Don Jamieson Architecture

Don Jamieson Architecture offers personal accountability and service. The team includes a balanced mix of architects, technicians and graduates along with administrative support. The practice is based in Hataitai, Wellington and has completed projects throughout New Zealand. 

Don Jamieson Architecture is a limited liability company and has been in existence since January 1992. 
We are a NZIA Practice and a member of New Zealand Green Building Council. We work in a participatory way, bring a diverse range of cultural experiences and backgrounds into the design process.

Particular emphasis is placed on the provision of environmentally responsible and energy efficient design solutions, which also create interior environments that are ‘healthy’ for the users.

Home Assessment for Health and Sustainability

Assess your existing or proposed home with this two part free guide
The Needs & Benefits summary looks at features and benefits for the following questions
• Will this home suit my desire to live a more sustainable lifestyle?
• Will buying or continuing to live in this home be an expensive mistake?
• Will this home be a healthy house to live in?
Read More

Needs and Options Review

It is not uncommon for people to know they want to do a building project and have thought about it quite a bit but just don’t know what is feasible for their property...
Or worse, launch into an expensive design service without establishing a relationship with the architect or worse still not carefully establishing the groundwork for the project. Read more

Eco Consultancy

You may be at the initial investigation stage or undertaking a project that does not need our full architectural services. Whatever the reason we provide a range of specialised Eco Consultancy services to suit your needs. These include Design for Green Star Rated Buildings; Sustainable Design for Schools; Home Assessment for Sustainability & Site Selection advice; Permaculture Design. Read more

Design for Accessibility/ Universal Design

The 2013 New Zealand Disability Survey found that 24% of the current population has some form of disability. Many of these people are living, working and learning in environments that make their lives unnecessarily difficult or do not support their disability. We actively design to provide safe and accessible buildings for all users. Read More

The Architectural Process

Beginning with an initial consultation we explain the process of design, documentation, consenting, procurement and construction. This is a thorough and tested process supported by the New Zealand Institute of Architects, to ensure that you finish with the building of your dreams, within your budget and in the time frame agreed. Read More

Fees

By engaging Don Jamieson Architecture as your architect we are providing our knowledge, skills and experience in return for a professional fee. The fees for providing the agreed services may be calculated on a Lump Sum, a Time Charge or a Percentage Fee basis, or a combination of these depending on the budget, services offered and complexity of the project. 
Read More

The Problem

It is not uncommon for people to know they want to do a building project and have thought about it quite a bit but just don’t know what is feasible for their property...
Or worse, launch into an expensive design service without establishing a relationship with the architect or worse still not carefully establishing the groundwork for the project.

Before you begin the Design process it is essential to answer the following:
• What are the possibilities and limitations for our site / building?
• Is the idea we have possible?
• Is our idea within our budget and how long will it take to complete?
• Who should I work with and what is the process from design through to construction?
• What further things do we need to investigate?
• And hopefully, how can sustainable design be incorporated into our project?

The Promise

“A surgeon wouldn’t operate without a proper diagnosis”, so …
The initial Needs and Options Review works in the same way. It will allow you to start an exploration designed to precisely understand your requirements and potential roadblocks, then gives:

• Graphic as well as written summary of our findings in an initial site concept or feasibility plan and report
• Timeline and Rough Order of Cost
• The next steps and further investigation required

If after working through this phase you decide that your project needs have changed or that you no longer wish to work together, the Needs and Options Review and concept plan are yours to keep with no obligation.

The Process

We designed this process because we see an issue in the construction industry of people starting design and construction BEFORE they have fully done their research and homework. BEFORE they had critiqued their ideas.
The consequence of inadequate upfront research of needs and options is like building a house on bad foundations. 
The foundations are the most important part of the whole house because everything is built on top. It’s very expensive to change the foundations once you have started to build on top of them. But it’s very easy to change them if they are simply lines on a plan.
So we spend a little more time on the research than most other firms who rush their clients into the design phase.
Does that make sense? We will not rush this step. It only causes cost over runs later if we take short cuts and don’t establish solid foundations.
There are four important steps before building starts:

1. Discovery or Needs and Options Review 
2. Design and Cost Estimates
3. Construction Documentation 
4. Consents and Procurement

Below is a summary of the first step as we see it a typical project.

NEEDS AND OPTIONS REVIEW:
To lay the foundations for a good design process we begin by gathering the appropriate information required to enable subsequent phases of the commission to be undertaken. 

This would include:
a) Discussions with you to define your needs and aspirations for the project and the development of an initial Project Brief that defines the key requirements including time and financial targets
b) Obtaining archive drawings and other information for the existing building and site including location of services
c) Investigation of District Plan requirements and other site restrictions and how this may affect the design
d) Building Code preliminary assessment to identify crucial items related to the project
e) Identifying the need for other professional advice

At the conclusion of this process we would prepare a graphic as well as written summary of our findings in an initial site concept or feasibility plan and report. This would include an outline of the next stages and an approximate timeline as well as a Rough Order Cost estimate for the works proposed.

Key Benefits

• It minimizes your risk to faulty design decisions by laying the proper ground work up-front
• It clarifies the project constraints so that good and efficient design decisions can be made
• It helps us determine if this working relationship is a “fit” for both parties (you and us) before fully committing to a contract for further services
• It allows you to explore your goals for your project in a structured format
• See the first concepts of the design to see if this fits with your vision and aspirations

The Price?

Our fees for this process vary depending on the scale of the project. Contact us for a quote.

What would happen next?

We would follow up with a full written & sketched summary of the outcomes along with a proposal for further professional services as appropriate.

You may be at the initial investigation stage or undertaking a project that does not need our full architectural services. Whatever the reason we can provide a range of specialised Eco Consultancy services to suit your needs.

Green Star Design

Don Jamieson is a Green Star New Zealand accredited professional. He can provide advice on your proposed Green Star project and be either the lead consultant through the Green Star design and accreditation process or provide those services directly related to the architect. His areas of expertise are in Education and small commercial or mixed use projects.

Sustainable school design

Your school might be an Enviroschool or you may be developing an independent sustainable philosophy for your school. We can provide advice on

• Classroom orientation for optimising solar gain and natural ventilation
• Design for natural daylighting
• Selection of non-toxic materials and furniture
• Sustainable heating systems
• Rainwater harvesting

Site selection & prepurchase advice

The biggest impact on energy use and long term sustainability comes right at the start of a project with the site or building selection. Choosing a poor site or building will make the aim to an energy efficient and sustainable building more difficult and costly. We provide a range of services to help at this important stage. 

• Assessment of the site to advise on its suitability for achieving the environmental goals of the project
• Building pre-purchase inspections to assess the options for a sustainable refurbishment. See also our Sustainable Home Buying Assessment
• Needs Analysis Workshops to assess the viability of a project including answering the question: How can environmentally sustainable design be incorporated into our project?

Permaculture design

The principals of permaculture can be incorporated into all projects ranging from the smallest apartment up to full eco-community developments. Taking natural systems as a model and working with nature, permaculture seeks to design and build productive, ecologically sustainable environments, providing basic human needs such as healthy food, shelter and education and the appropriate economic and social system to support this.

Universal Design makes things safer, easier and more convenient for everyone. Universal Design involves designing products and spaces so that they can be used by the widest range of people possible. Universal Design evolved from Accessible Design, a design process that addresses the needs of people with disabilities. Universal Design goes further by recognizing that there is a wide spectrum of human abilities. Everyone, even the most able-bodied person, passes through childhood, periods of temporary illness, injury and old age. By designing for this human diversity, we can create things that will be easier for all people to use.

LifeMark Homes

In New Zealand the Universal Design movement is represented by the LifemarkTM. The LifemarkTM is an independent seal of approval, from Lifetime Design Limited, awarded to homes that have been designed and built to a specific set of quality design standards which make them safe and easy to live in for everyone – no matter what their age, stage or ability. Don Jamieson Architecture is a Lifemark TM Accredited Partner with Lifetime Design Limited as their goals and values are very much in alignment with ours and the work we promote.

A LifemarkTM Home is based on five key principals of:

• Usable
• Adaptable
• Accessible
• Safe
• Lifetime value 

Usable

• Common sense design features that meet the needs of people of different ages and abilities over time
• Features that make home life easier including reachable power points and easy to use taps.
• Kitchen and laundry facilities that are easy to use

Adaptable

• Design features that can be easily adapted to the changing needs of the occupants as they progress through life
• Integral design and specification features that will facilitate adaptions at a later stage for a household that has a family member with a temporary or permanent disability, or a progressive condition
• Rooms can be used for multiple purpose and the home itself can be easily added to as the need arises

Accessible

• A home that enables an occupant or visitors to be able to access it easily, safely and independently
• Parking space that is wide enough for everyone to get in and out of their cars
• Level, slip resistant access
• A covered, level entry
• Generous wide doorways
• Light switches and door handles are placed at a convenient height
• Power and other sockets are placed away from internal corners
• Windows have accessible lever handles
• Strengthened walls in the bathroom to accommodate future grab rails and shower seat

Safe

• Uses common sense design features that a proven to prevent injuries in the home.
• Exterior and interior sensor lighting
• Level, slip resistant access
• Well-designed stairs.
• The kitchen not a main thoroughfare
• Appliances are easily accessible and positioned away from corners
• Lever handles are used on all taps

Lifetime Value

• Design features that are easily incorporated into the homes design and construction early on with only a marginal, if any, cost effect
• Once occupied a Lifemark home will save the household money when the needs change since the home is able to be quickly and easily adapted to suit the new set of circumstances

See a built example of a Five Star LifemarkTM

Modifying existing homes

Whether it is due to age, illness or accident many different people are affected by disabilities and to different levels. Accessibility design is about providing you or your loved ones with independence, safety and a better quality of life within your existing house by modifying it to become a barrier free home. 
We have a great deal of experience in this field having regularly provided services to both ACC and the Ministry of Health. We can design your housing modifications to suit your own unique needs and budget.

Some of the things we can improve for you;

General Access & Mobility

• Vehicle access, such as parking layouts, garage/ carport modifications and new covered transfer areas 
• Interior/exterior access, this includes low rise steps and ramps, handrails and level slip-resistant surfaces
• Interior circulation, such as widening doors and openings, widening hallways and improving turning spaces, easy-opening doors with accessible handles and locks
• Installation of lifts, includes wheelchair lifts, low rise platforms and stair lifts 

Kitchens, Bathrooms and Laundries

• Modified/customised work surfaces, includes low level work tops, sinks and vanities, adjustable height work tops
• Customised joinery, this includes low level storage design, easy access cupboard doors and drawers, appropriate appliance selection and placement
• The installation of in-floor showers and low entry showers
• Integration of specifically designed fittings and fixtures, such as shower seats, accessible vanities and accessible toilet suites

Other

• Customised storage and room spaces
• Improved layout of services, including electrical and plumbing fixtures

1. Initial Consultation

We will have had initial telephone or email discussions about your vision and the scope of the project. Following this we meet to discuss your needs in more detail, clarify any parts of the process that you are not clear on and how Don Jamieson Architecture can assist you achieve your vision. This is a “no obligation” consultation and there are no fees associated with this meeting. No design advice is provided at this stage.

This consultation allows us to establish the professional services you require and the fees associated with those services. Refer to Fees for a guide on what to expect. An agreement for architectural services is then prepared for your approval. Once the agreement is confirmed we commence work on the following phases. 

s an alternative to committing to the traditional process we have developed a no obligation initial step called the Needs and Options Review.
This process:

• Minimizes your risk to faulty design decisions by laying the proper ground work up-front
• Clarifies the project constraints so that good and efficient design decisions can be made
• Helps us determine if this working relationship is a “fit” for both parties (you and us) before fully committing to a contract for further services.

2. The Project Brief

You describe the aspirational, physical and functional requirements of the project and any design ideas and inspirations you may have. We discuss our sustainable design approach and how this can be integrated into the design. This written Brief establishes the project vision, scope of work, budget and timeframe.

3. Pre-Design

Site information and District Plan requirements are gathered and analyzed. Any existing buildings are assessed, measured if needed and modelled on our 3D CAD system. If required we recommend the appointment of a land surveyor to carry out a site survey and following this we will prepare a 3D CAD model of the site. We can also assist prior to your purchase of a property by assessing an existing dwelling or building site for potential and suitability.

4. Concept Design

We relate the Brief requirements to the site, considering orientation, access, slope, existing vegetation and structures, site constraints and district plan requirements. The Conceptual Design will capture your vision for the project and identify the overall form, spatial volumes and materials. Normally hand drawn layout plans and conceptual sketches illustrate the concept for your review and feedback. 

5. Preliminary Design

The Concept is refined into the Preliminary Design and 3D CAD model. The Preliminary Design drawings depict the relationship of the building to the site, the interior spatial planning and provide an understanding of how the building will function. Floor and site plans, elevations, sections and 3D representations are prepared for your approval. We can provide an interactive 3D CAD model for you to review on your computer.

6. Preliminary Estimate

It is crucial to the success of the project that the projected construction costs match your budget. We will normally recommend you appoint an independent quantity surveyor, to provide a Preliminary Estimate of Cost based on the Preliminary Design.

7. Developed Design

Once the Preliminary Design is agreed and the financial viability of the project is established we proceed with the Developed Design. This involves the development of the approved Preliminary Design to a greater level of detail and incorporates design input from the other consultants. 
The following Consultants may need to be appointed: 

• Structural Engineer for the design of foundations and structure
• Other Specialist Consultants depending on the nature of the project eg. Fire Engineer, Acoustic Engineer

The Developed Design drawings will finalise the spatial planning (indoor and outdoor), exterior forms, materials, the services, the relationship of the building to the site; the fittings and furniture layouts. 
Compliance with the Building Code is reviewed and any adjustments to the design are made.

Floor and site plans, elevations, and sections are prepared and the computer model and details are further developed.

8. Resource Consent

If the project has any non-compliance matters in relation to the District Plan a Resource Consent will be required. The Developed Design drawings will be updated to include the relevant information. This may also happen at the Preliminary Design stage for simple projects.

In many situations we will be able to prepare the Resource Consent assessment. If there are complex issues to be addressed then we would recommend a separate consultant be engaged.

The Resource Consent consultant will liaise with the Council during the Resource Consent process. An Assessment of Environmental Effects Report will be prepared in accordance with the Resource Management Act. 

9. Detailed Design and Documentation

The Detailed Design drawings and specifications are prepared based on the approved Developed Design with final input from the Consultants. This includes a Site Plan, Existing Plan, Floor Plan, Foundation Plan, Roof Plan, Elevations, Cross Sections, Details, Window and Door Schedules, Services Plan and Construction Specifications.

Structural Drawings, Details and Specifications will be provided by the Engineer.

These drawings form the basis for a building consent application and tender documentation for construction.

10. Building Consent

We will normally make the application on your behalf for Building Consent, provide compliance reports and manage the process through the Council for you. 

11. Contractor Procurement

The various methods for procuring contractors and the form of the Contract are discussed early in the process. This typically includes either tendering or negotiation of the contract. We prepare contract documents and oversee the procurement process which also involves assessing suitable contractors. 

If a tender process is followed this involves calling for tenders, answering queries from contractors during the tender period, and receiving tenders. We analyze the tenders and prepare a report for your approval recommending a main contractor and accepting the tender. 

We coordinate the signing of contractual documents between yourself and the successful contractor.

12. Contract Administration and Observation

Finally construction can begin and we will manage the contract administration and site observation during construction. The contractor provides continuous on site supervision of the work.

We will convene an initial pre-contract meeting to establish the contract and then regular site meetings and visits to ensure construction work is in accordance with the contract documents and that our expectations of quality are met.

We will answer any project queries, process variations, assess and certifying project payments, and inspect and approve Practical Completion. 

We arrange for the contractor to rectify any defects during the Defects Liability Period, and gather final project documentation including the Code of Compliance Certificate from the Council.

Assess your existing or proposed home with this two part free guide.

The Needs & Benefits summary looks at features and benefits for the following questions

• Will this home suit my desire to live a more sustainable lifestyle?
• Will buying or continuing to live in this home be an expensive mistake?
• Will this home be a healthy house to live in?

The Check Sheet rates the following on how they could affect the occupant’s health and ability to create a sustainable lifestyle.

• Location
• Access 
• Land
• Indoor environment
• Outdoor environment
• Building
• Insulation
• Construction materials

While investigating a property recently for a client to buy Don realized that many people, including real estate agents, were unaware of how different homes could have a significant effect on both their personal health and their ability to live a sustainable lifestyle. Buying the wrong house could lead to poor health and expensive future renovations. “Some properties’’ he says “will never be made into healthy living environments due to their proximity to pollution and the lack of sun during winter”.

From this experience Don has developed a Home Assessment for Health and Sustainability that he is offering to home buyers to help them make informed decisions. This is a free guide and comes in two parts: A Needs & Benefits summary and a follow up Check Sheet. The Check Sheet can be used to rate a home or site before purchase.

“The house I was looking at for my client was in a gully and completely blocked by the neighbouring house to the north. I carried out a sun study and this showed that the main living spaces and deck would receive no sun for at least three months during the winter, partially explaining the damp musty feel of the house. Additionally the house was clad with asbestos lining and uninsulated. Naturally the recommendation was to not look into this house any further; in fact I believe that this particular house was so bad that nobody should be living in it”.

Download this free helpful guide

We're committed to working together to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients. Our collaborative working environment encourages personal involvement and contribution from the whole team, who together bring a broad range of experience and talent to the table.
 

DON JAMIESON DIRECTOR
Coming from a family with a long history in the building industry, some of Don's earliest memories are of building sites and visiting clients with his father. When looking at possible career paths, he initially considered engineering due to his strengths in maths but the exciting architecture that was being realised in Wellington by Ian Athfield and Roger Walker mixed with early exposure to the wonders of Le Corbusier’s Radiant City concepts turned him towards the creative possibilities of an architectural career. 

Don completed his Architecture Degree in 1981, then left for Sydney and worked for 2 years in a firm designing clubs and casinos. Several years of world travel followed where he enjoyed exploring vernacular and indigenous architecture. He eventually settled back in Wellington and worked in an architectural practice, gaining registration as an architect in 1990.

The financial crisis of 1990 lead to a job change that found him working in the education sector and eventually to start this practice in 1992. A passion for passive solar architecture along with a desire to assist people to enjoy healthy stimulating built environments formed the ethos of the practice Don established at inception and continues to be core focus today.

Don has studied Permaculture and implements these principles in his work. His own house and city section has been developed using the principals of Permaculture in an urban environment.
 

JILL ALEXANDER OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Good design and the built environment has kept Jill engaged in providing sound practice management in the world of architecture for almost 25 years. With excellent architectural plans and hammer and nails Jill built her first home on a steep, tree covered site in Wellington. She believes the great design elements of that house are still relevant today. In her spare time she likes to design and hand make contemporary sterling silver jewellery.
 

KERYN THOMPSON SENIOR TECHNICIAN
Growing up with both her father and grandfather employed as builders Keryn was exposed to construction sites and the joy of buildings taking shape at an early age. This obviously left a lasting impression and she went on to acheive her Diploma in Architectural Technology in the mid 90’s. Keryn is currently in the process of completing the relevant paperwork to become a registered Architect.

With 20 years as a key part of Don's team she has enjoyed the diversity of projects that have come through the practice, honing the skills required to complete them and the relaxed professional working environment.

Having recently taken on the challenges of parenthood, Keryn’s interests have taken a slight backseat, but when she has time she enjoys tramping, yoga and sewing.
 

JOSHUA DUBBELD ARCHITECTURAL GRADUATE
Josh studied at Victoria University completing his Master of Architecture (Prof) and joined the practice in 2016. His final year thesis examined medium density living in Wellington, exploring ways in which a greater sense of flexibility and personal engagement could be used to redefine this typically rigid and prescriptive typology. 

Since joining Don Jamieson Architecture Josh has discovered new ways to challenge his ideas on efficient and flexible use of space. He has an interest in construction material detailing and understanding how a design can be built and fully resolved; how age and patina can be planned for in an age of highly engineered and perfect construction. 

Josh has a long-standing interest in how things are made and honed over time; by constructing objects and joinery himself to develop a profound appreciation of how things are made. He is a skilled user of CAD and BIM software, and produces creative visualisations of conceptual designs. He also enjoys making physical models as a means of realistically envisioning the multiple spaces of a design in one succinct mass.