We will design a unique home especially for you, following your design brief. We can recommend and advise on different building materials/claddings for various locations. You will receive up‑to‑date advice on local body requirements, and we can assist in addressing Resource Management issues, if they arise.
At the beginning of each project we visit the site with our client to discuss certain aspects, such as the way the land lies in relation to the sun, the view, access to the site, services, and any other unique considerations pertaining to that particular site. We then engage the services of the Boundary Hunter, a surveyor based in Whangarei, to establish our site plans. He does a great job by showing boundaries in relation to fence lines, contours, house and ancillary building positions (if any), establishes a site datum; and he will even include special features such as driveways, paths, kerb positions and rubbish bin locations! This provides a consistently high standard of service for our clients.
Preliminary drawings are then prepared on CAD and consist of floor plans, a couple of 3D views and/or exterior flybys. This enables clients to visualise their project from the outset. It also instills confidence and puts their mind at ease, as they can see that we are progressing in the right direction.
We will organise and lodge the Project Information Memorandum and Building Consent Application on your behalf, and obtain all necessary engineering in order to get the Building Consent approved; all you have to do is sign the forms and pay the fees to the engineer/local body.
And yes, we do have a list of builders we work with on a regular basis should you wish to employ one of them.
Back in March 1991, I started my own practice as a sole trader, eventually employing up to three fulltime staff, and forming Ford Design Ltd in 2003. I have been designing houses in Northland for 17 years, building a reputation within the industry for producing accurate, easy‑to‑read plans and documentation.
I believe in the importance of enjoying a balanced lifestyle and enjoying work as part of life. I like to form good working relationships with my clients based on honesty and open communication. Designing creative homes while keeping within a client's budget constraints gives me much work satisfaction. I believe it is my job to give my clients what they want, not what I think they should have.
Unique 'one‑off' homes
