acd architecture: faq

What is the design process?

2. Initial consultation (1/2 hour)
During the initial consultation we discuss your design ideas, site conditions and budgets. It is beneficial to bring with you a site plan and any relevant information pertaining to the site, suburb and area (e.g., council requirements). Magazine clippings, design literature and photographs of your ideas are also a great way to explain your concept. All this information will give us guidance in creating a quotation and scheme plan. The first half hour of the initial consultation is free of charge.

3. Time and cost quotation
After the initial consultation, acd architecture is able to provide our clients with a quotation on both cost and an approximate time schedule. We will enter into a contractual agreement once the quotation has been accepted and proceed with the scheme plan.

4. Scheme Plan
A scheme plan will be created based on the initial consultation. It will include a basic floor plan, elevations, and where possible, a site plan. The scheme plan enables us to give you a visual representation of your ideas before we proceed with a full set of plans. There will usually be some changes at the scheme plan stage. However, it is useful to note that the clearer you can be in the initial consultation the more effective and efficient we can be in creating a scheme plan.

5. Permit set
When all concerned are happy to proceed, the scheme plan will progress to a full set of permit plans. This often involves other design consultants and is the lengthiest stage of the design process. This set of plans will be the set submitted to council once payment from our client has been received.

Once all concerned agree the plans are ready to submit to council, acd architecture will prepare all documents for lodgment. We will request a final consultation and have our client sign the necessary paperwork. Finally the permit plans will be submitted to council.

acd architecture will liaise with council during the approval process and will inform our client as to the progress of their plans. Amendments required by council will be addressed swiftly.

Once the plans have been approved, the client will be contacted by council. acd architecture will then supply our client with permit drawings and a documentation package as agreed upon during the initial consultation.

acd architecture likes to be informed as to the progress of the building and the finished product of our designs. We will therefore contact our clients close to the completion date of their homes to gain vital feedback on the whole design progress.

What costs are involved?
We will discuss costs with our clients during the initial consultation. Costs are in direct proportion with the size and complexity of our clients’ homes. It should also be noted that the more specific and clear design ideas are in the beginning of the design process the less the design will need to be altered, therefore minimizing costs.

What time frames can be expected?
Again the time frames will be discussed during the initial consultation. They are also in direct proportion with the size and complexity of our clients’ homes. These factors also have affect during the council approval process.

Why should I use a registered architectural company?
As we are a member of Architectural Designers New Zealand Incorporated (ADNZ Inc) you are guaranteed a professional, quality service. We ensure the level of detail and accuracy is in accordance with the building code and current regulations. We are committed to an ethical and honest business environment.

What are my responsibilities as a client?
Our clients are involved during the majority of the design process. acd architecture keeps our clients abreast of the progress of their home through each stage. In order for a smooth transition of ideas to finished drawings it is imperative that communication between acd architecture and our clients is clear and simple.

Who else is involved in the process?
Depending on the complexity of the design certain consultant’s services may be required. Such consultants might include structural engineers, surveyors or geotechnical engineers.

Does acd architecture provide draughting services?
Yes, acd architecture has a team of designers who provide an efficient and effective draughting service.

What if I have more than one project?
acd architecture is able to cater for anything from two residential homes on a spilt site, to an entire subdivision, to an apartment complex. We have systems in place for all and welcome negotiations for an ongoing relationship with our clients.

What type of technology is used?
acd architecture uses the latest technology to design, document, track and present our clients designs. This technology allows our clients to see 3D images of their dream home ideas.

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