Pre-design services are crucial in the architectural process and involve several steps that help set the foundation for a successful project. These services occur before the actual design work begins and are focused on understanding the project's requirements, constraints, and opportunities. Here’s an overview of what pre-design services typically entail:

Site Analysis: Analyzing the site includes understanding its physical characteristics, such as topography, climate, and existing services. This helps in determining how these factors will influence the design and construction.
Brief Development: This is the process of defining the needs and goals of the project. We work with you to establish a detailed program that outlines the space requirements, functional needs, and any specific preferences or constraints.
Budget Estimation: Early budget estimates are created to ensure that the project’s scope aligns with the client’s financial resources. This includes initial cost projections for construction, materials, and other related expenses.
Regulatory Review: Understanding zoning laws, building codes, and other regulations is crucial. The architect reviews these regulations to ensure the project will comply with all legal requirements.
Consultation and Coordination: We sometime consult with other professionals at this stage, such as engineers or town planners, to gather additional insights that may impact the project’s design. We often recommend that a topographical survey is prepared which sets out the items noted above.

These pre-design services are essential for laying a solid groundwork for the project, ensuring that the design phase proceeds smoothly and effectively. By addressing potential issues early on, we can help prevent costly changes and delays later in the process.

This is where the fundamental ideas and vision for a project are developed and articulated. This phase sets the direction for the overall design and includes developing sketches, 3D models, and renderings to explore various design options and establish the project's overall look and feel. We work closely with you to ensure that ideas align with your needs, preferences and budget.

We prefer to engage the services of a Quantity Surveyor at this point to provide an ‘estimation of construction costs.’ This provides a valuable check to ensure that the project is achievable within the available budget.

Concept design services are essential for establishing the overall direction and character of the project. They provide a framework for more detailed design work that follows and help ensure that the project will meet the client’s expectations and respond effectively to the site and its context.

This stage generally involves a detailed process to refine and advance a project from the concept stage to a point where it is ready to document. Here’s a detailed description of what these services might include;

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT:

Refinement of Design: Taking the preliminary design concepts and refining them to develop a more detailed and functional plan. This involves finalizing the layout, space planning, and overall aesthetics.

Material Selection: Advising on and selecting materials and finishes that align with the design vision, functional requirements, and budget.

COORDINATION WITH CONSULTANTS

Structural Engineering: Collaborating with structural engineers to ensure that the design is feasible and integrates properly with the building’s structural systems.

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

Building Codes: Ensuring the design complies with New Zealand’s Building Code and other local regulations. This includes addressing requirements for safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency.

Resource Consent: Preparing documentation and plans necessary for obtaining resource consents if the project involves land use changes or exceeds certain thresholds.

This stage involves the preparation of construction documentation to provide a detailed and technical explanation of how the building design is to be constructed. It also demonstrated how the building will meet technical and regulatory standards.

This stage is quite involved and typically takes the most time for ourselves. We believe that a good set of clear and accurate documents allows us to best control quality, time and construction costs during the build.

Documentation is used to by Council, builders and subcontractors to,
Obtain building consent,
Obtain accurate pricing for the project
Construct the actual building
And run a tight construction contract

This stage generally involves several key steps to select contractors and suppliers for a project: This process ensures that the practice secures the best possible service and value for its clients. Here’s a detailed description of what this service might include;

Decide on Tender Type: Choose between open tendering (inviting all qualified bidders), selective tendering (inviting a pre-selected group of contractors), or negotiated tendering (direct negotiation with a single contractor).
Incorporate Contractual Terms: Draft the terms and conditions of the contract, including payment schedules, performance requirements. We typically use the New Zealand Institute of Architects Construction Contracts (NZIA SCC) for this.
Invitation: Present the tender to potential bidders and conduct pre-tender meetings if necessary.
Respond to Clarifications: Provide responses to any questions or requests for additional information from bidders during the submission period.
Submission: Manage the receipt and administration of bids, and address any queries from bidders.
Evaluation: Review and assess bids based on criteria such as cost, quality, and experience. Shortlist and possibly negotiate with top bidders.
Award: Select the preferred bidder, finalize and sign the contract, and begin contract management to ensure project compliance and performance.
This process ensures a fair, transparent selection of contractors, aiming for the best value and quality for the project.

This is where you get to watch your project being built and becoming a reality. The construction phase is typically more complex and time consuming than you may expect, and so typically we are engaged to undertake Administration and Observation services. These involve overseeing the construction phase of your project to ensure it aligns with design specifications and contractual agreements.

Having developed both the design and documentation for your project we are in a good position to do this as we have a very detailed understanding of how it is required to be put together.

Administration includes coordinating with contractors, handling project documentation, and managing budgets and schedules. It involves tracking progress, approving payments, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Observation involves regular site visits to monitor construction quality, address any issues, and ensure that the work is executed as per the architectural plans and specifications. This ensures the project progresses smoothly and any deviations or problems are promptly addressed.