Pre-Engagement

Before we commit clients to a formal fee proposal and design process, we encourage an initial feasibility stage. This provides clients with a no-obligation low-cost engagement to start the project off well, get to know us better and it allows us the appropriate amount of time to provide considered and accurate advice in line with clients' ideal outcomes.

Even if the site appears simple and the brief appears reasonably straight forward, there are usually dozens of unknowns around build costs, budgets, planning restrictions, covenants and easements. This process allows us to reduce the amount of risk associated with a project for clients.

Then there are usually some opportunities that are available beyond those that are obvious or compliant with the town planning rules.

Feasibility is a very low cost means of gathering all the relevant information to enable informed conversations in fine tuning the brief and construction budget.

Many Architects and Designers skip this step and go straight to offering a fee proposal. However, our experience is this often leads to projects that have insufficient resources allocated and missed opportunities.

We will review the local authority building regulations, including district plan rules and heritage and design guide compliance requirements for the site and highlight any resource consent issues.

From the feasibility study you will receive as relevant:

A ready to use client brief.
Confirmation of the expected build budget.
Comment on any Legal Instruments.
Comments on the Project Opportunities.
Existing information held by the Territorial Authority.
Any notices of remedial works outstanding from the Territorial Authority.
Any hazards applicable to the project site and suggestions how they may be mitigated.
Available services.
Town planning rules assessment* including district plan standards, heritage and design guide compliance requirements for the site and consider any potential resource consent issues.
A Topographical Site Survey*.
Ground Testing*.
Condition of existing drains in proximity to the project*.