Overview

We provide architectural and interior design services to cover a range of project types, sizes and complexities. For a proper understanding of the services required for your project, come over for a coffee to discuss your project - we will walk you through the design process and recommend a level of service that would best suit your project.

Architectural Design Services & Design Process

What follows is a brief desciption of the types of services that we offer over the eight design stages that a typical project would follow:

1. Pre-design - Feasibility Studies

Before initiating design, it is necessary to know if your project is feasible. After initial meetings with the client, we begin to gather key information such as the certificate of title, property records and town planning information. Sometimes we will arrange to have your site surveyed to accurately define contours and boundaries, and collect information on existing buildings and services. We assist the client with preparing a project "brief" (stated objectives, scope, time, budget). Issues with regard to existing planting, water courses and soil type may also need to be addressed. We will establish budget estimates to inform project feasibility. Finally, we will report on overall project feasibility before making a decision on whether to proceed with design.

2. Concept Design

We begin to give form and functionality to the client's brief by way of a concept design. This is generally within the constraints of the building consent authority and regulatory requirements for the site. At the end of this stage, a rough cost estimate can be established by a quantity surveyor (QS).

3. Developed Design

We test the ideas of the concept design, hone in on the details, and shape the final design. We weigh up priorities in terms of time, quality, and cost, relative to the budget. At the end of this stage the project should be clearly defined. Then we would typically obtain a revised / more detailed construction cost estimate from the QS. If a resource consent is required, we would obtain a resource consent for you.

4. Detailed Design

The developed design is further refined to produce detailed drawings and specifications. This will allow a building consent to be applied for, and for the tendering and negotiation of a building contract to be undertaken. At the end of this stage, a pre-tender estimate of cost can be established by the QS.

5. Contractor Procurement

We prepare documentation for submission for tender, help you select the tenderers, manage the tender process, and arrange for the signing of the contract agreement between yourself and the successful tenderer. We prepare the contract documents for signing by the client and selected contractor. Finally, we collate and issue all construction documentation, allowing construction to commence.

6. Contract Administration

We manage the contractural and financial transactions during the construction of your building. It requires specialist knowledge to effectively administer a construction contract - sometimes a client with experience with contract administration (such as a builder) will prefer to administer the contract themselves but, typically speaking, this would be handled by the architect or a project manager.

7. Contract Works Observation

We can play an important role in overseeing the construction phase of your project, with onsite visits and observing the quality of construction, as well as pointing out potential issues that may arise. The level of observation required for a project (regular or periodic) varies from project to project and we will recommend a level of service that we believe will help you achieve the result you are after.

8. Completion

The roles of Contract Administration and Works Observation come together at the project completion stage. Once your main contractor advises that the project is practically complete (some minor detail may remain), we can assess the construction and provide a detailed list of remaining work. We will collect all trade warranties from the main contractor and obtain a Code Compliance Certificate for you. We will handle final payments to the contractors and issue the main contractor with a Defects Liability Certificate.

Interior Design & Landscape Design

Interior Design

We provide in-house interior design or collaborate with an interior designer of your choosing if required. This covers design for items such as kitchens, laundries, cabinetry, lighting, selecting fixtures and fittings, and selecting materials and finishes of flooring and wall linings.

Landscape Design

We leave landscape design to the experts. If required for your project, we will work closely with the designer of your choice to ensure that the landscape and architectural design are developed together to produce the best result.