Character home upgrades

Typically, architects’ fees for design, documentation and managing construction are 10% of the full cost of your project.

Most people building have a budget. Some budgets are bigger than others, but everyone makes compromises. It’s good to be upfront about your budget. I’ll be frank with you about what you can and can’t afford. Some architects ignore budgets but that is not me. 

To save money, think about how you can use spaces in multiple ways, then elevate attention to detail in the spaces you have. Also think about where you want to use your wow materials. A little bit of luxury can make a big impact. Select materials carefully and cut your cloth to your budget.

I’ll also advise you on how much contingency to allow for the unforeseen. Almost all builds go over budget, so it helps to understand that at the start.

There are three ways to help your build stay on time and budget:

1. Bring contractors into the project early. When you get your engineers and builders involved early on, they can collaborate with us to propose more cost-effective solutions. 

2. Do all design changes in Stage 1. In Stage 2 it’s more complicated and expensive to change your design. And you really don’t want to be changing designs during construction.

3. Consider your fixtures and fittings during the design phase. This allows you time to find solutions you love that fit your budget. There are hundreds of choices to make building a house, and if you leave them to the last minute, you may end up making rushed, expensive decisions.

I oversee the build because design continues during construction, often in a trouble shooting role. This happens because the design intent for a house only comes to life at the building stage, and there are almost always challenges to resolve. 

As your architect, I visit the site regularly to check quality of workmanship, make sure materials are the ones you specified, and work with your builder to resolve any issues that arise. 

I also handle contract administration, which includes certifying monthly progress payments to your builder, reviewing any time or cost overruns and changes in scope. I make sure health and safety standards are observed on site, resource and building consent requirements are complied with, and manage council inspections. 

My role is also to be an impartial mediator in any dispute with your builder.

An architect isn’t right for you. If you have a design you believe is fully resolved and simply need plans drawn up, a draftsperson will do a solid job. 

Architecture is so much more than drawing up plans – architecture is about designing beautiful, comfortable spaces where you can live your best life.

An architect is also a creative partner who can bring unexpected joy to your project. You ask for what you want, but a good architect will give you things you didn't know you wanted. That element of surprise is one of the delights of working with an architect.

That will almost certainly happen. And it’s a good thing. I’m a fan of robust conversations. The thing about design discussions is they're not about winning and losing. They’re about uncovering what's important to you. 

In every build there are choices and compromises. Robust discussions help you make better choices and the right compromises. 

When we take the time to build a great relationship, those discussions become easier, because we’ve established trust. Having your expectations exceeded means being open to new ideas. That requires a partnership, and for you to be comfortable questioning your own ideas. 

Architects can have a bad reputation for designing what they want and expecting their clients to accept it. There are architects like that. But that’s not me. I will never ride roughshod over your ideas and desires, even if I challenge you to question some of them along the way.

If you’re nervous because you’ve had a bad experience with other designers or architects, I’d be happy to put you in touch with some of my clients, so you can hear from them for yourself what it’s like to work with me.

Upgrading your character home may need the following consultants and contractors. 

• A structural engineer, who designs the engineering elements of your building. Not all houses require an engineer, but most do.
• A quantity surveyor to prepare a cost estimate for your build. Getting a quantity surveyor involved at design stage can be a helpful reality check. 
• A builder. Your architect and your builder need to have a good working relationship. It’s best if your architect, engineer, and builder have worked on projects together and have a tried and tested partnership.

I know a range of good consultants and contractors and can organise and brief all these specialists for you. 

No. I can take care of all hard furnishings for you.

This includes:

• Your kitchen fit out.
• Your joinery, including kitchen, pantry, laundry, bespoke vanities, walk-in wardrobes, studies, shelves, built in storage, and entertainment units. 
• Plumbing and plumbing fittings.
• Door hardware.
• Light fittings.
• Colours and finishes for walls inside and out.
• Floor coverings.

When it comes to choosing plumbing fittings and light fittings, I can refer you to suppliers who have a wide range and helpful, informed staff. And I can come with you to help you choose. I’ve a library of joinery samples. I can also order samples of anything you want, from carpets to paint swatches. 

The only things I don’t help you choose are appliances, furniture, and soft furnishings.