The Design Process
Dream it.
It all begins with an Idea. From the moment you start discussing your project with us we join you on your building journey. Before we start designing we gather information - As much as we can about what defines who you are, your business or what end user needs and wants. We analyze the site or location to understand the environmental constraints and what the council planning requirements are. This sets out the parameters of the design brief. Precedent design research starts at this stage and continues through Concept Design.
Visualise it.
Concept Design is where we take your ideas and aspirations and start to develop the shape, size and layout of the building or space with some basic design. We figure out how the building will look and operate. Throughout concept design we will investigate several ideas. It is not unusual to receive multiple alternative ideas for your project as we will be thinking about broad issues, looking for advantages of site and setting and ways to design more efficiently. Sometimes the proposed designs may challenge your initial ideas, however together we will revisit the brief and adjust the design to suit as we become more in tune with the design parameters and priorities. This is often the exciting part for the clients as your dreams start to come to life. This is a very fluid process and we keep going until you are happy with design concept.
Develop it.
When a concept is agreed upon, we will test the ideas, refine the details, and shape the final design. Preliminary design is a key phase; It is essentially your primary opportunity to refine the overall nature of the project before detailing commences. If you have additional requirements now is the time to table them. Your budget will come into play during Preliminary design. It’s at this stage that other consultants and quite often the builder will become involved both with pricing and constructability. We work with yourself, the consultants and the quantity surveyor or builder to find solutions to meet your budget if necessary.
“Putting the time in to work out any complexities early on in the design process; we generally find leads to less financial and programme risk when on site.”
Tom Nisbet -Director, Kinetic Design Studio
Detail it.
This is the business end of the design stages. We will advance your design to the level of detail that allows Building Consent approval and construction. This includes construction details, materials, components, systems, and finishes. We understand the building consent process and know the jargon and technical issues. We will talk you through them. There will be fewer meetings and less input required from yourself, however we will continue to communicate progress and specific details as they are worked through. At the end of this stage, we will submit a Building Consent application and respond to any queries they may have. Once the Building Consent is approved construction can commence.
Observe it.
The observation of the contract works relates to the monitoring of the construction with respect of the design documents that form part of the contract. It is carried out by the Architect and other necessary consultants, It includes site visits and reviewing of construction to determine if the construction materials and installations are in accordance with the construction documents, specifications, and performance criteria. We work closely with the contractor assisting them with design queries as needed. Construction Observation is an important part of the Architects risk management and Quality Assurance process. Regular site meetings are a common occurance.
Complete it.
At the Practical Completion milestone which is when most of the building works is completed, the keys of your new home, alteration or building are handed over to you. There may be some minor items that have not been completed. These are called defects and will have already been identified and agreed to be be rectified by certain time. The Building Act allows for 12 months from the date your building work is complete for you to inform the contractor about any defects in their work or the work of their subcontractors that you have identified. The architect’s role is to assist with identification and confirm if it is a defect we then follow up with the builder on any sign off required.