Every architectural project follows a series of defined stages.
The following points broadly summarize each stage. Beyond this, Borrmeister Architects manage and coordinate other design team members throughout the process, working with the client to deliver the best possible design solutions.
Start: Initial Meeting and Project Brief
The initial meeting with us is essential for sharing information and discussing your vision for the project. Developing a project brief is about defining what you want and important in articulating clearly your needs. The brief sets horizons and creates the foundation for helping you to reach your design and project goal. Time, quality and cost are important factors to consider before the first meeting.
Stage 1: Pre Design Services
Ensure the project parameters and influences are researched and defined regarding the project brief and budget, property records, and site information. At this stage, we might engage other professionals and the territorial authority to gain a complete understanding of the requirements for your project. This research informs the concept stage.
Stage 2: Concept Design
This creative process generates an intent/concept from the research completed in Stage 1. During this stage, we will offer you a range of solutions to the brief and develop concepts through a series of drawings, floor plan and perspective sketches, computer renderings or physical models. At the end of this stage, we will pull together a mixture of ideas into one or several concept design options that become a point of reference throughout the entirety of the following stages.
Stage 3: Preliminary Design
The preferred concept design option is developed to explore and illustrate functionality, structure, and experience concerning the project brief, concept, and environment. Formal drawings complete this process along with the review of the project budget and program.
Stage 4: Developed Design
Further exploration of the design considers materials and finishes for final approval. Potential consultants are engaged and integrated into the process. The drawings are formatted into a set of resource consent documents for lodgement with the local territorial authority for planning approval if required.
Stage 5: Detailed Design & Documentation
Specific technical details are integrated into a comprehensive set of compliant documents for building consent lodgement with the local, territorial authority. Additional design elements include, but not limited to; interior design ideas, furniture design, and landscaping. According to the content of the agreement, these additions could be added to documents if you choose.
Stage 6: Construction Documentation & Procurement
Production of additional construction drawings and contract documents are compiled, ensuring a smooth process for the selected procurement method to nominate a contractor.
Stage 7: Administration of Contract Works
On behalf of the client, the architect administers work carried out on-site under the signed Contract. Site meetings and inspections are documented, and variations to the contract and progress payment claims are reviewed and certified for final approval alongside other responsibilities.
Stage 8: Observation of Contract Works
The Architect is engaged to observe works on-site, carrying out regular site meeting and inspections to ensure the documented intentions are followed through into the built detail.
Borrmeister Architects provides many additional services, which our clients may require during the process. These services are further defined for each project and form part of the NZIA Agreement for Architects Services.
Stage 9: Project Completion & Handover
At the end of the construction phase, we offer several essential services to ensure that the building is completed to a high standard before handover.
When the contractor has advised us that the project is ‘practically complete’, we will conduct a ‘defects check’ to assess that construction and provide a detailed list of remaining work completed during the agreed defects liability period.
