Project Process

At First Draft, we understand that every project is unique, and we pride ourselves on tailoring each endeavor to suit your specific needs. Nevertheless, every house needs a strong foundation, and a well-structured project process serves as the foundation to our successful architectural endeavors. Our approach encompasses five fundamental stages, ensuring that whether it's a renovation or new build, each project receives the attention it rightfully deserves.

Initial Investigation

Whether your project is a renovation or a new build, it all starts with a conversation about your requirements and what you want. Normally, we follow up with a site visit to understand the different elements of the project. This step involves thoroughly examining the site to gather all the necessary information to create an accurate picture going forward.

Concepts

Using the information from our initial investigation, we move on to creating concepts and work with you to refine them into your ideal design. The concept stage can include lifelike renders of the design to help you visualise your space. 

Developed design

Depending on your project, we may need to engage with specialists such as engineers, builders, quantity surveyors, or planners. Now that we have created an accurate picture of what you want, we can best instruct the specialists with what we are trying to achieve.

Building consent

With all the information defined, we can then create a set of plans and specifications to submit to the council for building consent.

Building consent is lodged with the local council to ensure that the design meets all the necessary regulations and requirements.

This same set of drawings is used by you and your builder to carry out your desired building work.

Last bits - As required

We wish every job was simple and straight forward but the reality is that the council may have RFIs (Requests for Information) or depending on the project As-Built plans may be required to provide an accurate record of the completed construction and address any outstanding issues. We are always here to address any additional requirements if they arise.