Building from scratch or renovating a property, no matter how small, can be a complex and sometimes confusing process. There is a lot to think about and not just what it will look like. Hiring a professional to guide you through the process is invaluable and will save you time, money and stress in the long run.

The NZIA website states an Architect’s work is essentially driven by four fundamental elements: technical skill, practical understanding, analytical ability and creativity.

The first step is choosing who to use.

It is easy to confuse an Architect with an Architectural designer, but they are very different.

A registered Architect has passed a five-year degree, completed several years of supervised work and passed a rigorous oral exam. Architecture designers are not required to do this. Professional standards are set and supervised by the NZ Registered Architects board ensuring your Architect is someone you can feel secure with.

Ensuring you get a great design

Architects love design! They will take the time needed so you can feel confident you will not only get a great design but also creative and practical solutions to any issues. This could be better utilising space or a clever solution to a difficult layout.

Of course, the visual aspect of a project is only part of the process, there are many facets to an Architects role.  They have the skills needed for the technical, administrative and consent processes aspects of a job.

They get budgets.

Most Architects are very conscious of how expensive it is to build.

Their fee is a small part of the overall project. It cannot be overemphasised how much having a highly detailed set of plans is crucial for avoiding issues and unexpected costs during the build. It is far cheaper to make a mistake on paper than during the construction process. It is also easier for a contractor to accurately price your job if they have detailed plans. Once they have knowledge of a brief, they can let you know if your expectations are realistic for your budget.

Architects know all the pitfalls.

Architects will also oversee a job. They have the skills to navigate the build, dealing with any problems that arise and ensuring the project is built according to the plans. They know the building codes and how to balance the structural requirements without compromising the design. They also prepare all the documentation that is required to secure a building consent or if required a resource consent. Architects bring the same skills and abilities to small projects as they do larger commissions. While they often design hospitals, schools and other large projects most of their work tends to be small projects including kitchen and bathroom renovations or a new garage.

Building a personal relationship.

It is worth spending time and booking an initial meeting with us if you are looking for an Architect.  This is an opportunity to discuss your ideas, look at some examples of their previous work and see if they are someone you believe you can work with.

While it may be your first build or renovation Vorstermans Architects have done many previous projects and knows what to expect and look out for.

Most importantly they will also be excited about your project as we love turning peoples dreams into reality.

Vorstermans.