Services

A range of architectural services is available to suit customer and project requirements. The practice has extensive experience in residential architecture, particularly hill homes. We undertake all types of residential design and alteration work, multi-unit dwellings, light commercial, industrial and hospitality design. Kitchen, bathroom and joinery design complement our core services.

Site Inspection / Pre-Purchase:

Advice on the suitability and potential of a site and the likely implications of resource management planning rules, local climate, views, neighbouring buildings etc. Pre-purchase advice regarding existing buildings, implications for upgrading, general assessment of building condition and suitability for purpose.

Subdivisions:

Assistance with the creation of protective covenants including matters such as design and appearance, building height, boundary setbacks, views etc.

Concept & Developed Design:

Development of a client’s brief, consultations with the Territorial Authority, preparation of preliminary concept and developed design drawings, obtaining cost estimates, coordination of specialist consultant services and making resource consent applications.

Contract Documentation:

Preparation of working drawings and specifications sufficient for building consent, tendering and construction purposes.

Tendering & Negotiation:

Preparation of pricing documents, arranging tenders and reporting recommendations to client.

Contract Administration & Observation:

Impartially administering the building contract between the owner and building contractor and carrying out periodic observation of the work to ensure compliance with the contract documents.
 

Fees

Architectural services are usually charged in one of the following ways. Often the actual fee will not be confirmed until the project size and scope of services has been agreed. This may be several weeks after the initial consultation. Typically a project will employ more than one fee type depending on circumstances. Fees are usually invoiced at regular monthly intervals for work-in-progress.

Percentage Fee:

Fees are calculated as a percentage of the total building cost. This is probably the most common method of remuneration, however the final amount will not be known until near the projects conclusion.

Lump Sum Fee:

A fixed dollar amount is agreed once the scope and extent of the commission has been determined. Provides cost certainty for the client at a relatively early stage.

Time Charge Fee:

Work is carried out on a charge up basis at an agreed hourly rate. This is suited to small-scale work or can be appropriate in the early phase of a project when the scope of work is not fully understood or where additional services outside the original agreement have been requested.
 

Timing

Architectural services will invariably take longer than expected so allow plenty of time. It is not uncommon for a new residential project to take in excess of 9 months before construction can commence.

Resource consent applications can take many weeks or even months, especially if neighbours agreements are required or the application is publicly notified.

Building consent, issue of title, builder availability and decision-making are all factors to be considered when setting a realistic timeframe.

Consultants & Related Services

Chaplin Crooks have ongoing associations with a range of allied professionals including structural, geotechnical and fire engineers, landscape architects, quantity surveyors, interior designers and land surveyors.

We coordinate and manage these participants in the design process as and when required.