Architectural Design
New Zealand Architectural Design
Architects in New Zealand fulfil the important purpose of planning, designing and advising on the construction of buildings and landscapes. Read on to learn more about residential and commercial architectural design in New Zealand.
What is an architect in New Zealand?
An architect is the only professional in the building industry who is specifically trained to plan, design and advise on the construction of buildings (we will cover landscape architects later).
A New Zealand architect must be a member of the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA), having achieved a tertiary qualification and practical experience in the field. Architects will take an overall design view of any project presented to them, and work with the client to come up with innovative solutions, hopefully (but not always!) within budget and timeframe constraints. Architects can specialise in residential or commercial architecture, or do a mixture of both.
An architectural designer or draughtsperson is specifically trained, normally at tertiary level, in the art of designing and detailing buildings.They can draw up plans for structures from basic ideas, make working drawings and interpret other people’s sketches. Neither can call themselves an architect, although the skill sets and work done often overlap.
Residential architecture in New Zealand
This involves the design, advice and planning work required for the construction of a residential building. A client is advised to go to an architect as a first step before any plans are made for the site or building. The architect will then work to help the owner realise the vision for their home. Tasks of an architect on a residential project in New Zealand may include:
- Examining the building site and researching local rules and regulations to ensure compliance.
- Creating the design of the home and drawing up house plans, consulting back and forth with the owner to get things right.
- Looking at what materials should be used in the construction, taking into account the area, what is available locally and what look the client is going for.
- Helping to choose, then coordinating and liaising with, other building and design consultants.
- Applying for necessary resource and building consents.
- Advising the client on building procedures, costs and timeframes.
Architects involved in residential projects will normally work and design from an office or studio, along with a number of visits to the construction site. They will be a part of many steps involved in creating your dream home, including some exterior landscaping design and interior design work.
Commercial architecture in New Zealand
Architects in New Zealand may specialise in commercial work, or in a certain area of commercial practice, for example government contracts, such as public hospitals; hotels and hospitality venues; or office blocks. Architects in commercial practice must be even more careful about complying with rules and regulations, as the health and safety of the public becomes an issue. They undertake all of the tasks mentioned above under residential architecture, but on a larger scale. For example, it is logical that a lot more coordinating and liaising with building consultants and contractors will be necessary on the construction of a stadium, than would be needed on a four bedroom suburban home.
Benefits of using an architect in New Zealand
Buildings designed by an architect have several benefits:
- Higher resale value, due to generally being seen as more individual and creating the perception of an 'added value' factor through architectural design and planning.
- Architects will in most cases design your building to be future proofed, looking not only at the use of materials and technology but also considering the changing needs of your family, business or organisation.
- The architect can act as the overall coordinator for the project, saving you the stress of organising contractors, including landscape architects, engineers and surveyors, to complete the project on time and on budget.
A top quality NZ architect or architectural designer generally takes an overall holistic view to the completion of a project for a client; this means constant feedback and dialogue with all parties involved, whilst synthesising design, function and sustainability in order to create the desired environment. An example of a highly successful New Zealand architectural firm is Warren and Mahoney; established in 1957 by Sir Miles Warren, a native of Christchurch. Warren and Mahoney have developed an outstanding, innovative reputation across decades, winning industry awards every year since 1960. Projects they have been responsible for include the iconic Westpac Stadium in Wellington, affectionately known as 'The Cake Tin', the Christchurch Town Hall and the Michael Fowler Centre.
Looking for more information? Find New Zealand architects in the NZS.com directory.
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Business images from Flickr: Architectural Design, New Zealand Flag and Wellington Buildings.
