FAQ's
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Q: When should I contact an Architectural Designer, Architect or Interior Designer?
A: It’s best to contact us early—ideally before purchasing land or starting construction. Early involvement helps maximise your site’s potential, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure your project aligns with your budget and vision.
Q: How do I choose the right Architectural Designer, Architect or Interior Designer in NZ?
A: Look for experience, relevant licences, past projects, style compatibility, clients reviews and signs of clear communication. A good design team should collaborate with you to bring your vision to life.
Q: What responsibilities do I have as a client?
A: You’ll need to provide a clear brief (your needs, priorities, budget), make decisions on design and materials promptly (to avoid delays), and work collaboratively with the design team. For building consent and compliance: you may need to sign off on applications, approve documentation, and ensure any legal or council requirements are met.
Q: Why use professional Architectural Designers and Architects rather than a generic builder or group house designer?
A: Professional Architectural Designers & Architects bring a wealth of registered expertise and training. They have an in-depth understanding of the NZ building code, and deliver designs tailored to your lifestyle, site and long‑term requirements—not generic cookie‑cutter plans. They have the ability to 'think outside the box' and deliver design solutions that are enduring! They help avoid costly mistakes, ensure proper documentation and create spaces optimised for architecture, functionality and aesthetics.
WHO IS LAD ARCHITECTURE?
Q: What are LAD Architecture’s core values?
A: We are driven by a passion for beautiful architecture, collaboration, integrity, and delivering high-quality design that stands the test of time. We value the privilege of creating homes that positively impact the lives of our clients.
Q: What makes LAD Architecture different from other architectural practices?
A: LAD Architecture is a multi-award-winning practice known for original, edgy and timeless architecture, and impeccable documentation. We combine architectural design, interior design and visualisation expertise under one roof, ensuring clarity, quality and a seamless process for our clients.
Q: What does LAD Architecture specialise in?
A: LAD specialises in original contemporary and traditional architecture, bespoke interior design solutions, and high-resolution in-house 3D visualisations. Our team designs thoughtful, timeless spaces that respond to context, budget and our clients brief.
Q: What services does LAD Architecture offer?
A: We provide full architectural design advise & documentation, interior design, 3D visualisation, and project management. Our multidisciplinary team ensures cohesive, high-quality design outcomes.
Q: How does LAD Architecture charge for their design services?
A: We offer flexible fee structures depending on the project - usually we offer fixed fees or hourly rates. We provide clear fee proposals prior to any design work starting, so you know exactly what to expect regarding our fees and there's no nasty surprises.
Q: Can LAD Architecture work within my budget?
A: Absolutely. We help you set realistic budgets, prioritise your design needs, and help make decisions that maximise value while maintaining quality and design integrity.
Q: How experienced is the LAD Architecture team?
A: Our award winning team includes Architectural Designers, Architects, Interior Designers and 3D Visualisers with extensive experience across commercial and residential projects, including large and small scale renovation projects. We hold an LBP Design Licence 3 (highest licensing tier) and are professional members of ADNZ.
Q: Where is LAD Architecture based?
A: We’re based in Cambridge (Waikato) with a satellite office in Waihi Beach (Bay of Plenty), and we work on projects throughout New Zealand. We love the diversity and challenge of designing in different regions, and with today’s seamless digital tools — including Zoom and cloud-based collaboration — it's never been easier to work with clients anywhere in the country.
Q: When was LAD Architecture established?
A: LAD Architecture was founded in 2007 with a clear vision: to create beautiful, well-crafted architecture that responds meaningfully to context, budget and our client's needs.
Q: Who does LAD Architecture work with?
A: We work with private home and land owners, developers and clients seeking original, edgy and timeless design. We value building long-lasting relationships with our client's, consultants and tradespeople, and view each project as a collaborative partnership.
THE DESIGN PROCESS - WHAT'S INVOLVED?
Q: What is LAD Architectures design approach?
Our approach is collaborative, client-focused and detail-driven. We work closely with clients to understand their lifestyle, aspirations and long-term needs, creating highly considered design solutions that enrich their lives!
Q: Does LAD Architecture design both contemporary and traditional homes?
Yes, we are skilled in both contemporary and traditional architectural styles. We love the variety and challenge of sinking our teeth into both contemporary and traditional projects. Regardless of aesthetic, we focus on creating architecture that is beautifully considered, functional and enduring.
Q: What’s included in LAD Architecture's architectural and interior design services?
A: We provide preliminary concept and detailed concept design, 3D visualisations, building consent documentation, interior design, material and finish selection, and support with local councils and the building consent approval process. Essentially, we offer a full-service design and documentation solution from start to finish.
Q: How does LAD Architecture tailor designs to my lifestyle or business needs?
A: We work closely with you to understand your daily life, priorities, and goals. This allows us to create spaces that are both functional and beautiful and satisfy your brief.
Q: Can LAD Architecture design for challenging sites?
A: Absolutely. We have experience designing on steep, small, or unusually shaped sites, and we're able to ensure your building makes the most of the site & location.
Q: Can LAD Architecture help optimise designs for sunlight, energy efficiency, or sustainability?
A: Yes. We consider natural light, ventilation, insulation, and sustainable materials to create comfortable, efficient and healthy spaces.
Q: Can changes be made during the design process?
A: Yes. We build flexibility into the design process and work with you to incorporate changes while keeping the project on track.
DOCUMENTATION & APPROVALS - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW?
Q: Will you help with building consents and navigating local building codes in NZ?
A: Yes — part of our role includes preparing documentation for building consent and ensuring design compliance with local regulations and building codes. We liaise with councils and ensure your documentation meets legal requirements and gets building consent approval from the relevant council. As a team we pride ourselves on the quality & extent of detailing provided in every set of plans.
Q: Does LAD Architecture offer feasibility services?
Absolutely! It's our standard practice to carry out feasibility assessments on all sites prior to commencing any design work. A fee for this service is outlined in our fee proposal provided to our client's before they engage our services.
Q: How much will my project cost — and how do I budget for design and build work?
A: Costs vary depending on project size, complexity and scope. We provide clear fee proposals for design services. As part of the planning phase we’ll help you understand likely build budgets, potential cost‑drivers, and how to get the most value for your investment.