What we can do for you . . . ?

Architectural Design Services offered by Imagine Building Design can be split into four main stages:

Imagine Building Design has the in-house expertise to take a project from the initial client consultation through to project completion. Along the way we undertake full design, building consent documentation, tender/pricing documentation, tender process management and construction supervision. Each stage has appropriate quality control procedures and checks in place.  All services to be undertaken are agreed to with a Design Services Agreement signed by both parties. As a Professional Member of Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ) Imagine Building Design uses the ADNZ "Conditions of Engagement" for all their Design Services Agreements.

#1 Free Initial Consultation Stage:

Imagine Building Design offers a no obligation,  Free Initial Consultation ⁽¹⁾, to all prospective clients to discuss their dreams, goals and aspirations for their project. The brief, budget and project timeframe are usually established at this meeting. From this meeting the Design Service Agreement establishing scope of work and fee structure is usually proposed to the client. 

Notes:  (1) The free inital consultation allows for up to 2 hours for the meeting and 75km travel and 1 hour travel time. Any subsequent travel and travel time or additional meeting time incurs additional charges.

#2 Design Stage:

Imagine Building Design carry out all the design "in-house" on our projects. We generally do not provide a “draughting only” service. Our passion for good design, both aesthetically and functionally is apparent through the awards we have won and the testimonies of our clients. There is nothing we enjoy more than seeing the goals, plans and needs of our clients fulfilled through thoughtful, creative and energy efficient design solutions.

Once the Design Service Agreement is signed by both the Designer and the Client then the "Design Stage" begins. During this stage the designer will have visited the site and taken key measurements, levels and photographs as well as doing a records check or getting a LIM report at the local District or City Council. The design process covers concept sketches through to top end 3d artist’s impressions and animations as well as establishing the construction methods and material selections for the project. The design is revised as required until the client is satisfied.  The team have broad experience in many construction systems as well as vast material knowledge.

An independant cost estimate by a Quantity Surveyor is undertaken to check the design against the budget.  This will give a good indication of the 'build' cost for the client.  If the client is happy with the estimate then they 'sign' it off as approved and the project proceeds to the next stage otherwise the design and/or brief is reviewed and modified to suit.

#3 Documentation Stage:

Once the approved design and approved cost estimate are established the design is then developed into detailed drawings and specifications ready for building consent lodgement and tendering. Quality documentation is a priority value of Imagine Building Design. Our philosophy is that if a job is well designed and well documented the construction side of the project goes much better. Our drawings are clear and concise making the work of the builder and Building Consent Authority so much easier.

#4 Construction Stage:

The majority of our projects have the construction stage administered by us. From tenderer selection, management of insurances, periodic on site observation, processing of contractor claims, compilation of warrantees and guarantees, practical completion inspections and defects liability inspection. Good communication and regular site visits ensure that problems and delays are identified early and addressed quickly. The predominant standard for construction contracts that we use is NZS 3910:2003. The feedback from clients is that this stage provides security and confidance in the process for them by having their designer continue to be actively involved in the project.

Other Services:

In addition to the 4 main stages Imagine Building Design also offers the following:

• Resource Consent applications
• Kitchen Design
• Interior Design and Colour Schemes
• Masterplanning
• Feasibility Studies
• 3d modelling and animation

So.....  how much will these Architectural Design Services cost?

Typically fees are charged as a percentage of the approved cost estimate. This provides the client 'Piece of Mind' by having the fee 'Fixed' at an early stage. The actual percentage is agreed to at the start of the project so there are no hidden surprises! 

Typically a Full Service (stages 1,2,3 & 4) for a new house is  around 9-12% + GST and Partial Service (stages 1,2  & 3) for a new house 7-10% + GST. The actual percentage will depend on the size and complexity of the project.  A complex renovation will be at the higher end of the percentage scale whilst a large but relatively straightforward new house on a good flat site would be at the lower end of the range.

Example:  A new house that has a build cost $500,000 + GST the Full Service fee @ 10% would be $50,000.00 + GST and a Partial Service fee @ 7% would be $35,000 + GST.

For jobs under $200,000 in value and our other services, these are charged for on an hourly rate.

A full and comprehensive Design Service Agreement explaining the scope of services provided, terms of trade, fee structure etc is agreed to and signed by both the Client and the Designer before any work proceeds. This provides a foundation of trust and gives assurance and security to all parties.