Every relationship starts with a conversation. Palmer and Palmer Architects encourage you to make an appointment, discuss your project and discover more about their approach to design and the construction process.

There is no cost for this initial consultation.

Creating a new building or altering an existing building is a challenging but rewarding journey – this initial meeting will help you to decide if Palmer and Palmer Architects are the right team for you.

The first step will be to confirm together; the scope of the work, the services required, and discuss an outline of fees.

Fees are set according to the level of involvement Palmer and Palmer Architects will have in your project. Palmer and Palmer Architects follow comprehensive guidelines for fees established by the New Zealand Institute of Architects.

Once these items are agreed upon Palmer and Palmer Architects will draw up an NZIA Agreement for Architects Services formalising these discussions .

Palmer and Palmer Architects know that one of the keys to great design is communication. The translation of your needs, objectives and ideas into a tangible space is our area of expertise.

Palmer and Palmer Architects are professional listeners and adept at defining the project brief. This will include a realistic look at the budget, your priorities and time frames for the project.

Having worked together to consolidate the brief, the real fun starts when ideas are developed into designs.

In the concept design stage your project will come to life with proposed floor plans, perspective drawings, computer modelling or physical models. The method of presentation is determined by the project type.

The concept design is a discussion document and from this estimates of project costs can be obtained and if appropriate feasibility studies produced.

When you have agreed on a concept Palmer and Palmer Architects will refine the design of your building.

They will give consideration to factors such as the selection of materials with a balance between sustainability, environmental impact, durability, aesthetic value and cost. Palmer & Palmer Architects have vast experience on how products perform and this knowledge coupled with our creative skills and intellectual rigour finds the best possible comprehensive design solutions.

Other consultants that may be required for the project such as structural engineer, soils engineer, quantity surveyor, fire engineer, sound or lighting consultants are determined and engaged.

Palmer and Palmer Architects are well versed in the preparation of applications for resource consents for your building project.

We believe that the right response to a site will always win through where planning restrictions appear to make it impossible. We have many examples where we have presented planners with proposals that meet with the intentions of the plan while stepping carefully outside of the square to achieve our client’s goals.

With the successful approval of resource consent Palmer and Palmer Architects will progress your project to the detailed design phase. The detailed design is a comprehensive process of collation of all aspects of how the building is put together and will include construction details, finalised materials, components, systems and finishes.

At this stage input from other consultants that may be required for the project is integrated in to the project documentation.

The finished documentation is used to tender your project and to apply for building consent with the local authority .

Palmer and Palmer Architects have an in-depth understanding of the building industry and can guide you in the selection of quality builders and contractors.

On your behalf we will undertake the tender process, analyse the tenders and award and prepare the contract with the successful contractor. The contract document is the NZIA Standard Conditions of Contract which is an industry standard meeting all aspects of the Construction Contracts Act.

Palmer and Palmer are experienced in managing all contractual and financial matters relating to the contract between you and the building contractors during the construction phase of your project.

We keep extensive records of all financial and construction matters that arise along the way and are responsible for issuing instructions and processing payment claims from the building contractor.

Palmer and Palmer will observe the construction phase of your project with onsite visits to ensure the design intention is met and to help solve any problems that may arise in the construction phase. This includes reviewing contract timelines at regular intervals.

The architect records these meetings and keeps all parties to the contract informed throughout the contract period. This is undertaken no matter what part of the country your project is in.

Ensuring the building is completed in all aspects is essential. Palmer and Palmer Architects undertake final inspections and completion lists are prepared and monitored. Documentation for guarantees and compliance matters are requested and contracts finalised.

The on-going relationship between the client and the architect is an integral part of the process. At Palmer and Palmer Architects we pride ourselves in not only creating enduring buildings but also creating enduring working relationships. Upon the completion of a project Palmer and Palmer enjoy sharing the highlights of a successful journey and observing the pleasure the occupants experience from these built environments.