Process

This initial phase involves gathering key information, understanding the client’s needs, and assessing the project’s feasibility. Site visits, consultation with stakeholders, and reviewing planning or zoning constraints are typical activities. The aim is to define the project brief, budget, and overall objectives.

Prior to starting any project, we conduct thorough site analysis and feasibility studies. This ensures that we have a deep understanding of the site's characteristics and any potential challenges or opportunities, allowing us to develop the most suitable and successful design approach.

The initial concept stage marks the exciting first step where your ideas begin to take form. At this point, we translate the insights gathered during our early discussions into preliminary design concepts. These may include rough sketches, diagrams, or simple models that express the core vision of the project.

This phase is fluid and exploratory — not a final design, but a foundation for conversation and development. It’s an opportunity to test ideas, examine spatial possibilities, and align the direction with your goals.

Once the initial concept is prepared, we’ll meet to review and discuss it together. Your input is essential here; your feedback helps us shape the design to suit your needs more closely. This collaborative approach ensures the design is on the right path before we move to the next stage.

Building on the initial concept and feedback, the developed concept phase brings more clarity and refinement to the design. We evolve the layout, scale, and form to ensure it reflects your vision with greater precision. This includes more resolved spatial planning, façade studies, and potential material directions.

At this stage, we also begin considering functional, aesthetic, and environmental factors more deeply. Ongoing collaboration is key — we welcome your continued input through additional design meetings if needed, making sure every element aligns with your expectations.

The developed concept forms the architectural framework for the next phase and ensures we have a well-resolved proposal to progress into documentation and approvals.

The approved concept stage is a key milestone where you confirm that the design meets your expectations. It represents the result of our collaborative process — a resolved, well-considered proposal ready to move into the next phase of development.

We understand that finalising a design is a big decision, and we aim to provide a supportive space to ensure you feel confident in your approval. There’s no pressure — we’ll continue refining the design with you until you're satisfied.

The preferred concept is developed in more detail. Floor plans, elevations, and sections are refined, and initial coordination with consultants such as structural or services engineers occurs. Material options and construction methods are considered, preparing the design for consent and costing.

This stage involves producing comprehensive drawings and specifications suitable for building consent and construction. It includes detailed architectural documentation, coordination with all consultants, and integration of structural and services components. The final output ensures the design is buildable, compliant, and ready for tendering or construction.