Your Design Brief & Next Steps
The Design Brief brings together your ideas and our shared discussions—it’s the starting point for the design journey ahead.
We believe the details matter and value your input. Through our online Proposal system, you’ll be able to review everything and easily send us feedback if any changes are needed before you accept.
Once you approve your Architectural Proposal, your project will move forward through the steps outlined below.
Our Design process
01. Establishing the Foundation
We begin by gathering all necessary information before design work starts. This includes:
- Conducting due diligence
- Reviewing your property files
- Visiting the site
- Re-drawing any existing structures
This groundwork ensures we have a comprehensive understanding of your project’s context.
02. Design
In this phase, we translate our discussions and your ideas into a preliminary design. Deliverables may include:
- Sketches and plans
- Specifications
- Fully rendered 3D visuals
- A live 3D model for you to explore at home
- Virtual reality (VR) experiences, when applicable
At the end of this stage, we can provide a rough estimate of the building costs.
03. Developed Design
We refine the design by developing technical drawings and documentation. This involves:
- Enhancing the structural design
- Defining specifications
- Coordinating with necessary sub-consultants
The developed design may include draft elevations, foundation plans, floor plans, roof framing plans, bracing plans, cross-sections, preliminary specifications, and relevant engineering information.
04. Detailed Design
This stage involves finalizing all documentation required for building consent. We also:
- Apply any design adjustments based on feedback
- Complete production sheets
- Produce weather-tight and technical details
- Refine sub-consultant information
- Conduct in-depth quality checks
- Prepare lodgement applications and respond to council requests
05. Procurement
We prepare documents to invite contractors for competitive pricing. Our team will:
- Compare contractor proposals
- Advise on the best options regarding service, schedule, and cost
Once a contractor is selected, we prepare a building contract to commence construction.
06. Project Observation
During construction, we support you and the project team to ensure smooth progress. Our assistance includes:
- Addressing queries from you, sub-consultants, contractors, sub-trades, or the council
- Keeping the project on track toward completion
- Ensuring the Code of Compliance is issued without unnecessary delays
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Additional Services
Contact UsSome projects require specialist input to meet regulations and secure building consent. This may include structural or geotechnical engineers, HVAC consultants, planners, and more.
We’ll gather quotes and proposals from the necessary professionals for your approval as early as possible.
While we’ll handle communication and coordination with all sub-consultants, they will be contracted directly by you. Additional consultants may also be needed as the project progresses, depending on its complexity.
NZ 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
“We at JBH Builders have had the pleasure of working closely with Creative Space Architecture (CSA) on numerous projects, and their expertise and creativity never cease to impress us. Their ability to translate client visions into stunning, functional designs is truly remarkable.”
“Have worked with Andre and his team over many years and have found quality of his detailing etc – particuarly in regard to weathertightness second to none and appreciate his risk advserse approach.”
“Creative Space was responsible for designing and project managing the very significant modifications and extensions to our beach house at Little Bay, a remote part of the northern Coromandel Peninsula. The outcome is excellent: a house with which we are pleased and content to live in”
“I would like to extend a personal thank you on the amazing work you have done for us in getting Papamoa through in a tight timeframe.
Thank you for your diligence and patience. And I look forward to partnering in the new year to see them come to reality.”