The Process of Design

The design process is unique for every project.

Site dictates all.

Every site presents challenges and opportunities.  Whether your site is steep and is difficult to access or it is small and requires maximizing every square meter the challenge is to identify the sites advantages.  The views, the sun orientation, shelter from the wind or incorporating existing vegetation all present opportunities and design possibilities.  Always build on the worst part of the site, so what is left over can be enjoyed!

A well thought through brief.

It takes time to develop a brief for any successful project.  Sharing early thoughts with us and talking thorough your needs versus wants results is the best starting point for any design.  We listen to every client, and then carefully build on what you are trying to achieve.  Sometimes we use ideas from previous projects and sometimes we propose new ideas to arrive at the best solution.  All information is useful, from hand sketches, to photos, to stories of your favorite spaces of childhood or from travels.

Put your money on the opening/shutting bits.

The Queenstown climate has four distinct seasons - hot summers and cold winters but snow showers can happen in autumn through to spring!  Having an efficient thermal envelope is everything.  In any building envelope the openings in the walls and roof are usually the weakest spots for letting the cold or heat in. Aim for the best performing windows and doors you can afford. 

How much space do you really need.

Building smaller but better quality is one of our key approaches. The best way to control the budget is to minimize your build area.  This also reduces servicing costs, as there is less space to heat and cool. Capitol cost of construction is always challenging, but operational costs of your buildings will continue to increase considerably over the years.  Knowing what the best construction approach for your project is, is our specialty!

The time to build is now. 

Clients often ask - ‘is it a good time to build?’  and we always answer, ‘right now’!  Contractor’s rates sometimes plateau but material costs increase relentlessly.  Buildings are always more expensive to build in the future.  So build now for the future.

Creating architecture is a team effort, totally rewarding and is fun.