Where do I start?
Some architects will recommend starting with compiling a "brief". My approach is to start with the big picture - we've developed a Process Guide that will help you to gain an overview of what happens- you can download it here. Once you've gained a picture of the overall process then give us a call. We'll send you out our free 'Investigate It' booklet that will help get you thinking about the information that will ultimately be developed into the "brief" - including what you want and need, timing, budget as well as how it looks and feels
I've heard friends talking about putting together a "brief" for their architect. What should we include?
When you are ready to chat to us about your project we can send you out our 'Investigate It' booklet. It contains several questions that help with the topics covered by a brief. The advantage is that you don't have to do the work of pulling it all together. We'll meet with you and talk you through it. Based on what you tell us we'll put together the brief and send it back out for you to review. This will be the first version of your brief. As we continue to work together you'll end up filling us in on more detailed information which we can add to the first version - so the brief becomes a living document - developing as your ideas do.
You may be thinking- that's a lot of time thinking and talking. We say - that's a valuable investment in ensuring that what you get is the right solution for you and your family.
What should I look for in an architect?
Working with an architect is not a short term prospect -you want to make sure that you can work with them. When you meet the person you're considering engaging check whether you think you could develop some rapport - trust, mutual respect and a personality you can get along with are important. You'll have to tell them things that you may not even tell some of your friends - and you'll need to feel comfortable doing that.
The other thing to check is whether the person you meet will be the one who will look after your project - no point in striking up a great relationship only to be handed off to some-one else in the office.
Look for an architect that asks you the questions you didn't expect to be asked. Why is that? Because to deliver a great project your architect will have to dig deep with you - and give you everything they've got. If they just accept on face value that you want 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and an internal access garage then that's exactly what you'll get. But your architect should be able to deliver on so much more than that - your architect should be able to help you see the opportunities and potential of what your home can be that are beyond what you could have imagined.
How much will my project cost?
The short answer is that it depends on the scope of what you want to achieve - how much and to what level of detail/finish.
In more detail what this involves is an assessment of "soft costs" and "hard costs". While these are difficult to know before any design work at all has been done wecan give you a bit of guidance:
Hard Costs - these are the construction related costs and include materials, labour and the contractor's overheads and profit.
Soft costs - these are the non-construction related costs and include the architects fees, the other consultants fees, and council fees ( for Building Consent and for Resource Consent too if that's required)
Once we have met and had a chance to chat over your project in a bit of detail we can give you some guidance on how your budget figure is looking, or if you don't yet have a budget we can give you some direction.
What if we don't have a site yet?
No problem.
Frequently we have clients who come to us who are considering either a couple of different homes or they are tossing up between a number of sites for a new build.
We can help you clarify the objectives and needs of your project so that you have a good measure against which to assess any particular site . In addition we can give advice around planning rules ( the District Plan allows you to do certain things in certain areas of town) and how these apply to the properties you are considering. We can also carry out some site due diligence for you - you'll want to know what the constraints and opportunities could mean for your project. We can help with easements and legal boundaries, location of services, environmental considerations and understanding what the information provided in a LIM could mean.
How much does it cost for an initial consultation?
It costs nothing to give us a call to chat - we love hearing about what you are planning and discussing any problems you are facing.
What happens after that?
It costs nothing to give us a call to chat - we love hearing about what you are planning and discussing any problems you are facing.
What happens after that?
- you can book a half hour appointment to come to meet me and chat further
- or if you are ready to find out more then you can book our Roadmap service - click here to find out more
How long will it take to complete my project?
This is another of those questions where the answer starts - well it depends…. That said we usually expect to work with our clients for at least 12-18 months when we are involved in concept design right through to completion of the project on site.
The size and complexity of your project will have the biggest impact on how long your job will take - both for the work we do in designing and documenting, but also the length of time taken on site. Once we've had a chance to discuss your project with you in some detail we can start establishing milestone dates for the various stages - both for design, and then for construction.
Making the timing work is a two-way thing. So there will be times when we need feed-back from you and times when we need to have meetings with you. If you are a very busy person we'll get you to let us know that early on so we can factor that into the timing indications we give you. Similarly design mind changes can affect the progress of your job - but if you are suggesting a change we'll let you know the impact.
If you have a firm target you need to hit then we can give you some options around achieving that - we have special "crash" programmes that we can discuss with you for rush jobs for example.
TIP: DO NOT RUSH THE DESIGN PROCESS. This is the time when you want to ensure that the decisions you make in conjunction with your architect are the right ones for your family - better to take a little longer and get it right than to have regrets for the rest of the time you spend in your home.
Do you have a particular design style?
The short answer is no.
The longer answer: it is my belief that each client deserves to be treated as an individual. Each family's needs will be different and if I were to have a particular style then in effect I would be imposing a standard answer on you without taking sufficient consideration of who you are. Click Architects design responses are developed for you, to your family's beliefs and priorities, as well as taking a strong consideration of the site - whether it's an undeveloped site or your existing home. We don't do one-size -fits- all because when it comes to your home one size fits no-one.
That said if I were to try to describe the work I like to do I'd say contemporary with clean simple lines. I prefer quietly elegant architecture rather than anything brash and 'shouty'. If I'm doing an addition to an existing home I aim to be respectful of what is already there but I don't try to replicate something from the past.
I already have a design for my house, can you just draw up the plans?
At Click we look to develop an appropriate design response with you - we bring our wealth of experience, design creativity, technical know-how and passion for working with people to bear on your particular design challenge. If you are sure you already have the answer and just want it drawn up to get a Building Consent then we are probably not the right partner for you. However, if you're keen to explore the full extent of the opportunities for your project then we'd love to chat it through.
What is the difference between an architect and a draughtsperson?
Architects and Draughties both work on construction projects, both separately, and at times together too. So what's the difference ? - they each come with different educational backgrounds and different skill sets.
Draughting staff often work under the direction of an architect making valuable contributions to practices using their technical knowledge. They specialise in drawing up plans and detailed documentation for Building Consent and construction. Some work independently - running their own businesses producing drawing sets for home owners.
To become an Architect you have completed a 5 years at university. Following graduation your architect will have worked for a minimum period ( typically 3 years) under the mantle of an experienced architect to gain further knowledge and skills before sitting for their registration assessment. The registration process is an ongoing one - an architect must renew their registration each year and under-go reassessment every 5 years.
An architect will be able to consider your needs, wishes and ideas to come up with innovative solutions for you and your site. Architects are great problem solvers and more than that we can really help in working out what the problem is that needs to be solved. That sounds a bit obvious but that isn't always the case - through meeting and chatting with you we get to know the things that make you and your family tick - then we're in a great position to understand the issues and ultimately to propose solutions.
Our skill set is broad; we specialise in designing - from the overall planning right down to how each element comes together. However what we bring to a project extends well beyond that. We are here to oversee your whole project including staying involved through-out the construction process.
Do you organise getting the Building Consent at the council?
Yes we do.
In the past gaining consent wasn't quite the technical mine-field that it is now. Clients could take their own documents down and submit them with some confidence. More recently, and with the new requirements for Licenced Building Practitioners to undertake restricted building work (most additions and alterations as well as all new builds will fall into this category) the application meeting has become very demanding. Most of our clients don't have 1-2 hours to spend on that sort of thing during their busy day, nor do they have the time to answer additional council questions during the processing of their application. We're used to this sort of thing and can handle it for you (I can't pretend to enjoy it though!)
Will I need an engineer for my project?
Yes you will.
We work with other experienced consultants to give you solutions that tie together the required structural safety with great architecture. We don't want any compromises when it comes to your home.
What does an Engineer do?
Structural engineering is about evaluating and designing a structure capable of standing up - one that can withstand the pressures of use that the building is subjected to, including the potential weather and seismic conditions for the location.
The work of the engineer for your job will start with a site visit. If it's a new home or an addition to an existing one they'll be information gathering including carrying out some test probes to check nature of the ground conditions. If it's an alteration to an existing home they'll also be checking how the existing structure works to support the house.
This information will be used to design appropriate foundations, as well as the structure that will sit on top of those foundations. Engineers work with architects to achieve design goals as well as to ensure the safety and comfort of the people who will be living there.
Do you offer a service while our place is being built/ renovated?
Yes we do.
The service we offer while your home is being built or renovated gives you peace of mind that the design work you've spent time and money developing will be fully translated into the built form. We'll monitor the progress of the job and we'll review the contractors monthly claims before you pay them.
We'll be with you and the contract team throughout construction and for a 3 month follow-up period afterwards.
All of our packages offer on-site monitoring with the exception of the "Connect" - our only package for those interested in a limited service. A limited service is suited only to clients with previous renovating or building experience, and who have plenty of time to be available to give the contractor team.
Do you arrange to get prices from builders?
Yes getting you signed up with a suitable contractor is also part of our service. The way we go about engaging a contractor will be discussed with you - different ways are suited to different projects. Common approaches include:
A negotiated tender : we negotiate on your behalf with a suitably experienced contractor. The price is checked against a quantity surveyor estimate.
Invited tender: based on reputation and experience we invite a limited number of contractors to submit their price, availability for the project and timing. We compare the tender submissions for you and make a recommendation.
Can we use our friend who is a builder?
Yes, usually there is no problem with doing that. In carrying out our responsibility to you we will of course check them out - they still need to be suitably experienced for the work required and of course they will also have to be an LBP.
An LBP is a licensed building practitioner - by law you will now need someone with this qualification to carry out work on your home.
We find most builders are great at what they do and each have specific areas of building they prefer and are best at doing. We look for a 'fit' that's right for your project - whether that's an infill house on a tricky site or a bespoke alteration. There will be a good builder for you.
This is another of those questions where the answer starts - well it depends…. That said we usually expect to work with our clients for at least 12-18 months when we are involved in concept design right through to completion of the project on site.
The size and complexity of your project will have the biggest impact on how long your job will take - both for the work we do in designing and documenting, but also the length of time taken on site. Once we've had a chance to discuss your project with you in some detail we can start establishing milestone dates for the various stages - both for design, and then for construction.
Making the timing work is a two-way thing. So there will be times when we need feed-back from you and times when we need to have meetings with you. If you are a very busy person we'll get you to let us know that early on so we can factor that into the timing indications we give you. Similarly design mind changes can affect the progress of your job - but if you are suggesting a change we'll let you know the impact.
If you have a firm target you need to hit then we can give you some options around achieving that - we have special "crash" programmes that we can discuss with you for rush jobs for example.
TIP: DO NOT RUSH THE DESIGN PROCESS. This is the time when you want to ensure that the decisions you make in conjunction with your architect are the right ones for your family - better to take a little longer and get it right than to have regrets for the rest of the time you spend in your home.
Do you have a particular design style?
The short answer is no.
The longer answer: it is my belief that each client deserves to be treated as an individual. Each family's needs will be different and if I were to have a particular style then in effect I would be imposing a standard answer on you without taking sufficient consideration of who you are. Click Architects design responses are developed for you, to your family's beliefs and priorities, as well as taking a strong consideration of the site - whether it's an undeveloped site or your existing home. We don't do one-size -fits- all because when it comes to your home one size fits no-one.
That said if I were to try to describe the work I like to do I'd say contemporary with clean simple lines. I prefer quietly elegant architecture rather than anything brash and 'shouty'. If I'm doing an addition to an existing home I aim to be respectful of what is already there but I don't try to replicate something from the past.
I already have a design for my house, can you just draw up the plans?
At Click we look to develop an appropriate design response with you - we bring our wealth of experience, design creativity, technical know-how and passion for working with people to bear on your particular design challenge. If you are sure you already have the answer and just want it drawn up to get a Building Consent then we are probably not the right partner for you. However, if you're keen to explore the full extent of the opportunities for your project then we'd love to chat it through.
What is the difference between an architect and a draughtsperson?
Architects and Draughties both work on construction projects, both separately, and at times together too. So what's the difference ? - they each come with different educational backgrounds and different skill sets.
Draughting staff often work under the direction of an architect making valuable contributions to practices using their technical knowledge. They specialise in drawing up plans and detailed documentation for Building Consent and construction. Some work independently - running their own businesses producing drawing sets for home owners.
To become an Architect you have completed a 5 years at university. Following graduation your architect will have worked for a minimum period ( typically 3 years) under the mantle of an experienced architect to gain further knowledge and skills before sitting for their registration assessment. The registration process is an ongoing one - an architect must renew their registration each year and under-go reassessment every 5 years.
An architect will be able to consider your needs, wishes and ideas to come up with innovative solutions for you and your site. Architects are great problem solvers and more than that we can really help in working out what the problem is that needs to be solved. That sounds a bit obvious but that isn't always the case - through meeting and chatting with you we get to know the things that make you and your family tick - then we're in a great position to understand the issues and ultimately to propose solutions.
Our skill set is broad; we specialise in designing - from the overall planning right down to how each element comes together. However what we bring to a project extends well beyond that. We are here to oversee your whole project including staying involved through-out the construction process.
Do you organise getting the Building Consent at the council?
Yes we do.
In the past gaining consent wasn't quite the technical mine-field that it is now. Clients could take their own documents down and submit them with some confidence. More recently, and with the new requirements for Licenced Building Practitioners to undertake restricted building work (most additions and alterations as well as all new builds will fall into this category) the application meeting has become very demanding. Most of our clients don't have 1-2 hours to spend on that sort of thing during their busy day, nor do they have the time to answer additional council questions during the processing of their application. We're used to this sort of thing and can handle it for you (I can't pretend to enjoy it though!)
Will I need an engineer for my project?
Yes you will.
We work with other experienced consultants to give you solutions that tie together the required structural safety with great architecture. We don't want any compromises when it comes to your home.
What does an Engineer do?
Structural engineering is about evaluating and designing a structure capable of standing up - one that can withstand the pressures of use that the building is subjected to, including the potential weather and seismic conditions for the location.
The work of the engineer for your job will start with a site visit. If it's a new home or an addition to an existing one they'll be information gathering including carrying out some test probes to check nature of the ground conditions. If it's an alteration to an existing home they'll also be checking how the existing structure works to support the house.
This information will be used to design appropriate foundations, as well as the structure that will sit on top of those foundations. Engineers work with architects to achieve design goals as well as to ensure the safety and comfort of the people who will be living there.
Do you offer a service while our place is being built/ renovated?
Yes we do.
The service we offer while your home is being built or renovated gives you peace of mind that the design work you've spent time and money developing will be fully translated into the built form. We'll monitor the progress of the job and we'll review the contractors monthly claims before you pay them.
We'll be with you and the contract team throughout construction and for a 3 month follow-up period afterwards.
All of our packages offer on-site monitoring with the exception of the "Connect" - our only package for those interested in a limited service. A limited service is suited only to clients with previous renovating or building experience, and who have plenty of time to be available to give the contractor team.
Do you arrange to get prices from builders?
Yes getting you signed up with a suitable contractor is also part of our service. The way we go about engaging a contractor will be discussed with you - different ways are suited to different projects. Common approaches include:
A negotiated tender : we negotiate on your behalf with a suitably experienced contractor. The price is checked against a quantity surveyor estimate.
Invited tender: based on reputation and experience we invite a limited number of contractors to submit their price, availability for the project and timing. We compare the tender submissions for you and make a recommendation.
Can we use our friend who is a builder?
Yes, usually there is no problem with doing that. In carrying out our responsibility to you we will of course check them out - they still need to be suitably experienced for the work required and of course they will also have to be an LBP.
An LBP is a licensed building practitioner - by law you will now need someone with this qualification to carry out work on your home.
We find most builders are great at what they do and each have specific areas of building they prefer and are best at doing. We look for a 'fit' that's right for your project - whether that's an infill house on a tricky site or a bespoke alteration. There will be a good builder for you.
