Our Process

This Design Brief is a combination of your thoughts, and our combined discussions/ideas forming a starting point for the design work ahead.

Detail is everything and we value your feedback. Once we invite you into our online Proposal system, you will be invited to send feedback to update us on any adjustments required before accepting your proposal.

Once you Accept your Architectural Proposal, your project will then move through our process as detailed below...

Establishment

Undertaking all work required before design can begin, including due diligence, reviewing your property file, visiting the site and re-drawing any existing structures.

Design

This is where our combined thoughts, discussions and ideas come together to form of the ‘Preliminary Design which includes sketches, plans, specifications, fully rendered 3D visuals, a live 3D model (to explore at home) and, at times, a VR experience. On the conclusion of this stage, a rough order of build cost may be obtained.

Developed Design

Now the BIM model will begin to extrapolate into technical drawings and documentation sets. This is done by developing the structural design, further defining specifications and coordinating with any required sub-consultants. Developed Design drawings can include draft elevations, foundation plans, intermediate floor plans, roof framing plans, bracing plans, cross sections, preliminary specifications and any outwork engineering or sub-consultant information necessary to further define project requirements.

Detailed Design

This is your full documentation package completed and ready for building consent lodgement. Any design adjustments based on QS or contractor feedback can also be applied during this stage of work as a variation to your contract. This stage is focused on completing production sheets, producing weather-tight and technical details, refining and confirming sub-consultant information, in-depth quality checks as well as lodgement applications and responding to council requests for information.

Procurement

This includes the preparation of documents that, along with the approved Detailed Design, can be offered to contractors for competitive pricing. We can then make comparisons and advise on the best possible service, program and cost. On the conclusion of this stage, a building contract can be prepared before work starts on site.

Observation

At this final stage, we support you and the wider team throughout construction until completion. Assistance may be requested by you, sub-consultants, the contractor on site, sub-trades or council. This assistance will keep the project moving toward completion and ensure Code of Compliance is issued without any unnecessary delays.

These are the additional services required to meet the project requirements and gain building consent. These include disciplines such as structural or geotechnical engineers, HVAC consultants, planners, etc. We will gather costs and proposals for your approval at the soonest opportunity.

Sub Consultants: These are the consultants that will be required moving forward with your project (but not limited to, additional services can become a project requirement at any time). While we will liaise and coordinate with all sub-consultants on your behalf, they will be employed directly by you. We will arrange offers of service at the earliest opportunity.

NEW ZEALAND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY COUNCIL GUIDELINES

Our process follows the Design Guidelines set by the NZCIC. No matter who you work with on your next project, we strongly recommend you select an agency using these guidelines as security for yourself and a high quality result.

"The CIC Guidelines are recommended for use in all building projects, and are considered important in the overall development of a quality built environment. They are part of a suite of Guidelines and evolving good practice for the industry, as well as for clients and decision-makers."

-NZCIC 2016