The architectural process

Initial Discussion / Contract Agreement – An initial no-obligation discussion allows us to understand the aspirations for your project. We are able to take you through our general design philosophies and illustrate how these have been applied to our previous projects.

Pre-Design – We can make a valuable contribution to your project before the design conception by helping to prepare a comprehensive brief and advising on project feasibility, including a preliminary analysis of the site and the relevant development controls. An Agreement for Architectural Services between Client and Architect is worked through together.

Concept Design – This stage involves deciphering opportunities and constraints within the proposed site or existing building, to develop architectural solutions at a conceptual level. The Client brief is given form and basic functionality with a combination of drawings investigating the space and site, as well as three dimensional concept images.

Preliminary Design - Resource Consent – The preferred concept is refined. The preliminary design is described using scaled plans and elevations. At this stage we recommend that a Quantity Surveyor is engaged to provide a Preliminary Estimate of Costs based on the drawings. Once an estimate of costs has been obtained, a Resource Consent (if required at this stage) may be applied for.

Developed Design – This stage involves a further refinement of the design. Final decisions are made so that all parties completely understand and are at ease with the design before starting the detailed documentation. At the conclusion of Developed Design, the building is sufficiently defined to give a clear understanding of the scope of work, costs and the architectural look and feel.

Detailed Design and Documentation - Building Consent – The Developed Design is further refined to produce detailed drawings and specifications that will allow a building consent to be applied for.

Detailed Design and Documentation - Construction – Once the building consent has been approved, we complete the documentation required for the construction of the house. We provide additional schedules, such as the window and door schedule, and details that would be required for construction that were not required for building consent.

Detailed Design and Documentation - Componentry and Interiors – This stage includes the material selections for inside the house, as well as providing drawings and schedules for the interior cabinetry, kitchens and bathrooms, and lighting electrical plans.

Detailed Design and Documentation - Landscaping and Exteriors – An additional service we provide is the design, detailing and documentation of the exterior hard landscaping elements. This includes pools, decks, fences, gates and outdoor living areas. This does not include planting plans which require the input of a separate consultant.

Contractor Procurement – Methods of building procurement suited to the project are discussed as the design develops. Typically projects are tendered to selected contractors in order to gain a competitive fixed price. Other methods are available depending upon preferred timeframe, budget, desired quality and current economic climate.

Contract Administration and Observation – The project is constructed to a stage of Practical Completion that allows the Client to occupy the facility, under a contract between the Client and the Contractor. Most standard building contracts include provisions for the contract to be administered by an architect. Some contracts allow for administration by the owner or an independent agent.

Fees – It is important that clients are made aware of the costs of architectural services early in the relationship. We are happy to talk about fees and services and will give quotes once the scope of work is known. Our charges will be specific to the complexity of the job. Fees can be based upon time charges, lump-sum fees, percentage fees or a combination of these. We use a standard NZIA Agreement for Architectural Services as a contract between client and architect.