Our Process

The architectural design process that our team follows can be understood in four key steps:

Discovery, Design, Document and Create

We have the in-house expertise to take a project from listening to the client at initial consultation through to the completion of their project.

Along the way we undertake to a thorough briefing, full design, building consent documentation, tender/pricing documentation, tender process management, construction administration and site observation.

Every step has quality control procedures and checks in place to ensure your design is of the highest standard.

DISCovery

Everyone has a story to tell and we'd love to listen to yours. Sharing your vision, ideas and dreams with us build's the picture for what we can deliver for you.

Imagine Architecture 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 time-frame are usually established at this meeting. The free initial 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.

This is usually face-to-face but we have successfully done this through video calls as well.

From this meeting the Architectural Agreement for Design Services establishing scope of work and fee structure is typically proposed to the client.

BOOK CONSULATION

DESIGN

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.

During this stage the designer will have visited the site, 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 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.

The design will be assessed with energy modelling software to check the thermal performance of the building. This will give guidance on the expected heating demand and how efficient the structure is. It will also provide foundational data if the brief requires the design to be to the Passive House standard, a Low Energy home or a Superhome.

A cost estimate by a Quantity Surveyor or builder 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.

document

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 Architecture.

Our philosophy is that if a job is well designed and well documented the construction side of the project goes smoother. Our drawings are clear and concise making the work of the builder and Building Consent Authority easier.

For our Passive House projects we continue to review the energy modelling to ensure certification and performance will be achieved. In addition to the computer modelling we also undertake specialist construction detailing that ensures success for a Passive House.

In addition to the plans and specifications required for building consent and general construction other documentation may include:

Interior design drawings
Kitchen and bathroom designs
Joinery Design
Colour Schemes
3D animation and visualisation
Feasibility Studies
Masterplanning
3D Modelling and Animation
Energy Modfelling

CREATE

Let's create something beautiful! Time for your dream, your vision to be taken from an idea to a built reality.

Many 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 warranties 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 feedback from clients is that this stage provides security and confidence in the process for them by having their architectural designer continue to be actively involved in the project.

For our Passive House projects monitoring that we undertake includes:

Construction Phase:
Foundation and Insulation: Monitor the installation of the super-insulated foundation.

Airtightness: Regularly test and verify the building's airtightness using blower door tests.
Thermal Bridge-Free Construction: Inspect construction details to eliminate thermal bridges.
High-Performance Windows and Doors: Ensure proper installation of energy-efficient windows and doors.
Ventilation System: Oversee the installation of a heat recovery ventilation system.

Post-Construction Phase:
Final Testing: Conduct final blower door tests and verify mechanical system performance.

Certification: Ensure all criteria for Passive House certification are met.

By focusing on these aspects, construction monitoring ensures that the Passive House standards for energy efficiency, comfort, and sustainability are achieved.

LEARN ABOUT OUR FEES

OUR VISION

To create a legacy of beautiful buildings that enrich, inspire and improve people’s lives!

OUR MISSION

Changing people's lives through great architecture & design.

When engaging an Architect or Architectural Designer how do they measure up against the Imagine Architecture values?

OUR VALUES

A unique, visually appealing and energy efficient & healthy

building design solution that meets your practical requirements.

Superior service through excellent communication

Quality plans, drawings and specifications that easily obtain a building consent enabling the builder to do their job with maximum efficiency

A professional construction administration service to give you a peace of mind that the building is being constructed to the highest standard and that your expectations are being met by the builder

How do we do it? See our Frequently Asked Questions and take a look through the rest of this site and discover the Imagine Architecture story and find out why people are choosing us as their preferred architectural design service consultants. Innovative design solutions from an enthusiastic, multi-award winning team!

FAQ'S

"The difference between good architecture & bad architecture is the time you spend on it."

- David Chipperfield

"Tony and the team at Imagine are amazing, right from the beginning Tony really listened to me and designed the perfect house for me and my budget. Tony's architectural design skills, experience and technical knowledge are exceptional. He uses great design and clever thinking on materials to add value and performance throughout his design process.

Before engaging Imagine I started my building journey with one of the standard group design and build firms but they were not able to think outside the box or work with my site effectively. They just wanted to put up a massive retaining wall and build a cookie cutter house.

Imagine showed me another way. Through working with Imagine I have ended up with the most amazing home at significantly less cost than going with the standard group design and build model. Tony and the team communicated openly throughout the process, were always available to answer my questions and there were no surprises. I am now living in the house of my dreams. I can't recommend Imagine enough."

Jackie Evans - Tauranga