How we work

Initial discussion

We start off with understanding your brief and the scope of work by meeting you in person at your property/site. This helps us to get to know you, your ideas, the site and the project scope.

We then split the project up into 3 defined stages; the Concept design stage, the Developed design stage and then the Detailed design stage. This page explains the process of how we work on a new build-house project.

Concept design stage

We would begin by meeting you on your site to discuss and understand your brief, ideas, lifestyle and requirements. The interconnection between your requirements, the site and its orientation on the site is paramount to creating the best possible design suited for you.

We then start to create a concept by understanding the building site requirements by considering the site and surroundings including utilising the sun, site conditions, predominant wind directions, site levels, maximizing views from the site and considering local district plan rules. See below for an example of the location & site conditions plan.

We then deliver a concept that meets your lifestyle and individual needs suited to the site.

This entails Initial floor plans being produced as a starting point for further discussion with yourself. The concept is then further developed and refined with regular communication with you.

Concept architectural plans are then produced and presented to you to discuss the proposed design and answer questions you have. A 3D computer walkthrough model is also delivered to you so you can understand the design to a greater level of detail, from there you can view your project and walk through the 3D Model in your own time from your own computer or device. Below shows a 3D concept visual of a proposed new house in the concept stage which can also be viewed within the 3D Model for viewing your project.

Then once you have reviewed it in your own time we can revise plans and answer any questions you have on the proposed concept. We then move into the Developed design stage.

Developed design stage

The design is then further redefined in the developed design stage and discussed with you more specific design requirements, Including discussing materials and finishes for formal approval prior to the commencement of the Detailed design stage. Engaging other consultants such as a structural engineer if required. Additional architectural drawings are then delivered to you with a greater level of detail, including further floor plans and building sections as shown in the below image.

Detailed design stage

The project then moves into the detailed design stage where the design has been finalised and where we deliver drawings and documentation for the building consent and construction of your project. This includes project-specific; construction plans, details and specifications of your project. Detailed design drawings would include the junctions such as the windows and cladding junctions shown in the below drawings.