Our Service
The design we believe is the single most important aspect of the whole process involving a new home. Not only are the aspirations of how you prefer to live achieved, but a significant investment is maximised with high yield return due to quality design. Using only function as a key driver does not act as both home and investment in the same way.
The design and build process for many people is confusing and unknown. On a basic level the Architect should be seen as your ambassador, a person who is a registered profession like a doctor who has your interests at heart. The Architect is the conduit having your personal aspirations of a home linked with their unique skills of creativity and practicality to create a solution that not only works but can be inspiring.
The Design Process
Architecture projects typically have eight clear stages. For a smooth running plan it is important you understand the extent of the architect's role in each of these.
While creative design is one of the most tangible aspects of an architect's work, an architect can be involved in your building project every step of the way to ensure the best possible result. To ensure this understanding, your architect will prepare an Agreement for Architects Services the standard contract between you and your architect for residential works. It will outline the scope of work, the scope of services, how fees and costs will be charged and any special conditions of service. There are a number of other contracts available for commercial architecture projects.
PRE DESIGN
After an initial meeting (or meetings), we will start to gather key information such as the certificate of title, drainage plans and zoning and town planning information. Sometimes you, as the client, may have some of this information or can help collect it, but this should be clearly discussed to avoid any confusion gathering information such as defining contours and boundaries accurately. Issues concerning existing planting, water courses and soil type may also need to be addressed.
Architects are often wisely used even to help in the selection of a site before the house plans and concepts are started. Traditionally a client comes to us with a site in mind and together we help form a brief
CONCEPT DESIGN
Concept design is essentially a range of solutions to the brief. They may be developed through drawings, floor plans and perspective sketches, or computer renderings or physical models.
When the project's parameters are established, Walker’s will begin developing concepts. These will be influenced by project scope, budget and your individual requirements. During concept stage we will investigate a number of ideas. It is not unusual to receive a number of alternative ideas for your project.
PRELIMINARY DESIGN
A preferred concept is refined in this stage. At the conclusion of this stage, you will have drawings that describe the preliminary design with scaled plans and elevations. A Preliminary Estimate of Costs based on these drawings and an outline specification can be made by others.
DEVELOPED DESIGN
When a concept is agreed upon, we will test the ideas, refine the details and shape the final design. Developed design is a key phase - it's your last opportunity to economically refine the overall nature of the project before planning commences. If you have additional requirements now is the time to table them. Your budget will come into play during developed design. Think about priorities in terms of time, quality and cost and allocate authority for final decision-making. As the client you may want to engage a quantity surveyor to estimate costs. Walkers can also play a role in securing resource consent, if needed, for your building. However, it may be necessary to engage with specialists or consultants to secure the requisite consents for you,
DETAILED DESIGN
Because we are at the heart of your building project, we are best positioned to understand the relevant codes and standards and articulate to the Building Consent Authority the particulars of your project.
Once resource consent is approved, your project will progress to the detailed design phase. We will then advance your design to the level of detail that allows a construction contractor to assess the full scope of the project. This will include construction details, materials, components, systems and finishes.
Walkers can help with the tendering process, if that is the procurement stage, and can consider your particular needs when choosing a contractor.
CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
An architect is trained in the management of contractual and financial transactions during the construction of your building. Projects do change and there are sometimes unforeseen elements that may require contractual consideration we are well placed to help with such developments.
Occasionally Contract Administration is not requested as the client builder or client themselves wishes to perform this task. We however believe that to get the very best result for your home this stage is best done by the architect.
PROJECT OBSERVATION
We can observe the quality of construction, as well as point out any potential issues that may arise.
An architect can play an important role in overseeing the construction phase of your project with onsite visits and monitoring of the construction contracts that are in place.
It is your choice how deep our onsite involvement is if needed at all.
COMPLETION
As your architect we are trained in the management of contractual and financial transactions during the construction of your building. Projects do change and there are sometimes unforeseen elements that may require contractual consideration and we are well placed to help with such developments. Let us know if you have any particular preferences about the contractual nature of your project or issues with financing.
We set our fees according to the level of involvement we have in your project.