Services
DESIGN PROCESS
A key aspect of our design process is the inclusion of sustainably driven strategies, collaboration between client and consultants, and creative design exploration fused with technical discipline. We specialise in utilising hand-drawn concept sketches and models during concept, which shift into CAD software and thermal modelling to help develop comprehensive designs. This process enables us to produce unique designs that are responsive to both the environment, people and purpose. See more on the design stages below.
DOCUMENTS / OBSERVATION
At HB Architecture, we provide a comprehensive range of architectural services, including detailed documentation for consenting applications, procurement services, and ongoing site observation and administration. Involving our team through this stage ensures clear coordination between all parties on-site and allows us to monitor construction for both quality and compliance with the consented documents. This helps your project progress smoothly, efficiently, and to the highest standard. Our services are designed not only to bring your project to life but to reflect the care, experience, and attention to detail that define our practice.
We deliver a range of services. These services not only can help bring your project to life, but also reflect what we as a practice bring to the table.
Pre-design Services
We can meet with you to discuss design intentions and to conduct a feasibility study. This first step allows us to establish the best approach to your project and gather information on the building and site, including any environmental, social and cultural aspects. We can then liaise with quantity surveyors and a geotechnical engineer to establish a cost estimate and existing site conditions that will be needed to proceed in future stages.
Concept Design
After establishing your brief and scope of work, we will create simple concept drawings to discuss the design with you. We specialise in utilising hand-drawn concept sketches and models to ensure we can creatively and efficiently explore the design of your project.
Master Planning / Urban & Landscape Design
We produce master plans that identify a project’s optimal possibilities, risks, and potential for staging both short and long-term projects. For both large-scale projects, such as multi-unit housing, mixed-use buildings or commercial projects, it is our goal to create desirable & interactive environments in which to live, work and play. We can produce both landscape and urban schemes that integrate the environment into our architectural designs.
Drag the above left to see more
Preliminary design
Once the concept is agreed upon, our team will use computer software and thermal modelling to help develop the sketches into comprehensive designs. This helps give you an impression of the finished project before it’s built, while creating presentation drawings or a document set for Resource Consents if the project does not meet the requirements of the district plan. Here, we can work with you, the council, and planners to obtain approval. We can also offer interior design services, architects’ impressions and traditional or 3D printed models of your design.
Developed Design
Collaboration between all parties involved in the project is a key aspect of our design process. The developed design stage is when we refine the design by coordinating with and integrating information from specialists, sub-consultants, and the resource consent conditions. This stage is also when we evaluate costs and timelines with builders or quantity surveyors, as well as prepare initial thermal reporting for H1 requirements. This step ensures that we work towards your scope and expectations.
Detailed Design & Documentation
This stage takes your project to a more comprehensive level. Our team, guided by a blend of technical discipline, critical thinking and creative exploration, methodically produces drawings and documents that accurately reflect your project that will be built. This allows for concise pricing by potential tenders and quantity surveyors, and produces project documentation such as specifications, reports, and producer statements that will be submitted for Building Consent. We can assist in the Building Consent process by coordinating with the relevant council, builders and consultants, and by compiling the relevant documents needed for submission.
Construction Drawings
During this phase, tendering, evaluation and negotiations will be conducted and contractual documents will be issued. Once the construction agreements and contracts have been finalised, and the Building Consent has been granted, we will issue a final set of construction drawings and documents to you and the contractor prior to site work commencing. This step is our quality control measure that ensures any changes that may have occurred during the consent and tender processes are identified before construction, minimising the risk of costly mistakes.
Contract Administration
Our team can offer project management services alongside design and documentation, allowing us to oversee the entire building process from start to finish. Not many professions offer such a comprehensive service. By utilising our team, we can manage and administer all communications, contractors’ claims, and payment schedules. The construction process has many parties involved, and our trained professionals can assist you in completing the project smoothly.
Site Observation
During the site observation stage, we coordinate with contractors and monitor the progress of work with regular site visits to assess and report on construction work. This allows us to record variations, conduct quality checks, and work with contractors to solve any on-site matters. This enables us to assist in communications between contractors and ensure that what is built reflects what is designed. Finally, following the hard work of all the parties involved, practical completion can be certified.
