
You can search for architects in your area using their search tool, or you can use the tool offered by the New Zealand Registered Architects Board. Your first port of call when searching for an architect in New Zealand should be the New Zealand Institute of Architects Incorporated.
How do I find architectural work?
Look online for things you like; architects’ websites often have comprehensive portfolios of work. Social media can also be helpful; many architects are on facebook, twitter, pinterest and/or instagram. (You’ll be able to find some through our social media channels at the bottom of the page.)
What qualifications do you need to be an architect in NZ?
Entry requirements. To become a registered architect, you usually need a Bachelor of Architectural Studies and a Master of Architecture (Professional). You also need to be registered with the New Zealand Registered Architects Board, which requires you to complete three to five years work experience post-graduation.
How do I get an architectural license?
To obtain a license, an architect generally must earn a degree from an approved architectural program, complete an internship, and pass an exam. All of this ensures architects possess a high level of expertise about design, materials, and building systems.
How do I choose the right architect for my project?
Choosing the perfect architect for a project is like choosing the perfect partner – they must share your vision and add valuable new dimensions to a new build or renovation project. Luckily there is a diverse range of qualified, experienced and talented architects in New Zealand.

How much does it cost to hire an architect NZ?
A matter of cost “Most architects will charge 10% of the final building cost. For just the drawings, they could charge around 4-6% of the final building cost. “Draftsmen responsible just for the drawings work will charge around 1-3% of the final building costs.”
How do I choose an architect NZ?
Personal recommendations are invaluable when choosing an architect. If your friends have used one, talk to them about their experiences. Their insights into the design and build process could help you plan your project. Look online for things you like; architects' websites often have comprehensive portfolios of work.
How do I find an architect for me?
Create a Brief Before You Find an Architect. ... Find an Architect Through Word of Mouth. ... Find an Architect You Can Work Well With. ... Find an Architect Who Has Experience With Planners. ... Find an Architect Whose Previous Work You Admire. ... Find an Architect Who Listens to You. ... Choose an Architect Who Respects Your Budget.
How much does it cost to talk to an architect?
Hourly fees Some architects charge a fixed rate by the hour. The typical range is $60 to $125.
What should I pay for an architect?
As a rule of thumb, you can expect to pay your architect between 8 and 15% of the construction cost for their 'full services'; this breaks down as 35% up to planning, 35% up to tender, and 30% during construction, as the illustrated example below aims to demonstrate.
Do I need a builder or an architect?
2. Do you need help with the design? If you have a clear idea of what you want, or a builder whose judgement and vision you trust, then an architect is less necessary. However, if you aren't sure what kind of design you want, then they can help give you ideas.
How much does an architect cost?
Architect fees typically fall between 5% and 20% of the total project cost. For an average 2,700 square foot home with a build cost of $300,000, that comes out to $15,000 to $60,000. Less commonly, they charge $125 to $250 per hour, and a few pros charge $2 to $10 per square foot.
How do you know if an architect is good?
If what you're asking for is a bad solution, a good architect will take your request and propose an alternative that meets your design objective. A mediocre architect will say no, not explain why, frustrate you until you simply insist on doing it that way, then give up.
How do you ask an architect to design a house?
7 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring an ArchitectWhat Are the Biggest Challenges and Attractions of This Job? ... Do You Have a Signature Style? ... Who Will Design My Project? ... What Project Management Services Do You Provide? ... How Do You Charge? ... Can You Provide Three-Dimensional Drawings?More items...
Do architects give free advice?
Most architects are happy to do an initial meeting to scope out a property for free if they think that there will be future work with you, so take them around when you meet the agent and listen to what they have to say.
Can I design my own house without an architect?
You can use either an architect or a building designer to design your home. You can choose someone with their own practice, or your builder may have a designer on staff. Your chosen designer should work with you to develop a design that suits both your lifestyle and your budget.
How long does it take for an architect to draw up plans?
about four monthsHowever, whether they are drawing house plans by hand or by computer, the process takes several months, not hours. Typically, homeowners should plan about four months for the design process from the initial consultation to the time the construction documents get submitted.
What is the difference between an architect and an architectural designer NZ?
An architectural designer is a design professional who may be involved with a project from concept through to final completion, in the same manner as an architect. An architectural designer is a licensed building practitioner who generally has some level of tertiary qualification relating to design and construction.
What is the difference between an architect and an architectural designer?
Whereas an architect is a licensed design professional, an architectural designer is not. An architectural designer is one step below an architect when it comes to expertise. Before an architect passes the ARE's and gets licensed, she is an architectural designer.
What's the difference between an architect and a designer?
Designers assist in designing the interior elements, like the flow of spaces, influencing style, and material selection, while using their skills to add aesthetic value. Whereas architects create detailed drawings of the structure, ensuring the building is up to the required codes.
Do you need architect for planning permission?
How to get planning permission without an architect? You don't need an architect to obtain planning permission. You can submit your plans yourself online via your local authority's website or in person. Having an architect submit your plans will not guarantee they are approved.
How many architects are there in New Zealand?
A downturn in the economy can lower demand for architects. According to the New Zealand Registered Architects Board, 2,035 registered architects worked in New Zealand in June 2019.
What is an architect?
Architects plan, design and advise on the construction and alteration of buildings and other structures.
How much does an architect make?
Architects with five to ten years' experience usually earn between $70,000 and $120,000.
What is a knowledge of the New Zealand Building Code?
an understanding of structural principles, such as Newton's laws of motion. knowledge of relevant legislation, including the New Zealand Building Code, the New Zealand Building Act, the Resource Management Act and local by-laws, consent procedures, and planning regulations.
How do architects work?
Working conditions. Architects: usually work regular business hours, but may work longer hours to meet deadlines. work in offices. may travel locally to visit construction sites or clients, and nationally or overseas to work on projects or attend conferences and workshops.
Do architects need to continue professional development?
Registered architects also need to undertake continuing professional development to maintain their registration.
How to find a residential architect in New Zealand?
Find residential architects on Houzz. To find the best New Zealand architect for your home design project, narrow your search to find professionals in New Zealand. Then browse their latest projects and read reviews. You can also look through photos of projects to find an interior architect or designer who has worked on a project similar to yours.
How do I find the right architect for my home design project?
Do you want to improve the liveability and sustainability of your home, or simply expand? What style of architecture do you prefer? Once you have established your motivation, research architects that have completed similar house designs in your New Zealand locale and within a comparable budget to yours.
What is a good architect?
A well-chosen architect can design a home that is specifically tailored to your family's lifestyle. Highly competent and professionally-trained designers, many architects in New Zealand also use sustainable design principles to maximise the site and materials used, so your home uses less energy and saves you money in the long term.
What do you need to trust an architect?
Most importantly, you need to trust that your architect will manage your home improvement or house design within budget, while working with site constraints, and coordinating the relationships of all parties involved in the project.
Who designed our family home before we knew were expecting?
Rafe designed our family home before we knew were expecting. He Has a super strong sense of form and is uncomp...
Who designed the renovation of our living/dining/kitchen area?
Verso designed the renovation of our living/dining/kitchen area. They met with us, came up with the concept, p...
Can an established architect provide architectural services?
Finally, remember that the most well-known or established architect may not provide the right architectural services for your needs. It all comes down to the individual project.
What is a visitor visa in New Zealand?
A Visitor Visa is a great way to experience everything New Zealand has to offer. You are permitted to meet with prospective employers but you are not permitted to work until you have been granted a work visa.
What version of ANZSCO is used for assessment?
We use ANZSCO Version 1.2 to assess applications. Some selected occupations are treated as an exception.
How many years of work experience can you substitute for ANZSCO?
you have the relevant work experience that ANZSCO states will substitute for a formal qualification (for any skill level 1 occupation you can substitute the qualification specified by the ANZSCO with 5 years of work experience, even if the ANZSCO does not state this), OR.
Can an employer recruit a migrant worker in New Zealand?
In this situation, the employer may apply to Immigration New Zealand for Approval in Principle to recruit workers from overseas. They may also offer employment to a migrant directly and support their application for an Essential Skills work visa. The employer will need to provide supporting information and demonstrate their efforts to recruit New Zealanders first.
Do you need to register your occupation in New Zealand?
your employment requires occupational registration in New Zealand by law and you hold full or provisional registration for your occupation.
Is Sydney Accord accredited?
Where a Sydney Accord accredited undergraduate engineering degree is a requirement, the engineering technology degree has to be awarded from or after the date the country became a signatory, and must be on the list of accredited programmes of the signatory country. To determine if an engineering technology degree awarded is Sydney Accord accredited, please refer to the International Engineering Alliance website.
How much does an architect charge?
Some architects charge a fixed rate by the hour. The typical range is $60 to $125. Fees in some parts of the country, particularly urban areas, will certainly be higher. If yours is a small project and you already know what you want design-wise and expect little back-and-forth, this may be the way to go. You may want to put a cap on the number of hours, but once you reach that limit, you’ll have to re-negotiate.
How to cover architect costs?
Ensure the cost of the architect is factored into your overall home remodel budget. Many people use and consider fixed-rate personal loans to cover all or a portion of project costs, including the architect. Lenders like Discover, for example, offer personal loans that don’t require collateral, which means you don’t have to put your house on the line to secure the loan. Plus, funds can be sent as soon as the next business day once you are approved and accept the terms of the loan, which is critical when unexpected project costs come up or you go over budget. With Discover Personal Loans, you can apply for just the amount of money you need up to $35,000.
What does an architect do for a house?
Or you need another bathroom, but every square inch of your house is accounted for. In cases like these, a good architect can help you sort through the possibilities and come up with creative improvements that fit you, your budget, and your lifestyle.
What to expect at a first meeting with an architect?
At your first meeting, you can expect to talk about ideas you have for the project, your budget, and timetable. You’ll want to walk out with a good “feel” for whether you can work with this person, because you’ll be spending a lot of time together as your project progresses. The architect will be looking for the same thing.
Why is it important to have an architect?
In cases like these, a good architect can help you sort through the possibilities and come up with creative improvements that fit you, your budget, and your lifestyle. You feel squeezed, but don’t want an addition. Before adding to your house, a good architect will ensure you are making the most of all existing space.
Can an architect help you remodel a house?
You might consider any one of the above individuals to help you in designing your remodel. What many people—particularly homeowners planning “just a few tweaks”—don’t realize, however, is how difficult it can be to adapt an existing home to meet new expectations. Architects are trained to see the possibilities in every structure and are experts at translating those possibilities into detailed plans that your builder can execute with precision.
Can I remodel my house without an architect?
In this DIY world, an architect is often seen as a luxury—and can be a costly one at that. You can certainly complete a masterful remodel—even a large one—without an architect’s help. You typically can, that is, if you or your builder have a talent for design, if you have a clear idea what you want, and if you (or your builder, or someone you know) can produce plans that satisfy your local building authorities. In all these situations, you could get by without an architect. But then there is another question you might ask, ‘Do I really want to?’
