Starting a home design project can feel overwhelming. Whether you're planning a new build, renovation, or addition, the early decisions you make will shape your entire project. This guide walks you through the initial steps of working with an architectural designer to ensure your project starts on the right track.

Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with a complimentary briefing where we discuss your vision, needs, and practical requirements. This first conversation is crucial for establishing the groundwork for a successful project.

What should I prepare?

• Inspiration Images: Gather photos of designs you like (and dislike)

• Project Requirements: Make a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves

• Budget Parameters: Have a realistic figure in mind

• Timeline Expectations: Consider when you'd like to start building

• Site Information: Bring any details about your property if you have them

During this meeting, we'll ask questions about how you live, work, and relax in your space. We want to understand not just what you want your home to look like, but how you'll use it every day.

Questions We Typically Discuss

• How many people will live in the home?

• Do you work from home?

• Do you entertain frequently?

• What are your storage needs?

• Are there any special requirements (accessibility, etc.)?

• What's most important to you about your new space?

This conversation isn't just about gathering information—it's about establishing a relationship and ensuring we understand your vision before moving forward.

Design Services Agreement

Following the initial consultation, we'll present a Design Services Agreement outlining:

• Scope of Work: What services we'll provide

• Fee Structure: Cost estimates broken down by phase

• Timeline: Expected milestones and completion dates

• Process: How we'll work together throughout the project

This transparent agreement ensures we're aligned on expectations before work begins. We typically use a staged billing approach, where you pay for each phase as it's completed rather than one large upfront fee.

Site Visit - Understanding Your Space

Next, we'll visit your site together to assess its unique characteristics. This critical step helps us understand the physical context of your project and identify opportunities and constraints.

What We Look For:

• Orientation: Sun paths and natural light opportunities

• Views: Identifying and maximising desirable outlooks

• Access: How people and vehicles will approach and enter

• Topography: Contours and slopes that affect design

• Neighbouring Properties: Privacy considerations and context

• Natural Features: Trees, rock formations, and other elements to work with

• Challenges: Identifying potential issues early

For renovation projects, we'll also examine the existing structure, looking at what can be kept, what should be changed, and how we might better connect spaces to suit your needs.

Feasibility - Regulations and Requirements

Before diving into design, we'll conduct preliminary research to understand what's possible on your site. This research typically includes:

• Zoning Regulations: What you're allowed to build

• Setbacks: Required distances from boundaries

• Height Restrictions: Maximum building heights

• Coverage Limits: How much of your site can be built on

• Local Covenants: Any neighbourhood requirements

• Geotechnical Considerations: Soil conditions and site stability

• Services: Water, power, and other utilities availability

This research helps us identify any potential roadblocks early in the process, preventing costly surprises later.

Design Brief Development

Based on our consultations and site analysis, we'll develop a comprehensive design brief that serves as a roadmap for the project. This document outlines:

• Functional Requirements: Rooms, spaces, and connections between them

• Aesthetic Direction: Design style and material preferences

• Technical Requirements: Energy efficiency, sustainability goals, etc.

• Budget Framework: How the budget will be allocated across the project

• Priority Hierarchy: What elements are most important to you

The design brief becomes our shared reference point throughout the project, ensuring we stay focused on your priorities as the design develops.

Concept Development - Ideas Taking Shape

With a solid foundation of information, we begin developing initial concept options. This exploratory phase is where your project starts to take visual form.

We typically present:

• Floor Plan Options: Different spatial arrangements

• Elevation Studies: External appearance alternatives

• Key Views: Important internal and external perspectives

• Material Palette Ideas: Potential finishes and textures

This stage is highly collaborative. We'll present options, discuss pros and cons, and refine the direction based on your feedback. Don't be afraid to ask questions or suggest changes—this dialogue is essential for developing the right solution.

Moving Forward - The Next Phases

Once we've established a concept direction, the project moves into more detailed design development. While each project follows a unique path, the typical next steps include:

• Developed Design: Refining the approved concept

• ** 3D Visualisation**: Creating realistic views of your future space

• Material and Fixture Selection: Finalizing specific elements

• Construction Documentation: Preparing detailed drawings for builders

• Building Consent: Managing the approval process

Throughout these phases, we maintain open communication and regular check-ins to ensure the design continues to align with your vision and requirements.

Beginning a Successful Partnership

The initial steps with your architectural designer set the tone for your entire project. By investing time in these early phases, you establish a strong foundation for a successful design outcome.

At 35 Below, we value this preparatory work because we know it leads to more thoughtful, functional spaces that truly reflect how you want to live. Our background in both design and construction means we approach these early steps with practical insight, ensuring what we design together will be beautiful, functional, and buildable.

Ready to Start Your Project?

If you're considering a building project, we invite you to contact us for an initial consultation. This no-obligation discussion is the perfect way to explore your ideas and understand how we might work together to bring your vision to life.

Adam Baker is the founder of 35 Below Architectural Design, combining carpentry experience with architectural design expertise to create homes that balance beauty, functionality, and buildability.

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