Guides from real project experience
Building design insights for New Zealand
These are the questions clients ask before they hire, cost ranges, consent pitfalls, and technical topics explained in plain language. Each article leads with the answer, then goes deeper. No filler.
All insight articles
What are building importance levels (IL1 to IL5) in New Zealand?
Building importance levels (IL1 to IL5) rank a building by consequences of failure and set the earthquake, wind and snow loads its structure must resist in NZ.
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Read the guideWhat are the stages of the architectural design process in NZ?
The architectural design process in NZ runs from predesign and concept through developed design, consent and construction to CCC. Each stage explained.
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Read the guideHow much does a set of architectural plans cost in NZ?
Architectural plans in NZ cost a percentage of build cost: roughly 1 to 4% for drafting only, 8 to 12% for full LBP design. Tiers and exclusions explained.
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