Design Process.
We work with our clients from the first consultation right through to completion. There is nothing too big, or too small that cannot be provided with an architectural solution from our team of experts.
At the core of every project, we form critical partnerships with our clients. We investigate their priorities, understand their aspirations and work with them together to provide successful projects that go beyond expectations.
The building process is linear with a number of design phases. And while only some may be relevant to your project, it is important that an understanding of each typical design stage is provided, to give you the very best experience of what to expect during your new journey!
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We offer a free initial consultation to define your project’s vision, budget, and critical timeframes. This can be on site, at our studios or via online meeting.
Post-meeting, we provide meeting minutes outlining key factors and present a tailored Agreement for Architectural Services along with a Fee Proposal for your approval.
For certain projects, we Recommend an initial Feasibility Study. (Click here for our 3-Step Feasibility Study).
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Upon your approval to proceed with the project, we conduct a detailed examination of the Brief, including site analysis, measurements, and assessment of opportunities and constraints.
This involves reviewing existing structures, confirming local regulations, and initiating 3D Bulk and Massing Investigations.
Engaging a land surveyor is advisable for comprehensive site information and confirmation of boundaries.
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Design options are rigorously examined against Pre-Design or Feasibility information, utilising spatial layouts, sketches, and initial 3D concept drawings.
Collaborating closely with you, we refine and confirm what aligns with your requirements and site parameters.
We aim to instil sustainable design solutions, practical layout options and foster the incorporation of Te Ao Māori and Pasifika design principles where suitable.
The final Concept Design proposal ensures alignment with your brief, offers creative alternatives, and ensures compliance with to local authority regulations.
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The preferred concept undergoes further refinement in this design stage, offering a clearer vision of the proposed design’s form, function, and specifications.
Advanced 3D models are employed to illustrate the design’s response to sunlight, optimal cladding choices, and its impact on the site and surroundings. If needed, documentation for a Resource Consent application is prepared. Engaging an Urban Planner may be advised.
Towards the stage’s end, involving a Quantity Surveyor (QS) is highly recommended to ensure alignment with expectations and budget.
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In this phase, we collaborate closely with you and the QS to refine the design within your budget. We develop more detail in our drawing set and begin coordinating with other consultants such as Structural Engineers.
This allows for a meticulous examination of design details, ensuring alignment with the envisioned outcome. This stage provides a comprehensive understanding of project scope, costs, and the architectural aesthetic.
It is a pivotal and exciting phase, where ideas are fine-tuned before progressing to the creation of architectural drawings for consent and construction.
Ideally a “Frozen Plan” is agreed upon at the end of this design stage.
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Depending on the project scope, this phase involves substantial effort architecturally. We generate detailed drawings and specifications for the design, serving multiple purposes:
To tender and negotiate with a builder/ contractor
For building consent application
As a guide for the construction team during the building phase
Our approach is focused on creating practical and clear documentation, promoting cost control and enabling the builder to construct with confidence.
We coordinate and finalise the input of other consultants during this stage, integrating their information into the documentation before submitting for Building Consent Approval.
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In this stage, we help you find the right builders for your project, traditionally through an ‘invited tender’.
An invited tender process typically requires up to three builders to submit a bid for the construction works.
Each builder would ideally be nominated based on their reputation, capability and ability to deliver quality.
The invited builders than submit a tender which would include their profile, proposed construction price and build programme.
We would then evaluate the tenders with you and award the construction contract to a builder for signing and a start date for construction is confirmed.
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Now it is time to witness your vision turning into reality as your building takes shape under a contract between you (the Principal) and the builder (the Contractor).
Typically we administer the construction contract on your behalf, ensuring quality, time, and cost compliance. Our tasks include preparing documents, program monitoring, coordination, information provision, handling variations, maintaining cost records, and certifying valid claims.
We oversee the process from start to finish, notifying faults during the Defects Liability Period and issuing the Defects Liability Period Certificate and authorising retention release.
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We are typically engaged to carry out site observations to monitor the construction to confirm what is being built is as per the construction documentation.
We would attend site visits and a review of the on-site construction against the design information and construction documents.
Detailed reports are provided and design reviews are carried out to assist the Contract Administrator to ensure quality, time and cost has been maintained to a high degree of care.
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We conduct a final inspection before you move in, issuing a Practical Completion Certificate (PCC) and noting any minor omissions or defects.
During the defects liability period, the Contractor addresses deferred work or defects. After this perod, we inspect again, issue a Defects Liability Certificate, and pass on all material warranties.
We ensure the Contractor obtains ‘Local Authority Building Consent Sign Off’ and provides you with Operations and Maintenance (O&M) manuals outlining responsibilities and guidelines for your home’s materials.
Ka pai, now it’s time to enjoy your new whāre!
Excellence meets Efficiency.
At each stage of the project, we listen, investigate and respond through collaboration to transform and unlock the full potential of architectural response to context, expression and challenge.
The success of our design approach stems from ensuring our clients feel comfortable with the content and information that is being created and presented to them, and to establish full clarity of communication through delivery of service - all the while staying true to our Studio Values.
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We ensure clarity and effective communication is at the forefront of what we do as Architects and Designers - this allows us to work with you through the Design Process and deliver your project in efficiently.
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Our team works using online tools to efficiently to complete your design and plans without ever missing our high quality standards.
Using 3D technology, we interact with your plans in a 3D space to create high-quality design visuals to realise the vision of our clients and improve the design process and give you a glimpse of the indicative finished result!
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No matter the project, big or small, we take pride in our mahi and can work with you from Initial Consultation to Completion, delivering excellence throughout the process.
Pacific Based Approach.
We acknowledge the unique opportunities to uplift and celebrate the Pacific Aotearoa identity with each project. Together with our Studio Values, our design process takes a Pacific based approach that favours:
Open Collaboration through korero
If required, engagement with our communities to ensure outcomes that are beyond the built form
Cultural Design outcomes that represent countries across the Pacific Ocean
Sustainable Design considerations
Strive for diversity within our industry
Our design process, whilst traditional in the sense, aims to take the above elements rooted with Culture and integrate them holistically within each design stage and project.
Pou Architecture Collaborates Alongside NZ Proud for High-Quality Construction.
NZ Proud is an established, award-winning building company using high-quality materials and innovative techniques.
As Qualified Licensed Building Practitioners and Experienced Carpenters, NZ Proud can sign off projects requiring Building Consent and can also project manage the build for a smooth and hassle-free experience.
