Frequently Asked Questions

Architect Fees - how much do I budget for?

It’s a great idea to meet up with us to talk about your project, so we can tailor a fee specifically for your project. Each of our projects are designed specifically for your family, your site, and your brief, and we tailor our fees that way too. We provide a detailed breakdown of the fees for the different stages, time and services your project will require in our quotations.

What types of projects do you take on?

We love working on a wide range of projects that have a broad range of budgets. We are experienced in large masterplanning of subdivisions and land development feasibility studies. Custom designed new build homes, bespoke renovations and sustainable 'Eco' homes are also our expertise. We also enjoy working on prefabrication design options for high quality tiny homes and minor dwellings.

How much does it cost to build a custom designed house?

It depends what your brief is, the area you want to achieve, your site parameters, and your quality expectations. Check out our free PDF download that gives you some more guidance on design expectations and costs.

How do we get to know what you can do for us?

Let's have a coffee together, chat about your project and get to know each other. Then we talk about how we can help you design, document and build a beautiful home for your property.

Can you provide drafting services for building consent from my idea?

We prefer to work with you from the beginning to the end of a project rather than just to building consent – it gives a better end result and we find that clients enjoy the build process a lot more when we do. We take our projects from the initial concept design, to preliminary design, right through to detailing interiors, consent documentation, to working with the builders on site for contract observation and contract administration. We like to look after you till you move into your new home.

What area of New Zealand can you work in?

While we are based in Auckland (North Island, New Zealand) we have completed projects in a wide range of locations and are happy to work on projects throughout New Zealand.

Can you put together a project team for us including consultants and builders?

We have contacts with a variety of consultants (engineers, planners, surveyors, quantity surveyors) and builders, and can organise quotations from different experts required for your particular project. Their engagement is always with you directly, but we can help co ordinate the various tasks and information into one cohesive package and lead the project on your behalf.

How do I prioritize my project brief?

Often the list for what you want to go into your home can be a very long one, and that’s ok, but also its important to think about your top priorities for your build – We have put together a PDF download on 'How to write a brief for an Architect' that can take you through the stages of how to prioritise your brief. We can also sit down with you and help refine your brief in a way that suits both budget and goals.

Do you take on small projects or only large ones?

Our projects span from the very small to the very large. For the smaller projects, the focus is often on quality and sustainability or on customised prefabrication options, bespoke cabinetry and interior design. (We tend not to work on very small alterations unless high quality design is an essential part of your brief as that is where we can best add value to your project)

How will I understand what my project is going to look like.

We use the latest BIM technology so that you can experience our architecture designs in 3d on your tablet or phone, and move around them in a virtual world. You can also use 3d google glasses to enjoy a virtual reality experience through your new home. The drawings and designs can be loaded up on this platform too and connect with the 3d model, It’s a great way of really understanding the concepts and drawings, as well as enabling us to collaborate with you easily no matter where you are in the world. In addition to sketches and drawings on paper, we can also offer physical cardboard models if that enables you to understand the spaces better.

Can you work remotely with us?

Yes, our studio is set up to work remotely with you easily. Whether you are overseas, or self isolating at this time, we have the means to hold virtual meetings with you, draw up concepts and proposals using property data, and present ideas to you using our BIMx technology so you can experience what they will be like. During self isolation periods, We, (and our consultants and subcontractors), have fully functional home offices with access to servers, and we are able to have team meetings easily online if required. This is actually a great time to be thinking about plans for the future, and developing design and documentation stages of your project, so that you are ready to build quickly and easily once this season has passed.