FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Early architectural input is particularly valuable when you are assessing a site, developing the project brief or exploring design options. Our architects can help establish what is achievable and set a clear design direction before the project progresses into detailed design and consenting.
Engaging an architect is an investment in the quality and performance of your project. A good architect can add significant value by making better use of the site, improving how the design functions, identifying issues early and coordinating decisions that can reduce costly changes later.
The level of architectural input can also be tailored to suit the scale, complexity and needs of your project.
Architects can support a project from the earliest planning stages through to construction and completion. This may include site selection, developing the project brief, feasibility studies, concept and detailed design, consultant coordination, contractor procurement, contract administration and site observation.
They can also assist with design management, risk management and longer-term maintenance planning, while bringing creative thinking to opportunities and challenges that arise throughout the project.
A Registered Architect is qualified and trained to provide a high level of design expertise and can lead the architectural process from early concept through consenting, detailed design and construction.
A draftsperson or architectural designer will often focus more on preparing the detailed drawings and technical documentation needed for consent and construction. The right option depends on the complexity of your project and the level of design, coordination and project involvement required.
We can provide architectural input through all phases of a project from initial bulk and location feasibility, through concept design, resource consent, detailed design, and construction documentation.
Yes. The architect will assemble all the drawings, specifications, reports, and certificates required to demonstrate to the council that the building work will comply with all the relevant parts of the Building Code. They will lodge the application and respond to any requests for further information that the council has.
Yes. Bringing your architect together with planners, surveyors, engineers and other specialists early can make the development process more efficient and reduce the risk of design changes later. It allows site, planning, infrastructure and design requirements to be considered together, helping resolve issues sooner and creating a more coordinated, practical outcome.
Whether you need an architect will depend on the scale and complexity of your project. We recommend talking with our architecture team early to understand where their expertise could add value. A Registered Architect can help you explore design options, make better use of your site and develop a solution that balances design quality, consenting requirements, buildability and long-term value.