Direct Answer
Ask about experience, compliance knowledge, design process, costs, and philosophy. The right questions reveal whether a designer understands your sector, can navigate Australian Standards, will involve you appropriately, and shares your values about play. Don't just ask—evaluate the quality and specificity of their answers.
Questions About Experience
"Can you show me examples of projects similar to ours?"
What you're assessing: Relevant experience in your sector (childcare, school, community)
Good answer: Shows 3-5 comparable projects with photos and context
Red flag: Can only show very different project types or catalogue images
"Can I speak with references from similar projects?"
What you're assessing: Real track record and client satisfaction
Good answer: Provides 2-3 contactable references from comparable centres
Red flag: Reluctance, outdated references, or "confidential" excuses
"Who will actually work on our project?"
What you're assessing: Whether the people you're meeting will do the work
Good answer: Clear introduction to the design and project team
Red flag: Vague answers about "the team" with no specifics
Questions About Compliance
"How do you ensure designs meet AS 4685 and AS 4422?"
What you're assessing: Understanding of Australian playground standards
Good answer: Explains specific compliance checks, mentions fall zones, entrapment, surfacing
Red flag: Vague ("we make sure it's safe") or unfamiliar with standard numbers
"What certification do you provide at completion?"
What you're assessing: Commitment to verified compliance
Good answer: Independent playground certification by qualified inspector
Red flag: "Self-certification" or no formal compliance documentation
"How familiar are you with NQF requirements for childcare outdoor environments?"
What you're assessing: Sector-specific regulatory knowledge
Good answer: Discusses Quality Area 3, explains how design supports NQS
Red flag: Unfamiliar with NQF or dismissive of its relevance
Questions About Process
"What does your design process look like?"
What you're assessing: Structured approach with clear stages
Good answer: Explains discovery, concept, detailed design, approvals, construction phases
Red flag: "We just start designing" with no clear methodology
"How do you involve educators and children in the design?"
What you're assessing: Commitment to stakeholder engagement
Good answer: Describes consultation methods, observation, feedback loops
Red flag: "We're the experts, we know what works"
"How do you handle council approvals if required?"
What you're assessing: Understanding of regulatory process
Good answer: Explains when approvals are needed, their role in the process
Red flag: Unaware of approval requirements or passes all responsibility to you
Questions About Costs
"What's included in your design fee vs construction?"
What you're assessing: Clarity about scope and pricing
Good answer: Clear breakdown of design deliverables, what's included/excluded
Red flag: Vague about inclusions, "we'll work it out as we go"
"How do you handle variations or changes during construction?"
What you're assessing: Transparency about cost management
Good answer: Clear variation process, commitment to communicating cost impacts
Red flag: Dismissive ("there won't be any") or no clear process
Questions About Philosophy
"How do you approach risk and challenge in play environments?"
What you're assessing: Alignment with your play philosophy
Good answer: Articulates balanced view of risk vs hazard, developmental benefits
Red flag: Either "eliminate all risk" or dismissive of safety concerns
"What role does nature play in your designs?"
What you're assessing: Design philosophy and approach
Good answer: Explains philosophy around natural elements, shows examples
Red flag: Only shows plastic equipment or dismisses nature as "maintenance problem"
Evaluating Answers
Beyond the content, notice:
- Specificity: Concrete examples vs vague generalities
- Listening: Do they ask about your needs or just talk about themselves?
- Honesty: Willing to say "that's outside our expertise" or "I don't know"?
- Pressure: Pushing for immediate decisions vs respecting your process
- Questions: Do they ask good questions about your children, philosophy, constraints?
Key Takeaways
- Ask for specific examples of similar projects
- Test compliance knowledge (AS 4685, AS 4422, NQF)
- Understand the design process and your role in it
- Get clarity on costs and what's included
- Assess philosophical alignment on risk, nature, play
- Contact references—don't just collect them
- Notice how they answer, not just what they say
Want to Ask Us These Questions?
We're happy to answer all of them. Book a free discovery call to discuss your project and see if Wearthy is the right fit.
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