Brief, site, footprint.One file, no spreadsheets.
Phase 01 captures the inputs. Anyone reading this file later — designer, builder, council — sees the same brief you started with.
Phase 01 of 03
Plan before you draw.
The brief, the site, the budget benchmark — captured in the file before a single wall locks.
You will
- Write the briefNumber of bedrooms, bathrooms, living zones, garage, outdoor program.
- Drop the site outlineBoundary, contour notes, orientation, access.
- Set the budget benchmark$/m² target so the live pricing has a baseline.
- Choose the framing systemGablok, traditional frame, steel — drives wall thickness in the Desk.
- Pick precedent imagesDrag in references; they hang off the project for everyone to see.
Tools in the Desk
- Brief formStructured fields the Desk understands.
- Site outlineBoundary drawn on the canvas at real scale.
- Room programAdjacency notes and target sizes per room.
- Reference boardImage precedents pinned to the project.
Outputs
- Brief PDFSingle sheet that summarises the project for an architect, builder or council.
- Budget baseline$/m² target carried forward into the live pricing report.
- Reference boardVisual style packet attached to the project file.
FAQ
Commonquestions.
Can I plan without knowing the lot?
Yes — start with an indicative outline and update later. The Desk re-flows automatically.
Do I need DA before I plan?
No. Use this phase to establish what you want to ask for.
What about budget?
Set a $/m² benchmark. The live pricing report will flag the moment design choices push past it.
The Stanton Desk
Want a home like this?Build it on your land.
Create a free account and plan in 2D, walk it in 3D and watch the price update as you go — from a first build to a fully custom estate. The Stanton team helps with design, supplier coordination and build-ready documentation.
From $125k starter build$500k family home$900k architecturalCustom to your land up to $50M
Read the Stanton Desk documentation →