Designing and having buildings built is a complex endeavour. For clients contemplating undertaking a building project the process can be bewildering and time consuming and is not advised for the feint of heart. However, inevitably the resulting building gives the client great satisfaction and sense of achievement.

The most common questions relates to the process of having the project designed and built and the services a design firm may provide to assist in the satisfactory completion of the project.

For most clients the question is not what the design firm has previously completed but what can be done for them and what steps are necessary to lead them through the minefield of the design process, bureaucratic approvals, and construction.

The following is a brief explanation or step by step guide to better understand the building process.

Prior to approaching a design firm, those contemplating a construction project should approach a firm or firms they consider most in tune with the architectural style they feel most comfortable with. This may be achieved by noting houses of interest, visiting open houses and from design magazines or advertisements.

The next stage is to complete a brief which will provide the designer with the clients basic living requirements and their design aspirations. Photographs and cuttings from periodicals may accompany the Brief. Consideration of the clients existing dwelling, good and bad points, is a good starting point.

The next stage is to meet with the short listed firms discuss their site or existing house, the brief, billing and fees, and time schedules. It is important that at the completion of these interviews the client feels comfortable with the person who will carry out the design of their project.

The company would then provide a fee proposal outlining their fees and terms of engagement. The proposal would set out the fee for the work and outline in detail the work to be undertaken and any disbursement costs i.e., travel and plan printing, etc.

Formal acceptance of the proposal constitutes the contract between the parties. A further meeting to establish a more detailed brief, may be necessary. It would then be necessary to have a surveyor take levels on site and prepare a topographical plan showing these levels and site contours. A site inspection and detailed site analysis would follow. This would include establishing the existing services, outlook and views, location of trees and adjoining buildings which may affect the siting of the new development. A thorough analysis and understanding of the local territorial authority’s rules in relation to town planning must be completed before work is undertaken. It may be necessary to have a geotechnical study and report to confirm land stability.

This phase, depending on the complexity of the project may be carried out in stages. The design would include a site plan, floor plans at each level, and elevations. Following discussions, it may be necessary to carry out further design work to finalise a design acceptable to the client. Plans for any required resource consents would be provided at this stage. These would include any calculations necessary to support the application. These would be provided to a private planning consultant to assist with the preparation of the resource consent application.

Once agreement has been reached on the final design, work may commence on the construction documents. These documents should comprise all necessary information to satisfy the local territorial authority and be sufficient for building contractors and merchants to provide quotations for the construction work. This service may involve building consent level of documentation or could include the design of all internal detail and fitments.

This phase will normally involve input from specialist consultants, eg: structural, drainage, and civil engineers.

We currently do not offer this service, however we could arrange for specialist project management assistance if required.