Predesign

The first step is to have a consultation with you to discuss what you are trying to achieve and what discussions you have had with council.

Generally commercial projects include establishing what your business needs are to make best use of the space, and what building regulations are relevant for your project.

This can involve a large number of consultants who specialise in the various aspects of commercial buildings.

Once the brief has been set, we arrange to visit your premises to measure up the space tp make sure that the basis for the design is correct. We also obtain some information from the council, to establish as much as possible about the existing situation and any requirements we need to meet. We then model this information in 3D with our computer software to build a model of your premises as it stands.

Design

Once we have your existing model, we work through various options to achieve the desired end result. The computer software enables us to try out all sorts of possibilities in order to establish the ones that achieve your brief the best.  We provide you with plans and 3D images showing you different approaches to the design in order to explore possible compromises and opportunities.

During the initial design we review District Plan and building requirements for the site. This means that the designs from the outset work as well as possible within the constraints to achieve what you want. Information about any potential issues is provided at this stage.

At this stage other consultants may be required to have input. These can include fire engineer, services engineer, structural engineer and interior designer and is dependent on the type of business and the building situation.

Having these designs can really clarify what is important to you, what is not, and invite new ideas. We work together to tweak these layouts to arrive at one resolved design to proceed with.

Documentation

This is where we take your chosen design and put together all the technical information about how it will be constructed.

The first portion of this is producing the big picture technical information which can be used in early discussion with builders, and for the other consultants to base their work on.

This includes structural information such as walls, floors and roofs, dimensions, linings, and toilet and bathroom layouts.

Once all the information is back from the other consultants, we can compile all their information into our 3D model and check that it all works with the design. We then move onto the detailed drawings which include construction details to show how it will be constructed and how specific elements will be finished.

We also compile a Specification outlining the installation requirements and including product information appendices which contain further information and maintenance requirements for the products to be used in the build.

You will be provided with a copy of these documents to review. Once approved, we complete all the application forms and submit the complete set to council to review and grant the consent. The council may have questions during their processing time – if they do, we answer these promptly so your consent will be granted as quickly as possible.

Resource Consent

If there are any aspects of the proposed building that do not comply with the district plan requirements for your zone then a resource consent application is required. We’ll let you know at design stage or earlier if this is the case.

We put together a package of plans and a report suitable to communicate the proposal for the council to assess and decide whether they will approve or not.

If neighbours’ permission is required , we will provide packages ready for you to give to them with instructions on what is required.

Resource Consent is all about minimising any potential effects on the environment or neighbouring property amenity so it’s always our aim to minimise any effects, include any affected parties early on and have open communication throughout.

Construction

This is when the tangible work begins! Once all the relevant consents have been granted by the council, your builder can get on and get started. While our role finishes once the consent is granted, we are available if any amendments are required during the construction process or if you or your builder have any questions.