The Design Process.
1
Site Investigation & Feasibility
Our architectural design services start with a site visit by the Evoke Architectural Designers Team. During this visit, we assess the site’s layout, view lines, sun orientation, prevailing wind direction, vehicle access, and service locations. We discuss your project requirements in detail and explore potential design options. Additionally, we talk about your lifestyle, preferred room sizes, and budget. This crucial step in the design process helps both you and the Evoke Architectural Designers team visualize your dream and evaluate the practicalities of making it a reality
Concept Design & 3D Visualization
Following the site visit and our initial discussions, we create preliminary concept plans, including a site plan, floor plan, elevations, and some sketch 3D imagery. If necessary, we collaborate with surveyors to develop contour plans for your site.
The elevations, 3D sketches and detailed floor plan allow you to preview your home, including materials, cladding, potential furniture placements, and views from various angles.
At this stage, we welcome your feedback to ensure the design meets your expectations. Additional discussions are held to fine-tune the layout and style.
One of the additional services that distinguish Evoke Architectural Designers from other design studios is our ability to produce high-quality 3D renders or walkthroughs of your project. This allows you to view your home in detailed, rendered visuals, both inside and out. This immersive experience helps our clients explore their home and aids in decision-making.
Developed Design / Sub-Consultants / Resource Consent
At this stage, we elevate the plans to a developed design level, including cross sections and preliminary structural plans. Evoke Architectural Designers boasts a talented network of industry contacts, enabling us to arrange and coordinate with all necessary subconsultants for your project. These include geotechnical and structural engineers, truss designers, landscape architects, kitchen designers, interior designers, and resource consent planners. We also obtain any specialist reports required.
At this point, your chosen builder can provide a high-level construction estimate. If you haven't selected a builder yet, we can recommend professionals suitable for your project. We can also help with specifying materials and finishes (or provisional sums for fittings etc) at this point, so high level costing can be as accurate as possible.
A resource consent is only needed if your project breaches a local council rule or a consent notice on your title. Approximately 30% of our projects require resource consents, which local councils use to manage land activities and protect the environment, neighbors, and other factors for the future. The Evoke team will assist you through this process, handling all necessary paperwork alongside a consultant planner. Our goal is to make the design and building process as stress-free as possible.
2
Building Consent Documentation / Specification
Fully detailed plans, construction details and specifications are then prepared to meet your exact requirements and comply with the Building Code. Materials and selections are also refined.
Our team peer reviews these plans before they are issued for consents and construction.
It is advisable to have your chosen builder review the plans again at this stage (if they have not already during the Developed Design phase) to reassess construction costs after the structural elements and construction details have been finalized, and make any necessary adjustments for more accurate pricing as you move into construction.
3
Building Consent and other applications
Next, the plans, specifications, and all supporting reports and information are submitted to the local Council. The Evoke Architectural Designers Team can handle all necessary permits, including resource consent, building consent, earthworks permits, and crossing permits. We regularly work with local Council staff and have established great relationships with them.
We manage all the forms and details, ensuring your consents are issued and approved, so you are ready to start building.
Construction
Once your consents are granted and your chosen builder is confirmed, you are ready for construction!
Throughout this stage, we maintain regular, open communication with your builder to address all details and ensure your project is constructed to the highest standards and according to the plans.