What are your options?

• Qualified architects can help you create your new home from concept through to management of the building process.  Having your home designed by an architect can give it additional perceived value as well as design flair
• Architectural designers (or drafts people) can provide a similar end-to-end service, though some may not be able to assist with the building contract administration.  They often have lower fees than architects and can be a good choice if you have well-defined ideas about what you want.
• ‘Off the shelf’ or kitset homes come pre-designed but may have a range of options to allow you to personalise the design to your style.

Finding an architect or designer

• Ask friends or colleagues for recommendations.
• Take a note of homes you have seen that you like and find out who designed them (architects will often have a sign outside when homes they have designed are being built).
• Look through home magazines to see examples of work you like.
• Visit websites of professional bodies including: www.architecturenz.net to find registered architects and www.adnz.org.nz to find members of Architectural Designers New Zealand Incorporated.
• Talk to a few architects or designers to get a feel for their style, how they work and what they can offer.

Questions to ask
When you go to talk to an architect or designer you should take along your ideas about what you want to build, your budget and any specific requirements you have. 

• What qualifications and experience do they have?
• Do they belong to a professional organisation?
• What fees will they charge and what will you get for that?
• What services do they provide (design only, design and contract administration, etc.)?
• Can they show you examples of work they have done?
• Can they give you previous clients you can talk to about their experience?

Weighing it up
Your choice will depend on your budget, what individuals can bring to your project, and, importantly, how well you believe you could work with them.  Above all, you will need to be sure that they can deliver what you are looking for in a home.  That comes down to their track record but also to their ability to listen to your needs and understand them.

Next step | 3. Decide how the project will be managed >>

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