You are on page 1of 9

Your guide to

the interior
architectural process
A step-by-step guide from Context Architects

Renovating or designing new space


for your business is a significant
investment. We understand this.
So weve produced this step-by-step
guide to help you understand whats
involved at each stage of the process.

Context Architects

www.contextarchitects.com

Context Architects - Westpac Corporate Office

Step 1: PROJECT INITIALISATION

Step 8: DETAILED DESIGN

Step 2: PRE-DESIGN

Step 9: BUILDING CONSENT

Step 3: CONCEPT DESIGN

Step 10: PROCUREMENT

Step 4: PROJECT COSTING

Step 11: CONTRACT & SITE ADMINISTRATION

Step 5: DEVELOPED DESIGN

Step 12: PRACTICAL COMPLETION

Step 6: RESOURCE CONSENT APPLICATION

Step 13: DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT & ARCHIVING

Step 7: SOFT FITOUT


1

Context Architects

www.contextarchitects.com

PRE-DESIGN
We work together to refine the brief including project objectives, design intention, budget and deadlines. We
research and gather information to enable design planning to commence.

What we do:



Visit the site and measure up your new tenancy


Council liaison to gather relevant site information
Determine consents required
Discuss programme and prepare a draft critical
path
Discuss what level of fitout can be achieved with
your budget.

What you do:


Supply property information including leases,
existing plans etc
Inform us what items the landlord may be
providing as part of the lease terms
Talk to us about your budget and programme
requirements.

CONCEPT DESIGN
We use all the information weve gathered and
the design brief to develop a concept design - a
top level idea of how your project will look when
its finished.

What we do:

Context Architects - Mother Duck childcare

PROJECT INITIALISATION
So you need a new fitout? Heres where we work out together how to make your new interior sing. We analyse
your requirments and desires and bring them all together in the written brief.

What we do:
Meet to discuss your brief including design ideas,
objectives, customer needs, brand and workspace
requirements
Translate into a needs analysis report
Explain fee structure, procurement options and
contractual terms
We can also help you assess potential tenancies,
lease agreements and provide test fits.

What you do:


Talk us through your business drivers, brand
requirements and preferred design aesthetics so
we can better understand your business
Nominate your point of contact to represent your
company throughout the fitout process.

Context Architects

Prepare concept layouts, sketches, 3D models,


perspectives and elevations
Integrate your brand, culture and values as part
of the design
Discuss how you might integrate sustainable
design principles.

What you do:


Be available to discuss the concept design
Involve other stakeholders to review the design
if necessary
When you are happy, sign off the design so we
can proceed to the next stage.

www.contextarchitects.com

PROJECT COSTING
Now we develop a total project cost estimate based on the concept design, your budget and the brief in order to
provide peace of mind that your project is on the right track.

What you do:

What we do:
For larger projects we recommend getting a
quantity surveyor involved at concept stage to
ensure the project is tracking on budget
Review quantity surveyor project cost estimates
with you and recommend changes if required
to meet the budget without compromising the
design intent and your business objectives.
We are conscious of cost control and work closely
with you to work out a fitout budget at the start.
We involve a quantity surveyor at the design
stage to ensure the design matches your budget.

Provide any additional relevant information


requested for the QS to cost the project
Be involved in any value engineering decisions if
required
Once the budget is approved, proceed to the
developed design phase.

DEVELOPED DESIGN
The concept design is now formalised
and developed to a greater level of detail,
incorporating design input from other
consultants and selecting materials and finishes.

What we do:
Coordinate fee proposals and engage consultants
Provide developed plans and drawings for
approval, including floor plans, elevations and
sections to scale
Present sketches of critical details
Present a 3D computer model showing the flow
between spaces, materiality, light and views
between interior spaces
Integrate signage requirements
Develop bespoke joinery items
Show fittings and furniture layouts for each space.

What you do:


Approve consultants fee proposals
Agree on a procurement method (for example
building tender or negotiated contract)
Review the 3D model and/or plans. Discuss
tweaks to the final design
Review critical detailing
Discuss options for finishes, colours, furnishings
and fittings
Agree any bespoke design requirements, for
example, for customised joinery
Agree on signage requirements.

Context Architects - Westpac Signature Branch

RESOURCE CONSENT APPLICATION


Resource consent applications are assessments of
the environmental effects of a project. They can
take anywhere between four and twelve weeks
for council to process.

What we do:

Context Architects - Yobee retail

Ascertain if resource consent is required.


Resource consent is not generally required for
interiors projects, although may be needed if
elements such as external signage or carparking
requirements are included
Prepare drawings, assessment of environmental
effects report, consultants reports and apply for
consents
Liase with council and monitor progress of the
application.

Context Architects - Life Pharmacy

Context Architects

www.contextarchitects.com

SOFT FITOUT
The stage where we finalise the furniture, fittings and finishes, ever so important in creating a rich interior
environment with an enviable aesthetic!

What we do:
Prepare an interiors colour palette
Source materials, fittings and finishes (including
lighting, flooring, wall coverings, soft furniture,
finishes and hardware)
We specify the products and fittings that best suit
your brief and needs. As architects, we arent tied
to specific suppliers, and can pass on the trade
discounts we receive.
Design customised furniture and joinery units
Prepare options for soft fitout items
Once approved, we can procure these items
directly from the suppliers and organise delivery.

What you do:


Review and sign off a colour board and sample
material swatches, furniture and fittings
Be involved in the development of specialised
items, for example bespoke joinery units
Select soft fitout items from options we prepare.

BUILDING CONSENT
A building consent is required to ensure building work complies with the NZ
Building Code and other relevant standards.

What we do:
Prepare documentation and lodge your building
consent application on your behalf
Liaise with council until building consent is
achieved (processing can take four to 12 weeks).

What you do:


Be available to discuss any issues that arise
during the building consent process.

10

PROCUREMENT
Discuss the pros and cons of a
negotiated contract or tender for
procurement and recommend the best
approach for you.

What we do:

Context Architects - Westpac Corporate Office

DETAILED DESIGN
This stage involves preparing the documentation that forms the basis of a contract between you and your
building contractor.

What we do:
Prepare detailed construction
documentation (also called working drawings)
based on approved developed design
Complete coordination of consultants detailed
documentation
Prepare a written specification covering the
materials, processes and labour expected of the
building contractor.

Negotiate a contract with a selected


builder, or...
Pre-qualify tenderer reputations and invite up to
four contractors to price the project
Issue tender documentation and coordinate
tender process
Review tenders and make a recommendation
Organise contract documentation
Agree with contractor on building programme.

What you do:


What you do:
Generally, at this stage there is little involvement
required on your part!

Discuss and agree on a procurement method


For tenders, agree on the tendering parties
Meet to discuss tender bids and tender
recommendation
Approve successful building tender
Confirm building programme timeframe
Discuss your contract works insurance
requirements with your insurance broker. This
may be held by your landlord if you have one.
Context Architects - Westpac 79 Queen St.

Context Architects

www.contextarchitects.com

12

PRACTICAL COMPLETION

What we do:
Identify any defects at the end of construction
(also known as snagging)
Issue defects notices to ensure that they are
corrected before final payment
Review warranties and guarantees
Prepare as-built drawings, services contacts and
operating manuals as a maintenance instructions
for you
Determine and certify practical completion.

What you do:


Move in (and invite us to the opening party!)
Expect a call from us to check you are delighted
with your new fitout.

13

Context Architects - Westpac Signature Branch

11

CONTRACT & SITE ADMINISTRATION


Construction begins! We impartially administer the building contract between you and the contractor.
This is known as contract administration.

What we do:
Observe construction and run site
meetings to ensure that the work is being done in
accordance with the contract
Establish lines of day-to-day communication
Report progress via site meeting minutes
Issue contract instructions and provide additional
information that may be required on site
Receive claims for payment, make deductions as
outlined in the contract and issue certificates to
authorise payment to the builder
No additional money is spent unless variations
are approved by you.

What you do:


Attend site meetings if you want to
Review site meeting minutes and discuss any
concerns with us
Receive and pay certified claims for payment
Discuss and approve any variations to the
building contract.

Context Architects - Rhodes & Co. legal firm

DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT
& ARCHIVING

What we do:
Keep a record of your projects documentation in
an online file.

What you do:


Use your client login and password on our secure
website to retrieve and access your projects
documentation.

Context Architects - Westpac Barrington

Context Architects

www.contextarchitects.com

10

IF YOU WANT TO HAVE A CHAT ABOUT YOUR IDEAS,


OR GET STARTED ON ONE OF THESE STAGES,
GET IN TOUCH AND ONE OF OUR INTERIORS EXPERTS
WILL BE HAPPY TO HELP:

Auckland:
Peta Drayton
Peta.Drayton@context.net.nz
Level 1, 326 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland
PO Box 56404 Dominion Road, Auckland 1446
P: 09 358 0140 M: 027 527 0055
Christchurch:
Alisdair Daines
Alisdair.Daines@context.net.nz
75 Perry Street, Papanui, Christchurch
PO Box 5227, Papanui, Christchurch 8542
P: 03 550 1550 M: 027 537 9804

www.contextarchitects.com

www.contextarchitects.com

You might also like