Our Design Process – From Concept to Completion
At Kapiti Architectural Design Ltd, we believe that great architecture is the result of collaboration, creativity, and clear communication. Our process is designed to guide you from initial ideas to a fully consented set of plans—ready to build
INITIAL CONSULTATION
INITIAL CONSULTATION
Our initial consultation is free!
During our initial meeting, I will review your project brief.
Once I have a grasp of your project's scale and scope, I will provide you with a written fee proposal, including a breakdown by stages.
I will also assess if any additional consultants are needed for your project and gather fee proposals as needed as I work through the project.
Some things for you to consider prior to our meeting are:
- Architectural styles and features you really like. This may take the form of photos, magazine cutouts or pinterest boards.
- Timeframes and budget
- Your lifestyle preferences, space requirements and aspects you appreciate or dislike about your current living situation
CONCEPT
To begin the concept stage, a survey may be required whether its for a New Home project or an Addition and Alteration project. This is to ensure that I design your project according to the site boundary constraints, contours, and any potential flooding levels.
For Addition/Alteration projects - I will obtain the existing council building file and conduct a site measure of the current house with Gary.
For all projects - I will visit the site and investigate planning zone rules for the property.
Then the Creative process begins!
I will present a concept design - which is the first visual representation of your initial requirements along with some designer ideas to enhance the vision. This will be presented as floor plans and elevations. 3D sketches can also form part of the presentation depending on the scale of the project.
We develop initial sketches and layout options tailored to your lifestyle and site conditions. This phase includes:
Site analysis
Floor plan concepts
Elevation ideas
Sustainability and energy-efficiency considerations
After reviewing the emailed concept design, we will then meet again either in person or over Team Viewer/Zoom to discuss and have a look at the 3D model on the computer. During this meeting, I can often show you in real time, changes based on our discussions. However, more substantial modifications may need additional work, and I will send the revised concept to you afterwards.
Using the 3D model, we can easily explore the building, assess sunlight and shading, and adjust elements such as furniture placement. Clients have found these meetings to be highly beneficial, as not everyone interacts with plans on a daily basis like me. Additionally, designers often use building terminology that may be unfamiliar to you, which can be better explained with visual aids!
QUANTITY SURVEYOR
Understanding the cost of a building project can be challenging in today's environment.
A helpful first step is to consult with a Quantity Surveyor (QS) to generate an estimate.
This allows clients to make well-informed decisions about their project's direction before investing heavily in plans and other consultants.
To aid the QS with the estimate's accuracy, I can provide dimensioned floor plans, window and door schedules, preliminary cross sections with initial structural member sizes, and an outline specification of materials.
DEVELOPED DESIGN
This is the stage where things get technical!
I develop plans to create detailed drawings, calculations, and specifications.
The completed set is essentially half of the drawings needed for building consent.
At this stage, I identify where we need input from other consultants who can provide their expertise to the project. I provide them with a brief and drawings so they can give a fee proposal. For example, a Structural Engineer may be required for foundation or beam designs.
A builder can also be involved at this stage to provide an estimate and obtain necessary paperwork from their suppliers for the building consent application stage - for instance, a Truss PS1 (producer statement) from their preferred frame and truss manufacturer.
BUILDING CONSENT DOCUMENTATION
I finalise the documentation, including drawings and specifications required for building consent.
This involves cross-referencing other consultants' information and ensuring everything works together.
BUILDING CONSENT
The final step is to submit the building consent application, usually through the council's portal.
The council has 20 working days to approve the building consent. I take pride in creating comprehensive documentation. However, the council often requests additional information.
This is a normal part of the regulatory environment within which the building industry operates, and it's part of my service to respond to those requests.
I do not charge extra for answering council queries.
ONGOING SUPPORT
Even after consent is granted, we’re here to support you during the build. We can assist with:
Site visits
Design clarifications
Liaising with builders and trades
Why Choose Kapiti Architectural Design
Over 25 years of experience
Local knowledge of Kapiti’s unique conditions
Personalised service from start to finish
Passionate about sustainable and innovative design