Behind Test Before You Invest
Our Story
After working in the property industry for many years as a Registered Architect, Nikki saw the pain points many people faced when embarking on a renovation or new build. It's technical, creatively infinite, expensive and enduring. She saw the need for a cost effective design service that addressed these burning questions head on, enabling her Clients to be empowered and informed about their next steps. Identifying this need, in 2019 Nikki founded Test Before You Invest: a fast, affordable and honest dialogue about the potential of your property.
It's like having an Architect on tap!
Our Philosophy
At Test Before You Invest, we believe communication is the most important part of Architecture, as it welcomes the Client to be a part of the journey, and helps to provide transparency for all the Client unknowns. Not only do we listen, but we make you feel listened to. We are here to make a complex and technical process easy to understand.
Our Approach
Our approach to design and planning is different. Many architects lie on either end of the spectrum: Too design focused to respect the budget, or too commercially driven to respect the design. With a foundation of experience in design and commercial practices, we bring the best of both worlds together, designing quality developments with commercial awareness.
Meet the Team
Nikki Quittner | Architect & Director
Nikki Quittner | Architect & Director
Nikki Quittner | Architect & Director
Nikki is a Registered Architect and the Director of Test Before You Invest. With fifteen years experience, Nikki has worked at leading Architecture design practices across Australia, studying in Sydney and abroad. Nikki's passionate about offering a new approach to Architecture that responds to what people really need: a high quality service that's accessible, affordable, easy to engage with, that commits to the principals of quality design and delivery.
Bachelor of Design in Architecture (USYD)
Master of Architecture (USYD)
NSW ARB Registered Architect 10035
Bradley Widders | Designer Leader
Nikki Quittner | Architect & Director
Nikki Quittner | Architect & Director
Brad brings an eye for design that's unparalleled. With over fifteen years experience in Architecture, Brad leads our full Architectural service projects. With every job Brad seeks to use strategic planning with intensive design explorations to workshop the design with each Client. Brad values the presentation of ideas through visualisations and narrative as the most effective means of communicating design.
Bachelor of Applied Science in Architecture (UNSW)
Master of Architecture (UNSW)
Tegan Flannery | Town Planner
Tegan Flannery | Town Planner
Tegan Flannery | Town Planner
Tegan has over 8 years of Town Planning experience in both the public and private sector, specialising in residential and mixed-use development. Tegan provides our Clients with strategic legislative advice, pre or post purchase. With a strong background in project management and a keen eye for detail, she has a proven track record of successfully leading projects from conception to approval.
Bachelor of Development Studies (UoN)
Master of Planning (UNSW)
Ben Quittner | Operations
Tegan Flannery | Town Planner
Tegan Flannery | Town Planner
With over 7 years experience in Operations and Accounts Management, Ben drives sustainable growth and development at Test Before You Invest. Ben works to continually improve and streamline our business operations, to ensure we offer our Clients the most affordable, high quality and fast-paced service possible. With a passion for problem solving, Ben brings a resourceful and innovatory mindset to the team.
What is Test Before You Invest?
Test Before You Invest is an upfront assessment of a property’s potential, identifying the key need-to-knows to feel confident it is a sound development to invest in.
We provide you with the key parameters of your property, to help you to decide whether to proceed with your project and whether to engage an Architect (with us or externally) for ongoing services.
Whether it be an extension or complete re-build, this assessment is the missing link between what your property currently looks like and what it could look like should you wish to make some improvements.
When you just want to know the big picture of your property's potential, before diving into the detail.
Developed by qualified Architects, Test Before You Invest works in association with local and state authorities to provide a clear assessment of the key considerations if you are thinking about making changes to your property. It addresses things like height, developable area, heritage and landscape. This report provides you with the opportunity to understand your parameters, before engaging in detailed, costly and time consuming consultant services.
Subsequently, this test saves you dollars and time down the line when you do decide to engage an architect as the base research has already been undertaken. It is also a great way to manage your expectations early, before diving into what is an exciting but complex process.
Interested buyers and sellers invest in building reports, conveyancing, strata reports and pest inspections. Why not invest in an analysis that tests the potential of your property?
Q: What does Test Before You Invest outline?
A: What to know before you buy / What to know before you build
When you keep saying "but I just want to know.."
The answer to questions like:
- What are the local controls to consider?
- What are my site opportunities and constraints?
- What are my approval options?
- What upcoming fees should I be aware of?
- What kind of timeline should I expect?
- What is the maximum footprint permitted on my site?
- What might the maximum footprint look like on my site?
- How much will construction cost?
A property assessment conducted by a qualified Architect can provide home buyers with a number of valuable insights.
Q: Who can use Test Before You Invest?
A: A range of people at different stages in their property life cycle can take away valuable insight from this report, including current owners, interested buyers and future investors.
Who can use Test Before You Invest?
A range of people at different stages in their property life cycle can take away valuable insight from this report. Are you:
- Interested in buying a property?
- Interested in selling a property?
- Interested in renovating a property?
- A Buyers Agent?
- A Real Estate Agent?
- An Architect?
- A Property Developer?
