[ architectural services ]

A successful project hinges on much more than a creative solution. It requires an architect with a curious mindset prepared to fully explore the opportunities that each project presents. We work collaboratively with you to define the functional, rational and spatial requirements of your project, to produce ‘naturally belonging’ building that fits within its physical and social environment.

“We should attempt to bring nature, houses, and human beings together in a higher unity”

– LUDWIG MIES VAN DER ROHE –

COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE

COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE

We provide full architectural design services for multi-unit residential living, commercial and residential housing developments, retirement villages, education facilities, community centres, sporting facilities, offices, hospitality.

RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE

RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE

We have extensive design and planning experience in designing new homes, baches, Tiny homes and snugs, home renovations in both contemporary and traditional homes, additions and extensions, sleepouts and granny flats, multi-unit dwellings.

HOMESTAR ASSESMENT

HOMESTAR ASSESMENT

Our Homestar Assessors have been trained and accredited by the New Zealand Green Building Council, and we can help you to achieve a Homestar rating right from the concept design phase of your new home build, through to practical completion.

DEDICATED TO YOUR PROJECT

Whether this is your first build or you’re a seasoned developer, we appreciate the emotional and financial investment required in every project. We work to truly understand your lifestyle, spatial and budgetary needs, guiding you through the process of designing your project in a transparent and inclusive manner.

For our commercial clients, we understand that every project has its own set of unique needs; from planning, consents, design requirements, aesthetic styles, budget and time frames. We aim to maximise the value of your budget through good design, value engineering and sustainable long-life solutions.

THE PROCESS

WORKING WITH AN ARCHITECT

Pacific Environments Architects will generally follow the NZIA prescribed industry steps when undertaking a project. The process may vary depending on the scope of the project and is tailored to get the best for the project – whatever it is.

Step 1 - Site selection and pre-purchase feasibility

  • Assist the client in identifying sites and opportunities.

  • Identify factors affecting the site’s suitability.

  • Undertake bulk and location analysis – utilising Town Planning data.

  • Assess potential layouts and re-use of existing buildings.

  • Overview of Town Planning rules and criteria, construction time, lowering building costs.

  • Establish/clarify the brief and scope of work.

  • Research to determine design parameters and new/relevant ideas.

  • Identify factors affecting the site’s suitability.

  • Determine key design issues / concept overview.

  • Discuss budget, timing, technology, materials and construction method.

Step 2 - Preliminary Design

  • Preliminary design and drawings are done to explore design opportunities and clarify parameters.

  • Master Planning and/or Urban Design at the widest level – meeting long and short-term aspirations.

  • Development of floor plans, elevations, and/or exploratory sections presented to client for comment.

  • Ideas presented with drawings, models, CAD 3D presentation and/or photo montage.

  • Establish extent of possible consultants’ scope of work; budget estimates (by Quantity Surveyor).

Step 3 - Developed Design

  • Expand the agreed preliminary drawings for final client approval.

  • All design decisions made, and materials defined.

  • Revised cost estimates completed (by Quantity Surveyor).

  • Plans, elevations, sections, and perspectives provided with fitting and furniture layouts for each space.

  • Urban Design overlay.

  • Resource Consent applied for.

  • Environmental and energy-efficiency studies, sustainability analysis and design.

Step 4 - Detailed Design

  • All design decisions documented – working drawings and specifications processed for Building Consent application, tendering and construction.

  • Additional team members engaged to complete Interior Design (as a separate service).

  • Concept drawings – layouts, cabinetry etc.

  • Provide sample materials and actual colours.

  • Complete interior finishes schedules.

  • Source materials, furniture and products – fittings, finishes.

  • Building Consent applications.

  • Liaise with Council for consent approval.

Step 5 - Contract Documentation

  • Prepare documents for signing and construction contract.

  • Clarify programme and contracts.

  • Additional documentation provided and specifications expanded to include building contract, special conditions for pricing and insurances.

  • Outline responsibilities of client and builder.

  • Additional drawings.

  • Could include electrical drawings, kitchen and bathroom fittings, shop fittings, graphic design, landscaping structures and tenancy fit outs.

  • Essential for obtaining fixed price contracts.

Step 6 - Contract Administration

  • Liaise and administer the building contract between client and builder. 

  • Visit site to observe progress and ensure compliance with contract documents.

  • Supply supplementary details to contract documents if required.

  • Process project payments.

  • Practical completion.

  • Practical completion assessment.

  • Remedial works follow up.

  • Check final accounts.

  • Certificate of Practical Completion issued, followed by Code of Compliance Certification.

Step 7 - Post Contract Administration

  • Building and equipment maintenance.

  • Arrangement of appropriate on-going maintenance contracts.

  • Post-occupancy evaluation.

  • Energy studies.

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