Our Process

Every project begins with stepping back and looking at the big picture.

At this early stage, we explore your ideas, aspirations, and overall vision. You may still be considering purchasing a site, or you may already own land and want guidance on its potential. We discuss:

• Project goals
• Timeframes
• Site constraints and opportunities
• Council considerations
  

This stage is about expanding your thinking while keeping expectations realistic. Early professional advice can prevent costly mistakes later.

A strong design begins with a clear brief.

During this stage, we work closely with you to define exactly what your project needs to include. This becomes a structured checklist that guides all future design work. We clarify:

• Required rooms and spaces
• Functional priorities
• Design preferences
• Budget parameters
• Items included — and excluded — from the scope
  

A well-developed brief ensures everyone is aligned before drawings begin.

This is where your ideas start taking shape on paper.

We prepare initial concept drawings that explore layout options, spatial relationships, and overall form. At this stage, flexibility is key. Adjustments are easy to make, and we encourage feedback and discussion. You’ll begin to see:

• Floor plan options
• Building orientation
• Basic elevations
• General scale and proportions
  

The goal is to refine the concept until it feels right — functionally and visually.

Once the concept direction is agreed upon, we move into more detailed planning.

This is the stage where larger decisions are made. Plans and elevations become more defined, and attention shifts to materials, finishes, fittings, and practical considerations. We work through:

• Detailed room layouts
• Exterior appearance and cladding choices
• Window and door placements
• Preliminary structural considerations
• Budget alignment
• Project timing
  

By the end of this phase, the design is largely resolved and ready to move into detailed documentation.

Working drawings are the technical backbone of your project.

These documents provide detailed construction information that guides the builder throughout the build. They outline:

• Dimensions and structural details
• Material specifications
• Fittings and fixtures
• Workmanship standards
  

Everything included in the build must be clearly documented. These drawings and specifications form the basis of your contract with the builder and are used to obtain accurate pricing. Thorough documentation at this stage reduces misunderstandings and variations during construction.

During this stage, outside consultants are engaged for specialist parts of the work, including Geotech Engineers, Structural Engineers, Quantity Surveyors, and Fire Engineers, to name a few.

With completed working drawings and specifications, builders are invited to price the project. We can assist with:

• Seeking tenders from selected builders
• Answer builders’ queries during the tender period
• Review the submitted tenders to help select the right builder for your project
  

We can assist in reviewing tenders and clarifying details to help you select the right builder for your project.

Before construction begins, the working drawings and specifications are submitted to the Building Consent Authority (BCA) for approval. Even with carefully prepared documentation, the BCA may request clarifications or additional information. We manage this process, responding to queries and providing any required updates to ensure approval can be granted. Receiving Building Consent allows construction to legally commence.

During construction, we can provide contract observation services. This involves:

• Monitoring progress
• Checking quality against drawings and specifications
• Reviewing workmanship standards
• Addressing design-related queries from the builder
  

Regular oversight helps maintain alignment between the approved design and the work being completed on site.

As the project nears completion, a final inspection is carried out. At this stage:

Once all requirements are met, the local council can issue a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC), confirming the work complies with the approved consent.

A Structured Process, Personalised Service

While these stages provide structure, our approach remains flexible and client-focused. Depending on the size of the project, some stages of the process may not be necessary. Clear communication, realistic budgeting, and thorough documentation are at the heart of every project. From the first conversation through to practical completion, Alan Craig Design provides experienced guidance, technical accuracy, and thoughtful design — ensuring your project progresses smoothly from vision to reality. Depending on the size of the project, some stages of the process may not be necessary.