Our Approach
Every project begins with listening — to the site, to your brief, and to the way you want to live. From this foundation, we develop a clear and structured process that guides you from early ideas through to a resolved and buildable design. Our aim is to make the journey collaborative, transparent and calm, giving you confidence at every stage.
Our Process
We start by understanding your goals, lifestyle, site conditions and any early constraints. This stage sets the direction of the project and establishes priorities, scope and client expectations.
For projects with planning complexity or uncertainty, we can prepare feasibility work. This may include site analysis, district plan considerations, height controls, recession planes, servicing requirements or any overlays. This ensures clarity before design begins.
We explore initial ideas that respond to orientation, views, privacy, site context and your spatial needs. Early massing, form, relationships between spaces and initial material thinking are established here.
At this stage, we recommend engaging a registered surveyor to provide an accurate site survey including contours, boundaries, levels and services. This allows the concept to be developed with confidence and accuracy.
We refine the preferred concept by testing proportions, circulation, openings, roof form and exterior expression. Additional sketches, diagrams or simple 3D massing studies help clarify the architectural direction.
Preliminary Design bridges early ideas and a more resolved proposal, ensuring alignment before deeper development begins.
Once the direction is confirmed, we refine plans, elevations, sections and openings. Materials, structure, building performance and interior considerations are coordinated. This stage is suitable for preliminary pricing and consultant engagement such as structural engineering, planning, surveying or landscape design input.
Interior design and landscape coordination can be integrated here to ensure consistency between inside and out.
We prepare the full architectural documentation required for building consent lodgement. This includes detailed plans, sections, junctions, specifications and coordination with all required consultants. The focus is clarity, accuracy and ensuring the design intent is carried through into construction.
If engaged during construction, we assist in ensuring the project is built as intended. This includes reviewing progress, responding to contractor queries and clarifying details. Our involvement helps maintain continuity between the drawings and the built outcome.
A Collaborative, Sustainable Approach
Strong environmental outcomes come from clear, deliberate decisions — from orientation and material selection to heating, ventilation and long-term performance.
Every choice has an impact. We consider durability, energy efficiency, material sourcing and lifecycle performance to ensure each home is comfortable, efficient and appropriate to its environment.
In practice, this means:
Designing for orientation, daylight and natural ventilation
Exceeding minimum insulation requirements where practical
Using efficient heating systems and passive solar gain
Encouraging renewable energy options, including solar
Selecting natural, honest materials with clear supply chains
Sourcing locally where possible to reduce transportation impact
Working with skilled local trades
Exploring off-grid solutions when suitable for the site
Our aim is simple: to design homes that sit comfortably within their landscape, perform well throughout the year, and minimise their impact without compromising on quality, comfort or longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Information to help you understand our process, from early conversations through to delivery.
Timelines vary by scale and complexity. We outline a clear programme at the start so you know what to expect from design through to consent and construction.
Your involvement is flexible. We guide you through key decisions without overwhelming you.
Yes. We prepare architectural documentation and coordinate consultants required for lodgement.
We work with the builder to assess and resolve issues quickly, keeping the project on track.
Yes, and we help manage changes through early pricing, advice and clear options.
We align the design with your budget and recommend early pricing so costs are understood before detailed documentation begins.
Changes are normal during design. We’ll advise on cost or timing implications if changes occur later in the process.
Through detailed documentation and continued involvement during construction (if engaged), including responding to queries and reviewing onsite progress.
Phone or email anytime. Regular check-ins keep communication clear and consistent.
Providing feedback, approving milestones and budgets, and engaging the builder. We guide you through each step.
We’re Here to Help
Every project begins with a conversation. Tell us what you’re thinking, and we’ll help you take the next step with clarity and confidence. We’ll assess your site, explain any council considerations and establish a clear, structured path forward.
