An Overview
Architecture Smith + Scully is an award-winning team of Architects, registered with New Zealand Institute of Architects. We aim to create contemporary architecture that enhances and enlivens our clients’ daily lives with engaging designs that contribute value at many levels. Our constant goal is to produce building environments that somehow move us…that are a thoughtful response to our clients’ aspirations, to the context, the site conditions, and the budget.
Established in 1996, our body of work is expansive, ranging from private houses in urban, rural and coastal environments, to multi-unit developments, housing for elderly, hospitality, retail and commercial fit-out projects. We have a particular interest in designing for accessibility throughout the life of a project.
Our work has been featured in HERE magazine, Houses NZ, Architecture New Zealand, Architecture Now, Trends Design NZ, Home & Garden, Pro-Design, Kitchen and Bathroom Quarterly, Your Home and Garden, Habitats and Scope magazines. Our projects have been showcased on TVNZ’s Home Front and we have been credited with numerous awards including: NZIA Awards (Winner) for New Houses, Home Ideas New Kitchen Design, numerous Dulux Colour Awards (interior and exterior finalists), Best Award for Commercial Design (finalist), and Retail Design Award – Commercial Fit-out (Winner).
Approach
We aim to provide high quality, appropriate and thoughtful design with much attention given to personal service. We consider each client, brief and site as a unique opportunity, and believe that good design will enhance people’s daily lives through the quality of their environment. Our client relationships are precious, and we value their thoughts and input and engagement throughout the entire process.
Service
We can provide the full range of architectural services, from site analysis, feasibility and conceptual scheme design, through to documentation for the various types of council approvals required, consultant selection and coordination, contractor selection and tendering of contracts, and contract administration. Our projects often extend to the design and coordination of the fit-out and interiors, the kitchens and bathrooms, lighting design and hard landscaping. We have good working relationships with many reputable builders and contractors and can advise on suitable contractors for each project.
Clients
Many of our clients become dear friends in the process and often refer us to their colleagues and friends. Clients enjoy being involved in the process throughout their project and we work to ensure that clear communication and a good working relationship is facilitated at every stage. Over the years, we have developed working relationships with a solid group of very capable consultants and contractors that we work with regularly, often in conversation during the documentation process, and this can save our clients time and money on their projects.
Budget
Project size expectation and selection of materials, fixtures and fittings directly influence the project budget and we advise and work with our clients to realistically define these choices and decisions. Where budget constraints are of concern, we do recommend an estimate of costs from a Quantity Surveyor at preliminary design stage, so adjustments, if needed, can be made to the design and/or brief.
Fees
Based on the NZIA Guide to Services and Charges, our fees for each project are calculated individually and reviewed at each stage of the project. Generally, for preliminary concept and sketch design work, we charge on an hourly basis. Then once the design has been approved by our client, and the requirements for the documentation and consultant liaison are clear, we can provide a fixed price for the various documentation packages as required. If further services are required; e.g. for Tender Negotiations and Contract Administration work, Interior Fit-Out Design & Scheduling, Hard Landscaping Design; this work is usually charged on an hourly basis.
