Architecture is seeing the total project.
We all know what a Resource Consent is (town planning), and a Building Consent (how to build the house to code), and we know we need to get them. But are these consents enough information for a builder to price and build off?
The answer is a big NO.
A building consent describes a naked building, one that needs clothes – and lots of them.
When I started as an architect there were few options for materials and finishes. Today there are so many options it gives me a headache.
Exterior materials are described in the Building Consent, but their colours and finishes aren’t. What colour is the roof, the weatherboards, the bricks, the aluminium joinery? Not that many decisions to make and probably the hardest decision is the front door colour.
I may be wrong, but the exterior is the domain of the architect. I have seen the wrong finishes kill the appearance of a house, lowering its value.
The interior is a different story. It’s the flooring, the taps, the bathroom ware, the door handles, the interior colours, the light fittings, the type of electrical switches and plugs, the benchtops, the drawer fronts, the bathroom tiles, kitchen appliances, and on it goes.
These items are long lasting and create the feel of the house. We don’t change these items unless we are renovating a kitchen or bathroom or they are worn out. They aren’t easily replaced like furniture items. Accent accessories and paint colours can be changed easily, and these items can follow the latest trends.
So how do you navigate through making those thousands of decisions on materials and finishes?
You could use an interior designer who has fresh eyes but will tend to follow current trends, the builder’s selection, based on price to win the project, or do it yourself. You can go all over town to visit all the showrooms open to the public. In my experience clients can get overloaded with the options and then get totally confused.
Or you can use your architect who has been with you from the start and understands your taste.
I tend to be conservative. I have seen avocado and peach bathroom suites come and go and rather quickly. I tend to re-use suppliers who offer a good service and stand by their products.
Architects can preselect options based on their product knowledge and knowledge of the client and then present to the client for their final approval.
Architects see the way the different materials and finishes complement each other. Looking at selections in isolation is a bad mistake.
paul@leuschkekahn.co.nz | 021 894 895 | leuschkekahn.co.nz
