Building or renovating is exciting… but it can also feel complex and sometimes overwhelming.
At GDSA, our role is to guide you step-by-step. From your first idea to the moment you enter your completed space.
WHAT WE DO FOR YOU
Everything starts with a conversation. We listen to you carefully: how you live, what you need, what you imagine, and what your budget allows. We also review your property and identify possible constraints (urban planning rules, neighbours, orientation, access, etc.). Our goal is simple: transform your ideas into a clear and realistic project.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
Many projects go wrong because expectations are unclear from the beginning. This phase avoids misunderstandings, unrealistic budgets, and later design changes, which are always expensive.
Legal note: This step is not legally required, but it is one of the most important ones. A good project always starts with a good brief.
WHAT WE DO FOR YOU
Before starting the design, we first verify whether your project is realistically possible. We analyse your property and the applicable regulations: zoning rules, building depth, height limits, neighbouring conditions, access and orientation. We also compare your intentions with a realistic construction budget. The goal is to confirm what can be built, and what cannot, before you invest further time or money.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
Many projects encounter problems because feasibility is checked too late. This phase helps you avoid a refused permit, costly redesigns, or even purchasing an unsuitable property.
Legal note: Not legally mandatory, but strongly recommended. Early verification greatly increases the chances of approval by the authorities.
WHAT WE DO FOR YOU
Once feasibility is confirmed, we begin designing your project. We translate your needs and preferences into a spatial proposal and explore different layout options. We study circulation, proportions and natural light so you can understand how the building will actually feel and function. You will start to clearly visualise your future home or building.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
This phase allows you to make decisions before construction begins. Changing a drawing is simple. Changing a building during construction is difficult and expensive.
Legal note: Not legally mandatory, but it forms the basis of the permit design and improves the speed and success of the application.
WHAT WE DO FOR YOU
We now turn the chosen concept into a complete architectural design. We coordinate with engineers and specialists if needed (structure, energy performance, technical installations). The project becomes precise enough to be evaluated by the authorities.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
This is the moment where your project becomes official and buildable. The quality of this phase strongly influences whether your permit will be accepted quickly or delayed.
Legal note: For most projects requiring a building permit in Belgium, an architect’s signed design is required.
WHAT WE DO FOR YOU
We prepare and submit the complete permit application to the municipality. We communicate with the administration, respond to questions, and adapt the project if needed. You do not have to manage paperwork or administrative discussions.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
Without a permit, construction cannot legally start. Mistakes in this phase can delay a project by months.
Legal note: When a permit is required, the involvement of an architect is generally legally mandatory in Belgium.
WHAT WE DO FOR YOU
We produce the detailed drawings that the contractor will actually build from. Every wall, junction, insulation layer, material and finish is carefully defined. This is where we protect the quality of your building.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
A contractor builds exactly what is drawn. If documents are vague: results are uncertain, disputes appear, and costs increase. This phase protects: build quality, energy performance, and long-term durability.
Legal note: Not always explicitly mandatory, but technically essential for compliance with building regulations and contractor responsibility.
WHAT WE DO FOR YOU
We help you select a reliable contractor. We request offers, answer contractor questions, and compare the prices objectively. You receive professional advice, not a salesperson’s opinion.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
Two contractors can propose very different prices for the same project. We make sure you understand what is included and what is not before signing.
Legal note: Not legally required, but financially very important. This phase often saves more money than it costs.
WHAT WE DO FOR YOU
During construction we regularly visit the site, check the works, and guide the contractor. We verify that the building is constructed according to the plans and building standards. We also review invoices and protect you from incorrect charges.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
Most construction problems do not come from bad contractors, they come from lack of coordination. We act as your independent technical representative.
Legal note: For projects requiring a permit, the architect typically has an official supervisory role linked to the building’s compliance.
WHAT WE DO FOR YOU
We inspect the building with you, identify defects, and ensure they are corrected before final acceptance. We prepare the closing documents and advise you for maintenance.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
This protects you legally and technically after construction and is extremely valuable if you sell or insure the property later.
Legal note: The final acceptance and documentation are essential to formally close the construction process.
GDSA CAN ALSO ASSIST YOU WITH