A registered architect designs structures from houses to large commercial buildings. Some specialise in residential or commercial, heritage or modern, but all bring technical skills, a practical understanding and creative ability to each project. Architects look for solutions that ensure each project meets the needs of the client, and enhances its city or rural setting. Your architect will design your building, and can also handle the project management, if required.

Choosing the perfect architect for a project is like choosing the perfect partner – they must share your vision and add valuable new dimensions to a new build or renovation project. Luckily there is a diverse range of qualified, experienced and talented architects in New Zealand. And, if you are looking for green architects, you are in the right place – more and more architects specialise in sustainable design for residential, industrial and commercial buildings.

Questions to ask before hiring an architect

With so many considerations, here we narrow down the top questions to consider when choosing between New Zealand’s top architects:

• What is your design philosophy?
• What is your experience with projects similar to mine?
• Can I see a portfolio of your work and speak to past clients?
• What will the design process entail and how and at what stage will the designs be presented to me?
• What challenges and opportunities do you see with my project and how will you approach these?
• Are you specialised as a residential architect, commercial architect or industrial architect?
• Will the work entails whole home construction, a small alteration, or large scale home renovations?
• Have you already had an architecture firm recommended to you, or does a particular project or portfolio stand out to you?

Once you have the answers to the above, the field will narrow somewhat, making the all-important decision of who the best architects are for the project that little bit easier.

Find out more: 7 Questions to ask your architect

Architecturally designed homes

Architects are specialists in their field. They work closely with the client to determine the way a building will be used, how its uses will change over time, and how the occupants’ lifestyles will impact the design to tailor individualised spaces.

Architects will also consider site-specific elements such as sun, wind, views, privacy, the gradient of the land, local environmental and built environs, and materiality. 

In this way, architects are able to create beautiful, bespoke spaces that are designed specifically around the lifestyle and personality nuances of an individual or group. 

Choosing to engage an architect to design a new home is akin to commissioning a piece of art from a skilled artist rather than buying a cheap replica print from a discount store; what is delivered at the end of the project is a thing of beauty rather than a commercialised commodity the same as many others in existence. 

Does it cost more to use an architect?

For some, the thought of using an architect is a daunting one, primarily because of the perceived cost of doing so. However, while an architect’s fee needs to be built into the overall project budget, that cost becomes a saving when the project is considered as a whole. 

Engaging an architect can actually significantly reduce costs rather escalate the cost of the building. Working with an architect opens the door to a wealth of creativity, skill and specialised knowledge. Architects combine skills and disciplines to create bespoke spaces and functional, beautiful buildings. Their work is underpinned by creativity, technical skill and analytical ability. 

The benefits of using an architect are wide-ranging with the most obvious, the final outcome – well designed, personalised spaces that fit perfectly with the client’s needs. Second to that, of course, are the efficiencies throughout the design and construction phase that an architect will achieve flowing through everything from the detailed design phase, to the tender for construction, and the general management of the entire process from concept through to final completion, if the architect is to project manage the build phase.

Spending money in a certain way and engaging an architect has a direct benefit to the finished building. An architect will carefully consider light, ventilation, proportion, space, and function. An architect looks at the psychology of the spaces and how they will reflect the personality of the client.

An architecturally designed home generally has a much higher resale value than other houses, and invites cost-efficiencies from materiality through to clever design decisions that maximise light, space, form and function and reduce the ongoing costs of the house.

Sustainable design

With an ever-increasing interest in self sufficient homes, sustainable homes and energy efficient homes, a whole new subsection of architecture is growing and firmly establishing itself in the New Zealand market. So, for architects who care as much about the aesthetic design as they do about the materials, energy conservation properties and wider environmental impact of the project, you will find yourself spoilt for choice.