CONTEXT Architects are trained to take an overview of the entire building process, from pre-design through to post-construction.

How do you benefit by partnering with CONTEXT Architects?
What are the stages of the Architectural process?
What is the benefit of having a building programme?
Why should you use a Registered Architect?
Do we offer a drafting service?
How long will your building project take?
As the client, what are your responsibilities?
What other consultants are likely to be involved?
What technical systems do we use?
What assurance of quality control is there for you?

How do you benefit by partnering with CONTEXT Architects?

Partnering with CONTEXT Architects means you benefit from the following:

• Design skills backed up by our Architects’ five years university training. We show you how to make your living space work through 3D renderings, sketches, models, floor plans and examples of materials and samples.
• Knowledge of council requirements, the 2004 Building Act and New Zealand Building Standards. The complexity of regulations governing building has increased in recent times. We understand council requirements, and can navigate the consents’ process relatively quickly and cost effectively.
• Professionalism. We provide a professional service upholding the standards of excellence as promoted by the New Zealand Institute of Architects – of which we are a practice member.
• A Building Programme. We create a building programme for you. This marks the milestones from concept design through to documentation and construction.
• Contract administration on site. We administer the building contract between you and your builder, taking the stress and hassle out of the equation for you. As your Architect, we organise weekly meetings at the construction site to ensure the project is on track.
• Quality assurance. With CONTEXT Architects administering the building contract, you get the ‘peace of mind’ that comes with knowing your building complies with the current building codes,construction drawings, council requirements and quality standards.

What are the stages of the Architectural process?

CONTEXT's full service is broken up into six distinct stages, with each being integral to producing a successful project.

STAGE 1: CONCEPT DESIGN
Full brief taking, predesign and concept design.

We meet to discuss your brief and what you want to achieve. At this stage, we collect natural and built site information to help assess the potential of your site and the implications of the Resource Management Act and town planning issues. We communicate preliminary concept designs to you through sketches, plans and models.

STAGE 2: DEVELOPED DESIGN
Developed Design is to the point where the project can be documented for Resource and Building Consent and construction purposes.

We develop your brief into a clear and formal design. We consult with your Territorial Local Authority and prepare developed design drawings. Once you are happy and approve the final design, we co-ordinate preliminary cost estimates from other consultants (eg engineers and quantity surveyors) and use the design documents to obtain Resource Consent (if a Resource Consent is necessary).

STAGE 3: CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION
Involves documenting the project in full for Building Consent and Construction purposes.

We prepare a complete set of detailed construction documents sufficient for construction purposes. These drawings are lodged for Building Consent and used for tendering purposes. During this phase, we consult and co-ordinate with other consultants on a regular basis.

STAGE 4: TENDERING AND NEGOTIATION
Organising, coordinating and reporting on building tenders.

We prepare a complete set of pricing documents, and go out to tender to find a builder or construction company for the job. We co-ordinate the tendering process, and report back to you with a recommendation. We negotiate contract terms with the successful tenderer to achieve the best value outcome for the project.

STAGE 5: CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION AND OBSERVATION
Administering the construction contract.

This is the construction stage of the project, which can take anywhere from one month to two years, depending on the size and nature of the project.

During construction, we impartially administer the building contract between you (the owner) and the building contractor. We have regular meetings on site, and monitor the building work to ensure it complies with the design and contract, and is going according to plan. We keep you informed of progress, milestones and any issues throughout the construction process.

STAGE 6: POST CONSTRUCTION
Follow through to defects liability period.

Once construction is complete, we continue to administer the building contract through to the end of the defects liability period (the nominated period during which the contractor is still liable for any defects or building problems). At the end of construction, we also have a formal debrief with you to ensure you are happy with the end result.

What is the benefit of having a building programme?

During the briefing process, we ascertain key building milestones and then programme these milestones into a Project Programme for you. This outlines what is required at each stage, and when it is required, in order to meet key targets. During construction we also request a detailed construction programme from the building contractor.

Having a Project Programme – with key deadlines and dates - keeps your project tight and on track for completion on a set date. It ensures everyone working on the project is working towards the same, agreed dates.

Why should you use a Registered Architect?

Using a Registered Architect protects you from unethical or unprofessional building practices. Only Architects with a recognised Architectural degree and years of supervised work experience can be registered by the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB).

The Registered Architects Act 2005 requires Registered Architects to adhere to a minimum standard of ethical conduct and to maintain professional competence throughout their practising careers. The Act clearly states that people who design buildings, prepare plans, and specifications for buildings, or who supervise the construction of buildings may not use the title 'Architect' unless they are a Registered Architect.

Do we offer a drafting service?

Yes, CONTEXT Architects offers a drafting service. Director Stephen Voyle and Tony Pilkington are qualified, experienced draftspeople who provide an efficient, professional service. Drafting services are only for smaller projects where there is little or no design input and the service is limited to providing documentation for council and building consent purposes. Charging for drafting projects is on an hourly basis.

For drafting projects, CONTEXT Architects does not carry out contract administration, meaning we do not administer the building contract between you and your builder.

Please contact us if you are interested in our drafting service.

How long will your building project take?

The length of time it takes from start to finish of a building project varies depending on the size and scope of the project. Projects can run anywhere from six months to two years.

The council consent process can also vary greatly in the time it takes to process consents, and processing can each take anywhere from four to twenty weeks.

The actual construction period where work is being done on site again varies. A standard renovation is usually between three to six months, whereas a new house or complex renovation may take longer.

As the client, what are your responsibilities?

As the client, you are heavily involved throughout the Architectural and building process. Your involvement is clearly outlined in the New Zealand Institute of Architects' contract between you and CONTEXT Architects.

You will be involved in the design process, with meetings about the concept and developed design. This involvement is to gauge your wishes and ideas, and to ensure you understand and are happy with the proposed design.

You may also be involved in the Resource Consent application process (if your project needs a Resource Consent), particularly if there are neighbours involved who need to sight and sign off on the proposed plans.

CONTEXT Architects manages the entire process, and stays in communication with you advising of where the project is at, and when your involvement is required.

What other consultants are likely to be involved?

In the resource consent process and at other stages in a project, other consultants are usually required for their input. The most common of these are a land surveyor, a structural engineer, a geotechnical engineer and often an arborist (particularly for sites with native bush). In addition, a quantity surveyor is recommended to provide checks on the project’s construction cost plan.

Consultants are separately engaged, and CONTEXT Architects obtains fee proposals from consultants on your behalf and gains your approval before proceeding to engage them. CONTEXT coordinates which consultants are needed, and when, throughout the process.

What technical systems do we use?

We design, document and present using the best available technologies. CONTEXT Architects’ 3D presentation software allows us to produce 3D imagery and sketches for concept and developed design work.

The software platform we work off is the latest version of AutoCAD ADT, and includes CAD standards, schedules and specification systems.

What assurance of quality control is there for you?

As an Architectural practice, our Architects are fully conversant with the 2004 Building Act and local council regulations, as well as BRANZ standards.

We have access to a wide range of resources offered by the New Zealand Institute of Architects - including professional development programmes, updates on new building legislation and codes, a Quality Management programme, and an internationally recognised Environmental Policy - all of which are utilised to add value for our clients.

All building work is fully compliant with the 2004 Building Act, New Zealand Standards, and an internationally recognised Environmental policy, ensuring that workmanship is to the highest standards.