ABOUT
Our innovative and experienced team collaborate on projects from conception to completion, from design to project management, contract administration and a full interior design service.
Our studio focuses on creating bespoke, high-end residential homes, including new builds, renovations and alterations. Proud members of our community, we have been involved in a range of commercial architecture projects for public and tourism sectors in our local area.
Our projects are predominantly located in the wider Queenstown Lakes region, Central Otago and Mackenzie Country. We are adept at implementing the design process from afar, as many of our clients are located out of town or internationally.
Our approach
We provide an all-encompassing design approach, offering a full service package from concept through to completion. We recommend incorporating the exterior and interior design at early stages, to result in a sense of connectivity and cohesiveness where the interior and exterior architecture meld seamlessly.
Each commission is considered a bespoke and site specific project. We focus on the needs of the client as well as the unique environmental conditions and natural surroundings of the site.
In Barry’s words, “No two projects are the same. I enjoy collaborating with clients to craft a tailor-made solution specific to their needs.”
ARCHITECTURAL STAGES OF WORK
As an NZIA (New Zealand Institute of Architects) registered practice, our projects follow a standardised workflow. We offer a full architectural service from concept to completion. Our core service includes Stages 1 – 5 (Design Phase), from concept design up to lodgement of building consent. Our clients can also select any optional stages of work form Stages 6 – 9, depending on how the project will be run during construction phase, and specialist design requirements e.g. interiors.
We review the site with our client and confirm feasibility from a planning perspective. These are basic concept plans that are then developed into a final concept design (Stage 2).
This process is an interactive back and forth with the client refined through a series of design meetings and presentations.
Our concept designs include initial renders and virtual reality of the exterior and interiors for client visualisation.
Once the concept design is firmed up, we recommend obtaining an elemental estimate from a Quantity Surveyor (seperate consultant). An accurate picture of anticipated construction costs, this stage ensures the design is on track from a feasibility perspective and before we commence any detailed construction drawings.
The extent of this stage varies depending on the resource consent requirements. We produce a set of preliminary Consultant Issue drawings (plans, sections and elevations), suitable for obtaining an elemental estimate from the Quantity Surveyor (separate consultant) and the Resource Consent application, if required. These go on to form the basis of the Stage 4 & 5 drawings.
These stages run concurrently. Stage 4 involves development of the design in preparation for the detailed design, including engagement of separate consultants. Stage 5 involves the preparation of detailed construction drawings. Contract documentation for Building Consent application is prepared and Building Consent lodged.
During Stages 4-5, Stage 9 (Interior Consultancy) is also introduced in development with the construction drawings.
Once building consent has been issued, the project moves into Procurement/Construction Phase. At this point, we recommend obtaining an updated estimate from the Quantity Surveyor. If we have only been engaged for core services (Stages 1-5), this is where our involvement in the project concludes.
We prepare tender documents including conditions of contract, check tenders for compliance, report on tenders and negotiate with selected contractor on behalf of the client. We have working relationships with local builders and can assist builder introductions, closed tender or negotiated contracts.
Financial administration of contract, including assessment and processing of monthly payment claims and variations from the builder and to the client.
We undertake regular site visits to observe and monitor the quality of work. We provide technical interpretation of construction documents and advise to the builder and sub-trades as required. Meetings with the main contractor are held regularly. We are highly experienced in managing builds for clients and are able to conduct these site meetings remotely.
The most successful projects we deliver include the interior architectural design and we encourage our clients to engage these services when possible. This cohesive approach is immensely beneficial.
We provide a range of interior consultancy options. Our clients can choose from our standard or premium service, or somewhere in between, depending on their desired level of our involvement. More information on our Interior Consultancy is below.
Specialist Consent Applications
Wānaka and Queenstown are surrounded by incredible natural landscapes, and we seek to design buildings that accentuate and enhance this environment. We prepare complex Resource Consents and Building Consent Applications for sensitive and outstanding visual amenity landscapes, in new or existing subdivisions and developments.
Areas we service
We conduct remote design and project management for our clients throughout New Zealand and internationally for both local and regional projects. This is easily coordinated using online communication tools such as Zoom. The majority of our architectural projects are in Wanaka, Queenstown, Central Otago region (Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell), Mackenzie region (Twizel, Ohau) and North Otago (Oamaru, Timaru), though we welcome enquiries from further afield too.
INTERIOR CONSULTANCY
The most successful projects we deliver include the interior architectural design and we encourage our clients to engage these services when possible. This cohesive approach is immensely beneficial.
We provide a range of interior consultancy options. Our clients can choose from our standard or premium service, or somewhere in between, depending on their desired level of our involvement.
Standard Interior Service
Suitable for clients who would like initial interior consultancy during the design phase to obtain some direction and ideas; but essentially wish to coordinate their own interior design. Our standard interior consultancy service is design based only. We provide an initial concept for the main areas of the home; kitchen, laundry, bathrooms, master bedroom and living room. We include a series of high quality interior renders and a mood-board containing project specific recommendations, that are developed with client input.
Premium Interior Service
Suitable for clients who would like a full interior consultancy service during both the design and construction phases, to ensure complete cohesion between architecture and interiors. Suitable for clients who are unable to be present or actively involved in the construction phase. Our premium service incorporates all aspects of the interior design and architecture. We work alongside the client to explore fittings, finishes and fixtures for the home as a whole and provide a highly detailed set of interior technical drawings. We liaise with the main contractor, manufacturers and suppliers on our clients behalf at both design and construction phase. For high end builds, or out-of-town clients, we strongly encourage this complete approach.
