About Us
Design For Seasons is a Building Design practice specialising in passive solar and sustainable design. The main areas of design practice include residential, office and community buildings.
Gary Palma is the principle designer and manager.
Gary is a qualified building designer with over 20 years experience in the architectural and building industry, working with various architectural practices and builders in Perth, Western Australia.
This experience includes working in the specialised area of solar design.
Gary is currently studying part time for Builders Registration and expects to complete the course by mid 2006.
Gary has a committed passion for good design and conservation.
Other associates and specialist consultants include:
Geotechnical Engineer – Soil assessment and recommendations.
Quantity Surveyor – Building estimating & scheduling
Structural and Civil Engineer - Structural engineer with experience in commercial and residential building.
Mechanical Engineer - Expertise in building mechanical services / remote power stations and infrastructure / Building energy management and auditing / renewable and sustainable energy systems.
Hydraulic Consultant – Plumbing supply and waste design / stormwater design / Sprinkler systems
Electrical Consultant – Electrical services design.
Services
Design For Seasons offers a comprehensive design and documentation service with an emphasis on passive solar and sustainable design principles.
Passive solar design is the primary focus and philosophy of the design service.
Other sustainable issues are also considered such as:
● Site impact and scale of the building
● Use of sustainable building materials
● Water conservation and collection
● Grey water recycling
● Renewable energy sources
● Energy use for heating and cooling, hot water service and lighting.
Designs are based on the client’s vision and needs, always relating to the human scale and spirit.A detailed and carefully staged approach is taken during the design and documentation.
These stages include:
● A site visit, assessment and recommendations
● Design interview and design brief
● Concept sketches and elevations and a preliminary opinion of cost;
● Design development drawings, a fixtures and fittings schedule and an accurate costing
● Full set of architectural working drawings, specification and consultants drawings.
Design For Seasons also offers tender negotiations and contract administration or site supervision during the construction stage.
Clients are encouraged to monitor the performance of the building and offer any feedback after living in the building. In fact most clients have become friends and “committed to solar design.”
Awards
2002 WA Building Design Award for Environmentally Sustainable Design – new residence in Northcliffe, South West, Australia.
2004 WA Building Design Award commendation for Environmentally Sustainable Design - new residence in Hovea, Perth hills, Western Australia.
2006 WA Building Design Awards for Environmentally Sustainable Design and Public Buildings -
Northcliffe Interpretive and Cultural Centre - Northcliffe South West Australia
Membership
Building Designers Association of Western Australia
Western Australian Sustainable Energy Association Inc.
Alternative Technology Association
43 Urch Road Roleystone WA 6111
Phone: (08) 9397 6089 Mobile: 0418449113 Fax: (08) 9397 6089
Email: gary@designforseasons.com.au
