robe arrangement • Realistic furniture placement and sizes • Circulation clearances Constraints: The following information is attached as part of the brief: • An existing conditions plan with indicative dimensions • A separate sketch identifying some constraints and scope of replanning: -Existing walls that are to remain -The rear deck, which is to be enclosed and incorporated into the internal floor area -Adoption of central hallway spine -Existing windows are flexible and may be relocated to suit the ideal layout The provided plans are drawn reasonably to scale for concept planning purposes. Scope of Delivery: -Initial discussion to clarify the brief, constraints and my preferences -3 rough preliminary layouts to test and explore meaningfully different planning approaches -Review discussion/call to assess the options and agree on the preferred direction -Development and consolidation of the preferred ideas into one developed design -Reasonable minor revisions following feedback to resolve the preferred concept -Delivery of the final resolved concept plan Selection: Selection of the freelancer will be based primarily on who demonstrates the strongest understanding of the brief and the ability to develop a strong solution for this particular house. In your proposal, briefly explain what you see as the key planning issues or opportunities, along with the approach you will take with this design challenge. You are welcome to include any initial observations, diagrams or markups if they help communicate your thinking. Note: The selected designer will be preferred to continue the project into the next stages, including detailed design development, 3D visualisation and documentation, once the preferred concept is resolved.