Design Process

The design process falls into stages that we are pleased to help quide you through.

We usually begin with a meeting to talk about the project. This will include covering important issues such as specific requirements, needs, and wishes yet remain relevant to your lifestyle, budget, and taste.

It can take time to establish a comprehensive design brief, depending on the complexity of the proposal.

Any relevant planning or geotechnical issues that may be specific to the site need to be taken into account and generally require background research to check the title and council data.

Once the design concept has been defined in a way that you feel happy with then detailed design can follow. For a building consent application the council require full working drawings and specification details.

The time taken to process a building consent is rarely less than twenty working days and often longer.

Budget and Fees

Each project is unique.
Fees are structured according to the stages laid out below.

Stage One

Develop design brief in close consultation with the client
Research background issues relevant to design
Prepare concept drawings

Stage Two

Detail plans and confirm measurements

If it's necessary some of the following may also be needed at this point:

Survey of the site
Resource Consent
Project Information Memorandum (P.I.M; a preliminary process by council identifying the requirements of the project prior to Building Consent processing)
Geotechnical consultation

Stage Three

Structural engineering calculations (if they are needed)
Prepare a complete set of working drawings as required by council
Prepare full specifications as required by council
Submit Building Consent application
Respond to council requests for additional information
Uplift plans when approved by council

Stage Four

Provide building supervision (by arrangement)
Prepare additional information for council covering changes made during the building process to the original plans (if it is needed)