The Journey
The design process is a complex, collaborative, and iterative journey, informed by multiple constraints, variables, and inputs, and addressed through critical analysis and innovative problem solving.
The physical outcome of this design process (whether that be building, object, product, etc), requires, among other things, technical ability, perseverance, open-mindedness, thoughtfulness, and most importantly trust between all parties involved. We’ve been in practice, producing successful, innovative, and thoughtful projects for two decades, so have developed the expertise and knowledge to lead you on your journey, and hopefully encourage you to enjoy the process along the way.
We’re an intentionally small office. We offer a detailed and personal boutique professional service. We believe in the power of building human-centric relationships in the design process to better understand you as the end user, as this results in the most meaningful outcome. We also think that maintaining and benefiting from the cohesive approach to design, where ideas are followed through from wholistic & broad, to detailed & resolute by the same small collaborative team, enhances the end product, and ensures efficiencies of process where nothing is lost along the way.
So, what to expect…
Introduction
We sit down with you to explain our process; suggest how we can help you on your journey; and hopefully establish a good fit.
We’ll run over your priorities and goals, as well as target construction budgets and timeframes.
You’ll show us any information you have about your site, or anything which may inform our general design direction.
You’ll share with us your ‘brief’ or wish-list, which can be as detailed or general as you like – it needn’t be written – you may like to show us images, or just talk through your goals. It would optimally incorporate any general directions you’re gravitating towards; specific spatial requirements; any idiosyncratic ways you currently live, or want to live; and/or any objects or elements you’d be keen to incorporate in the end product.
Following our initial meeting, and if we’re mutually compatible, we’ll prepare for you an offer of service agreement, identifying our fees, and a scope of work to move forward with.
Research & Investigation
Otherwise known as Pre-design or Project Establishment, before the ideas start to take form.
We get to know you; how you live; what you like; what you do; and how you think, to better understand and interpret your goals and aspirations for the project.
We begin looking at the site in context, establishing constrains, planning restrictions, environmental considerations (sun, topography, vegetation, etc), any existing construction, services infrastructure, etc.
We’ll work with you to prioritise and update your wish-list, to align your target construction budget with expectations.
Broad Design
Also referred to as Concept Design.
This is where design actualises, and tangible ideas begin to form as pencil hits paper.
We pride ourselves on our balance between artistic composition; spatial envisioning; technical expertise; and pragmatic problem solving at this early design stage, to generate ideas which not only appear to look great and function well, but will carry through the latter stages of design into the built product.
We’ll also identify any other specialists in the process we’ll need to collaborate with moving forward (eg land surveyors; geotechnical engineers; planning consultants, etc).
This Broad Design stage explores what’s possible, and will challenge you to maintain an open mind as we propose solutions to execute an innovative and thoughtful design response.
At the conclusion of this stage we’d ideally start building a rapport with a constructor who we’d collaborate with from here on in – whether that be with someone who you know, or someone we’ve work successfully with in the past. We believe early contractor involvement results in the best outcome for the process, as target budgets are established, and construction methodologies are factored onto the remainder of the design process.
Working with mediums which best convey our ideas, you’ll attain a general and wholistic understanding of the direction that the project will take from here on in.
Detailed Design
We begin to build upon initial concepts in more detail, creating the basis of the Building Information Model, which we carry though into construction.
We computer model every project three (and sometimes four) dimensionally, as a tool to visually convey ideas; generate accurate environmental and context studies; and work through solutions and methodology. This model is developed during the process to ultimately produce detailed 2D & 3D drawings for consents and construction.
Part way through this stage, we’ll work with a planning consultant in the preparation of drawings and information required for resource consent application, if required.
We’ll continue to work with you as we propose the most suitable materials, constructions, systems, equipment, and finishes, as well as working alongside any other specialists to further refine the developing design towards a tangible product. Specialists such as structural engineers, and thermal performance modellers form a necessary and integral part of the collaborative design approach, in order to achieve the best outcome for you.
Detailed Design is a large, rigorous, and enjoyable stage, which in simple terms takes broad ideas to a refined and comprehensive design assembly.
At the conclusion of this stage we’ll have developed the design and documentation to the point at which we apply for your building consent application, and work with you to navigate the complexities around procuring a construction contract.
Construction
Once we’ve obtained the necessary consents & approvals, and a construction contract is in place, you’re ready to begin work on site.
A successful building project is founded on a cohesive and trusting relationship between Client, Architect, & Constructor - the magic triangle.
We’ll navigate you in the lead-in to building work starting, advising on construction terms and insurances, etc, and assist you throughout the construction process in the most suitable capacity. This may involve: administrative requirements; generating further details required; additional design work supplementary to the consent documentation (eg kitchen and cabinetry design, and hardware or light fitting scheduling, etc); or working through complexities with the builder and various sub-trades involved throughout the build.
The construction process is both complex and challenging, and we’ve had over 20 years of experience in working alongside constructors to achieve the best outcome for you.
At the conclusion of construction, we can assist in obtaining any operation & maintenance information or producer documents, and applying for your Code Compliance Certificate.
OK great, so what now..?
Get in touch! We’d love to hear from you.