If you've spent time looking at outdoor shade structures online, you'll know that most companies want one thing from your first interaction: your contact details, so they can call you back with a price.
KOEDN's design appointment works differently. This post is a candid explanation of what to expect — what we look at, what we ask, what you'll have at the end of it, and why we don't quote on the spot.
If you've been hesitating to enquire because a 'design appointment' sounds like a sales call, this should clear that up.
The outcome of a KOEDN design appointment — a structure specified exactly to your site.
Why we start with the space, not the product
Every KOEDN structure is specified to a site. The span, the column placement, the footing type, the membrane choice, the profile — all of it depends on the actual dimensions and constraints of your space. A structure that works perfectly for one driveway may not be right for one that's 500mm narrower, or on a slope, or against a different boundary condition.
This is why we can't quote from a photo or a description alone. And it's why the design appointment isn't a formality — it's where the product gets defined.
We sell a considered, engineered product. We won't recommend a structure that doesn't work for your space, and we won't promise a price before we know what the right structure is. That's what separates a design consultation from a quote call.
What happens before we arrive
When you book a design appointment, we'll ask for some basic information: the suburb, a rough description of the application (pool shade, carport, alfresco), and whether you have any existing drawings or site plans. You don't need the latter — most residential consultations work from a site visit alone.
We'll also ask about your timeline and any constraints you're already aware of. This gives the designer context before they arrive, which makes the appointment more focused.
What we look at when we visit
The physical constraint
The first thing we're understanding is where a column can go. That's not a trivial question. A column needs a footing — either a concrete footing, a concrete-free footing system, or a bolt-down connection to an existing slab. The footing determines the column position, and the column position determines everything else.
We're also looking at: boundary conditions (fences, walls, property lines), existing structures (house fascia, retaining walls, garden edges), services underground (pool plumbing, irrigation, electrical), and access constraints for installation.
Column placement at the boundary — arms spanning the space. This is what gets worked out at the design appointment.
The span
Once we know where a column can go, we calculate the span required — and from that, which product and configuration is appropriate. An iKOE Single covers lengths up to 6m and spans up to 6m. A Multiportal handles greater lengths with additional portals. The iKOE Butterfly provides dual-direction reach up to 10,500mm. The LUDA provides a premium single-sided cantilever up to 6×6m.
The height and site conditions
All iKOE and LUDA structures have a column height range of 2,000–3,000mm, specified to your site. We also account for slope — Brisbane homes sit on varied topography, and the footing specification adjusts accordingly. The Alcove range includes Slope variants specifically for this condition.
The design conversation
We're not just measuring. We're also understanding what the space needs to feel like.
A square profile iKOE has an architectural precision that suits contemporary homes. The curve profile is softer, suits older residential styles. The LUDA's square-only profile makes a deliberately modern statement. These decisions happen in the consultation because they can't happen from a catalogue.
The membrane and frame colour are chosen here too. The Dulux Protexture powder-coat for the frame includes Natural White, Surfmist, Shale Grey, Basalt, Monument, Dark Bronze, and Black. The Soltis 502 waterproof membrane comes in 40 colours. The Monotec shade cloth comes in 15 colours with shade factors from 70–88%. Getting this right matters — it's what the structure looks like from inside your home, every day.
Profile, colour and membrane choice happen at the design appointment — because they can't happen from a catalogue.
What you won't get — and what you will
You won't get a price on the day. Not because we're withholding it — because the specification isn't complete yet.
After the site visit, our team prepares the full structural specification: the product, the configuration, the dimensions, the materials, the footing type, and any accessories. That specification goes to pricing and comes back to you in a clear, itemised proposal. You can see exactly what you're paying for.
The outcome. A space that's used year-round — not just when the weather cooperates.
And if KOEDN isn't the right solution for your space — if the constraint is genuinely unsolvable with our range, or if a simpler product would serve you better — we'll tell you.
Before you book — a note on investment
KOEDN structures are a considered purchase — engineered, customised, and professionally installed. They're not a commodity shade product.
If you'd like a starting-from price indication before committing to a site visit, call us on 1300 712 225. We're happy to give you a rough ballpark based on your application, span, and location in a short conversation — so neither of us wastes time if the numbers don't stack up.
We'd rather have that conversation early than have you progress through a design visit and find out the investment doesn't work for you at the end.
The installation
Once the proposal is approved, structures are fabricated in Queensland — every component is specified, cut, and powder-coated before it arrives on site. Installation is handled by KOEDN's professional installation team. Efficient. Minimal disruption.
The range is designed for low maintenance: powder-coated steel doesn't need painting, Monotec doesn't need re-tensioning, Soltis 502 cleans with a hose. After handover, the structure requires nothing from you except occasional cleaning.
From design appointment to installed structure. Fabricated in Queensland, professionally installed.
One last thing about the appointment
A design appointment is not a commitment. It's a conversation.
You'll leave with a clear picture of what KOEDN can do for your space, what it will cost, and whether it's right for you. If it is, we move forward. If it isn't, you've lost nothing except an hour — and gained a thorough understanding of your options.
Obligation-free. Brisbane metro and SEQ. We visit the site, understand the constraint, and propose the right solution. koedn.com.au/contact →