

Fundamentally Correct Architecture
As architects and architectural Designers working between Tauranga and Mount Maunganui - Queenstown and Otago districts, we understand the pathway to architectural success. This starts with ‘feasibility studies’ and ensuring fundamental correct decision making takes place at an early stage. Every project, whether a simple addition or a complex new build, benefits from a carefully considered foundation. This is also the pathway to creating as much amenity, functionality, and value possible through an eyes open approach.
The Importance of Feasibility Studies
A feasibility study identifies risks and opportunities upfront, ensuring informed decisions before investment is made into designs and planning. This affordable step provides clarity on the level of investment required and the best approach for your project. By investigating and assessing easy wins as well as the challenges, feasibility studies reduce risks and highlight the pathway to optimal outcomes.
Establishing a Design Brief
A good architect or architectural designer listens carefully to create an accurate and detailed design brief, aligning the project with your needs and goals. Great briefs facilitate great designs, and these become the cornerstone of any design process.
- Lifestyle (work, play, and relaxation)
- Family dynamics
- Past experiences and preferences
- Project goals, budgets, and timeframes
- Spaces and places that you have been considering
An effective brief ensures that all stakeholders are aligned and that every design choice contributes to a cohesive and functional result.

Assessing the Site and Locating a Building Platform
Site assessments include reviewing property files and reporting, council data and conducting a collaborative site visit. A thorough assessment and discussions will identify the best opportunities to develop the site and locate a building platform. Each part of the assessment, from building orientation, to optimizing views and mitigating challenges helps a client and architect or designer understand what is possible in the design process ahead.
Key factors include:
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Ground contours (flat, sloping, or steep)
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Privacy and neighbouring properties
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Views, sunlight, and weather patterns
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Access, manoeuvrability, and parking options
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Services opportunities and identifying relevant systems

Optimizing and Exploring the Footprint
With a strong brief and understanding of the site conditions, spaces and places will begin to naturally fall into place. Early-stage sketch designs and bubble plans help visualize layouts and get everyone on the same page. It’s important to be sure these early investigations and ideas move the project toward a fundamentally correct foundation.
Prioritize key areas to maximize amenity usability and comfort:
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Northeast locations: Ideal for kitchens, breakfast and living areas. Also a good location for additional bedrooms
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Northern aspects: Best for lounges, living areas, decks, outdoor living spaces and pools
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Northwest aspects: Best for master bedrooms, guest suits and library or office spaces
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Southern aspects: Ideal for garages, laundries, bathrooms, toilets and service spaces
Establishing a Realistic Budget
Creating a realistic budget early is critical to avoid unexpected costs later. Avoid relying solely on square-meter rates for the home, which overlook other obvious costs. When we work through this process with clients, we are sure to compile a complete list of expenses.
Items that often get overlooked:
- Site Preparation Costs: Demolition, driveways, fences and landscaping
- Construction Costs: Decks (covered and uncovered have different rates), assessing design complexity will establish reliable m2 rates
- Professional and Council Fees: Consents, engineering, other consultants and architectural services
Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) is always desired providing additional expertise at a very early stage. Contractors’ practical insights often highlight cost-saving opportunities and refine project expectations further setting the project up for success.

Conclusion
Feasibility studies provide a roadmap toward fundamentally correct architecture. By addressing challenges early and aligning all aspects of the design and construction process, you lay the groundwork for an exceptional outcome with no opportunities lost.
Whether you’re starting a new build or expanding your current home, our team is here to guide you through that process. Let us help you unlock the full potential by booking a free site assessment with our team. (insert link to contact form and/or have phone number/email link here also).