Hei oranga I Hangia ki Runga He turanga pakari

Well being built on firm foundations

This  guide assists clients and design providers within the He Wakaputanga jurisdiction to work together towards a high standard of design and construction that will satisfy clients, construction providers, insurers and financiers.

We uphold a strong emphasis on personal responsibility whereby both the client and construction providers take responsibility for being informed and communicating throughout the process.

Te Huinga o Nga Kaihanga construction providers have made a commitment to operate in  Te Ture Tikanga  tika [correctness], pono [ truth, honor ] and aroha [ compassion].

Members commit to providing robust, durable, warm, dry, cost effective, dwellings, commercial buildings, roading, supply services and general infrastructure.

Member pledge : https://tikangatrade.org/construction-tikanga

Home Design Process

A good design process is key to a successful project. 

Home Design is a collaboration between the client and the designer to discuss, digest, think and rework ideas until the best solution is arrived at.

Important points :

The client provides the brief to which the designer develops ideas and options.

The client chooses the level of service required from the designer.

A letter of engagement clearly lists what is included in the design service and the costs. 

The client is actively involved and provides feedback throughout the design and construction process. 

The three steps in the home design Process :

Concept Design

Developed Design

Pre-construction

Concept Design :

The concept design is the time for the client to outline what is desired and required, analyze the design constraints and review the design options.
It requires a lot of discussion, thought and feedback by both parties.

Client responsibility :

Consider preferred styles and requirements before you sit down with your designer.

Provide clear and timely feedback in person or in writing.

Be well informed on cost estimates.

Pay the designer’s Concept design fee.

Designer responsibility :

Confirm conditions of engagement before starting work.

Investigate the site - access, orientation, sun angles, neighbors, views, existing services and buildings.

Confirm whether sub-consultants are required such as a land surveyor; quantity surveyor; structural or geotechnical engineer.

Investigate requirements that affect your site. 

Analyze your brief against the design constraints.

Prepare concept options for site plans, floor plans, elevations and perhaps a three-dimensional model.

Present designs to you and refine your preferred option to suit.

Define the primary elements of the design: driveways and paths, building size, form, materials, openings and outdoor spaces.

Developed Design

By now the  design is complete and the building size, location, form and probably external materials are all agreed. 

The designer can now develop the secondary elements of the design and begin coordinating the work of sub-consultants. 

At the end of this phase, all aspects of the project should be defined for your Developed design.

Client Responsibility :

Meet with the designer and provide clear and timely feedback on material selections and design details for things like balustrades, pergolas, kitchen and bathroom layouts.

Review the revised cost estimate.

Approve sub-consultants and pay their fees.

Sign off on developed design drawings.

Pay the designer’s Developed design fee.

Decide on a Project Manager.

Designer responsibility :

Develop the drawings and documentation to send to sub- consultants such as the structural engineer.

Integrate and co-ordinate sub-consultant designs into the architectural drawings.

Develop door and window details, cladding and roof design, interior details, and timber and steel sizes for a more accurate cost analysis.

Start designing services: electricity, gas and phone locations; plumbing and drainage; preliminary lighting and electrical plans.

Write the draft specification.

Review design development with the client at key stages.

Pre-construction

All the important design decisions are made and the designer develops the final set of construction drawings, which incorporates input from builders and other trades people.

You’ve now reached the Pre-construction phase.

Client Responsibility :

Avoid changes to the design (unless they are small details). At this point the drawings are comprehensive and fully co-ordinated, and any design changes can result in major time and cost overruns. These will be expensive.

Attend design meetings and provide clear and timely feedback on finishes and fittings e.g. carpet, tiles, vinyl, paint colours, kitchen design, bathroom design and light fittings.

If you are doing the interior design yourself, a fixed sum can be specified in the contract for these items so that the contract can get underway and the final details follow later.

Sign off construction drawings and specifications.

Review builder’s quotes and agree on the form of contract.

Designer responsibility :

Complete any component drawings required such as kitchen or lighting design.

Finish all drawings and documents, incorporate any changes required by the engineer or selected builder, and issue the construction set – a complete set of drawings that can be built from.