Process

Project brief & Pre-design

    • Define the client's design criteria.
    • Clarify ideas, expectations, features, and goals.
    • Confirm requirements for size, spaces, style, budget, and finish.
    • Visit the site with the client.
    • Assess site constraints, orientation, sun, wind, views, and privacy.
    • Establish overall project budget.
    • Arrange a site and topographical survey if required.

Concept Design

    • For alteration, renovation, or extension projects, we begin with a full site measure of the existing building.
    • Before any drawings are produced, we consider all key factors including the project brief, client preferences, site conditions, location and orientation for sun and wind, views, privacy, form and function, size, style, materials, circulation, furniture placement, existing structures, services, and budget.
    • Concept Design drawings typically include a site plan, floor plans, and sketch elevations to clearly communicate the proposed design and allow early adjustments.
    • Changes are easiest to make at this stage, so your involvement and feedback are encouraged.
    • Initial design work also considers relevant local district planning regulations and requirements.

Developed Design

  • This stage refines the Concept Design and provides a site plan, floor plans, sections, rendered elevations, and 3D perspectives. These drawings allow you to seek preliminary project estimates from a contractor or Quantity Surveyor before progressing to working drawings.
  • A Scope of Works may also be prepared to outline construction methodology, materials, fixtures, finishes, and other details to support early cost estimating.
  • Once the Developed Design and project estimate are complete, a Resource Consent-if required-can be submitted with the local Territorial Authority.
  • The need for a Planning Consultant depends on the complexity of the Resource Consent application and whether specialist planning input is required.

Detailed Construction Documentation

    • Preparation of comprehensive construction (working) drawings, including detailed plans, sections, elevations, construction details, and schedules.
    • Development of a specification outlining products, materials, and manufacturer recommended best practice installation methods.
    • Coordination with all required consultants to integrate their design inputs.
    • Consultant involvement may include structural, geotechnical, fire, mechanical, electrical, and acoustic engineers, as well as landscape or kitchen designers where relevant.
    • Submission of all documentation to the local Territorial Authority for Building Consent.
    • Katipo Design acts as your primary point of contact throughout the Building Consent process to ensure a smooth and efficient experience.

Tender and Procurement

    • Invite selected contractors to confirm their interest in tendering.
    • Prepare and issue tender documents to the chosen tenderers.
    • Manage all tender correspondence, including notices to tenderers.
    • Receive, analyse, and compare tenders, then present recommendations to the client.
    • Finalise the contract documentation between the client and the successful contractor.

Contract Administration / Site Observation

    • Undertake regular site visits to monitor progress and ensure construction aligns with the consented drawings, specifications, and Building Code.
    • Liaise with the main contractor and consultants, including holding regular site meetings.
    • Manage design or site changes, issuing notices and variations to the contractor as required.
    • Review progress claims, assess them, and issue payment certificates to the client.
    • Carry out the practical completion inspection and issue a defects list for the contractor to address.
    • Attend the final council inspection, leading to the issue of the Code Compliance Certificate.