Architektur
Architectural Designers
About us
Architektur is an Architecture firm based in Auckland, creating beautiful homes for smart and modern family living.
Attention to detail from design to building completion.
By getting the design just right Architektur Homes are creating beautiful homes for smart and modern family living.
After 15 years gaining experience with some of the best architects in New Zealand, I formed the company Architektur Ltd. The name was inspired by the period of time that I worked with architects in northern Switzerland.
From 2003 to 2013 I delivered projects for a variety of clients and budgets. I also completed a Masters Degree in Urban Design. During this time I renovated several homes, including major internal and external alterations, as well as subdividing and building new homes on new sites. Needing a further challenge between 2013 and 2018, I decided to enter the development market. Buying sites that were zoned for higher density. I project managed the development process from start to finish including employing the builder and sub-contractors directly, subdivision, consents,marketing and sales.
The experience has given me a deep insight into the entire development process, and allowed my business to grow whilst still keeping my hand in ‘pure’ architectural home design work through Architektur Ltd. One of my latest high density projects was a block of 14 studio units.
I have many contacts in the building world from engineers to town planners that I can highly recommend to my clients. Working from home means I have low overheads. Not only does this low overhead equate to lower architectural fees for you, it also means that you have one point of contact, and nothing gets lost in translation. I have a wealth of experience in all aspects of the Architecture, Construction & Development process and can be involved as much or as little as you need, based on your circumstances.
I look forward to hearing about your dreams, be it a new home, a bach or perhaps a renovation or alteration. Being a small NZ owned business means I value the personal touch and am happy to take on smaller jobs, perhaps overlooked or over-charged by larger firms.
Our Process
- 01 FREE CONSULTATION
Whoever you choose, I encourage you to select your design person carefully. There are many ‘dead ends’ and difficulties that could derail your approval and extend the time and cost to achieve your goals.
I offer a free 1 hour strategy consultation to give you greater clarity on your project. This will give you a better idea of how the roadmap, specific to your ideas could move forward. This session will allow us both to understand the requirements and set realistic expectations.
- 02 PROJECT SCOPE & FEE PROPOSAL
Based on the outcomes of the free consultation session, I will prepare a preliminary project proposal for you, this comes with a preliminary fee proposal, which if accepted will move us to Stage 3.
- 03 SKETCH DESIGN
Includes initial discussions, confirmation of the brief, the development of a design for the project.
A set of drawings comprising proposed floor plans, site-plan and two hand drawn perspective sketches of the proposed build. Three dimensional computer modelling can vary dramatically in detail and cost (especially in the initial design stages) depending on how many iterations of the design there may be. So the extent & detail of this can be discussed once the initial sketch design has been confirmed.
Depending on the nature & complexity of a project a pre Resource Consent ‘application meeting’ may be worthwhile once a Sketch design is complete. This is an opportunity to confirm that the council will interpret its own regulations in the manner that we envision. A consultant town planner is engaged at this stage to liaise between myself and the council. This stage can take between 3-6 weeks depending on the complexity of the project.
- 04 DEVELOPED DESIGN
The Developed Design phase of the project includes the development of accurate plans and exterior elevations, establishment of materials and layouts for the bathrooms and kitchen and any other highly detailed areas.
As well as an update of the preliminary project proposal into a preliminary schedule & project scope. The design is essentially finalised at the completion of this stage. At this point I typically recommend the services of a Quantity Surveyor, in order to make an initial assessment of the project cost, allowing us to feel confident enough to move forward with the design, or amend it accordingly. This stage can take between 3-6 weeks depending on the complexity of the project.
- 05 RESOURCE CONSENT DRAWINGS & DOCUMENTATION
Most medium to large projects with any level of complexity, require a Resource Consent (RC).
This phase includes adding detail to the drawings & documentation required for the purpose of lodging an RC. This stage is where the Town planning consultant comes into his own. They are required to write a report and Assessment of Environmental Effects. Other consultants may also be required to submit reports, plans and proposals as part of the submission of the RC application. Myself and the town planner liaise between all consultants on a regular basis during this period. Once the RC has been lodged, the planner, myself and the other consultants are on hand to answer any queries that the processing planner (for the council) has. This process can take between 2-6 months depending on the nature and complexity of the project.
- 06 BUILDING CONSENT DRAWINGS & DOCUMENTATION
Most projects other than very minor internal renovations require a Building Consent (BC).
This phase includes detailed construction drawings and a specification describing the standards of workmanship for the purpose of obtaining a Building Consent. Including liaison with the council and consultants such as Structural Engineers before & during the ‘processing’ of the Building Consent.
The preparation of BC drawings and Documents can take between 4-16 weeks depending on the nature and complexity of the project. Then the council may take between 6-12 weeks to ‘process’ the BC.
- 07 PROJECT DOCUMENTATION
Most projects other than very minor internal renovations, require Project Documentation.
This phase of the project involves finalising finishing details, including electrical plans, finalising bathroom and kitchen details and all additional drawings required for construction. Which is another level of detail above and beyond what is required for just a Building Consent.
- 08 PROCUREMENT & BUILDING
There are various options for ‘procurement’ of a building project.
This can depend on a number of factors including the client's own past experiences, abilities and time available, the level of service required by the client, also the size and complexity of the project. Some clients who have built before may prefer to deal directly with the builder themselves and possibly even project manage the project themselves as well. Others prefer to include other consultants such as Quantity Surveyors and Project Managers to ‘run’ the project for them.
Depending on the level of service required, I will be on hand to do regular Construction Observations of the work as it proceeds. Or I can simply clarify any of the drawings and documentation that I have provided for the project, from the office, saving you additional fees.
Don’t be alarmed by these stages, these are typical processes that all building works go through. As your designer, I will be there for you through these stages until the completion of your project.
Get in touch
Business details
- Category:
- Architectural Designers
- Verified ArchiPro member since:
- 2022
- Associations:
- Architectural Designers New Zealand
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