We are specialists in tailoring a design to your individual, particular needs and tuning it to fit a particular location. We are especially concerned with aesthetic issues; proportion, alignment, massing, and materials, and of developing appropriate environmental solutions, to create pleasing results. We specify the use of materials, finishes and fixtures best suited to achieve your goals.

We are often asked if an architect's involvement in a project will drive up the cost. Architectural design fees pay for extensive forethought about a project before the hammers swing and foundations are laid. By thinking through and drawing the design in detail, we can identify potential trouble spots where special attention may be required, thus minimising surprises and controlling costs. A well-considered, well-executed design can add value to your property or site.

We juggle many factors when solving a design problem. As well as sharing the contractor's concerns with getting the project built and meeting the budget and schedule, we also integrate a broad range of additional concerns including:

• How to provide spaces for your unique needs and requirements

• How best to expresses your feelings, values and priorities

• How the project relates to your site

• How your project fits into the neighborhood and the historic context

• How the details enhance the overall effect

• How the project is structured

• Long- and short-term economic benefits of design strategies, material, finish and fixture selections

• Statutory and jurisdictional limitations

• Energy and environmental concerns

• Planning for future changes

• How new work will fit with or contrast with existing construction

We design with all of these things in mind, creating a few alternative schemes for you to consider. These may solve the problem in satisfying ways you may not otherwise have considered. When a favourite scheme is in hand, we develop the design into a detailed set of working documents that can be used for estimates, funding applications, contractor’s bids, permits and construction. During this process, there is time for feedback, which helps refine and hone the specifics of the design. In the construction phase, we observe and review the work in progress for conformance with the design intent and the contract documents. During this phase, our role is to protect your interests, whilst administering fairly the contract you enter into with the contractor.

A large part of our role is to help you visualise potential solutions. This may be achieved through the use of models, three-dimensional drawings, perspective views, and computer-generated images in addition to traditional floor plans, sections and elevations. A clear and vivid representation helps you understand what a design solution will look like and feel like, so you can judge it in an informed way.

In the absence of an architect a contractor may lean toward construction methods and product suppliers which they have used in the past. This may narrow the field of possibilities for your project. We approach each project with an open mind toward a broad range of methods, materials and components. Creative and apt solutions can come out of this freedom.

We are experienced in tailoring your design to comply with planning laws, listed building consent, building regulations, and other statutory regulations. We can help guide your project through the construction permitting process and we can help you choose a suitable contractor.

We enjoy the process of developing a bespoke solution to your individual needs. Our broad range of concerns, knowledge, skills and experience can smooth the way through this exciting and complex process.