Do I need a big project to warrant working with an Architect?

In short, no.

From small alterations on existing buildings, to new kitchen’s, backyard studios, and from the ground-up residential builds, there is no such thing as a project too big or small for great design.

We like to think outside the box and come up with creative and sometimes unconventional solutions that can work for all budget scales. Sometimes the most humble projects can result in the most forward thinking ideas.

Does an Architect cost an arm and a leg?

You can keep your body parts. An Architects fee makes up a small portion of the overall project cost, and every project is different - fees are determined on the level of complexity and work involved.

It’s worth remembering a Registered Architect’s value not only lies in the highest standard of design capability, but we can and prefer to work with you through the entire project timeline, right through until completion, to ensure its success.

What is the Common-Good design process?

We’re here to make things simple. We’ll help craft a great design vision, we’ll share in your excitement, but we’ll also make sure the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed.

The key to success is good communication, so we always start with a chat. We’ll listen to what you want and see if we’re on the same page.

From there, we get to know your ambition in more depth, meet with you on site if possible and take you through the design and building process, talk timeframes, services & fees. All this comes together in a Project Proposal.

When you hit go on the project, site visits to understand the landscape, natural site features, sunlight, wind, shelter, views, privacy and legal requirements get underway. Concepts begin where the design ambition and project budget are carefully balanced and then reviewed before we progress further - this allows us to assess the design complexity, after which we can provide a detailed fee proposal based on your preferred concept design.

We undertake the design process in a few stages, giving us the opportunity to review the project at key moments together, to ensure we’re getting things right. We create 3D models and virtual fly-throughs of the space so you can visualise it from every angle, and can engage on your behalf engineers and specialist consultants if required. Our thorough process means we submit for consent with all things fully considered.

And like all good teams, we’re at our best when everyone on the project functions as a single unit. We can support with choosing a qualified builder, running the construction contract, overseeing decisions on site and being an advocate for your interests during the whole build process. Overall our goal is to work together to ensure a good outcome for all.

…For more, the New Zealand Institute of Architects have written some great guides on working with an Architect, here