Our Services

Sketch Architecture operates AutoCAD for 2D documentation and utilises a number of software packages to offer the client 3D images to assist in the design stage. This gives the client a clear understanding of the completed project. Depending on the project type and size we can provide one or all of the 6 distinct services outlined below depending on client requirements: One : Full brief taking, predesign and concept design. This includes discussing your brief, design ideas and what you want to achieve and ascertaining the suitability of prospective sites and the implications of the Resource Management Act and town planning issues. Two : Documentation for resource consent purposes and build estimate. In this stage we prepare preliminary design drawings. Once you are happy, and approve the final design, we co-ordinate preliminary cost estimates from other consultants (e.g. engineers and quantity surveyors) and use the design documents to obtain Resource Consent (if a Resource Consent is necessary). Three : Full building consent and construction documentation. We prepare a complete set of detailed construction documents for construction purposes. These drawings are lodged for Building Consent and used for tendering purposes. During this phase, we consult and co-ordinate with other consultants. Four : Organising, coordinating and reporting on building tenders. If requested we can prepare a complete set of pricing documents, and go out to tender to find a builder or construction company for the job. We co-ordinate the tendering process, and report back with a recommendation. Five : Administering the construction contract. If requested we will impartially administer the building contract between you and the building contractor. We hold regular meetings on site and monitor the building work to ensure it complies with the design and contract, and is going according to plan. Six : Post Construction. Once construction is complete, we continue to administer the building contract through to the end of the defect’s liability period (the nominated period during which the contractor is still liable for any defects or building problems).

Testimonials

Renovation and Reclad – Remuera, Auckland "Our brief was to work within the existing building envelope, but to achieve a dramatic transformation – modern but timeless, confident, strong and sound – while appreciating inevitable budget constraints. We have nothing but praise for the performance of Tony Pilkington of Sketch Architecture and the result delivered.Tony is very professional, his attention to detail is great and he has a genuine appreciation of the finer points of design. We found him very efficient; delivering concepts, developed design, working drawings and the building consent to an agreed cost and time schedule. He also managed the competitive tender process for us.Precise understanding of Auckland Council and current building code requirements ensured that the consent process went smoothly and quickly. His work appeared to us to be well-respected by Council officers.While we did not require project supervision, Tony was always available during the 32-week job to visit the site or answer queries from us, or the main contractor. Where necessary any small amendments, or drawings for clarification, were supplied promptly by email. We are thrilled with the outcome which delivered all we sought and even exceeded our initial expectations." Kirsty and Robin Beckett Villa Renovation and Extension - Ponsonby, Auckland “We were very impressed with Sketch Architecture from beginning to end. Tony interpreted our brief perfectly and we were thrilled with his knowledge of products. Also, Tony made the daunting consent process a breeze.All drawings were manufactured promptly – likewise with emailed questions …all answered at lightning speed - alleviating any frustration. On this particular build we relied heavily on our architect. Sketch delivered over and above the call of duty - always there. Not only consistently throughout our build (in never being made to feel uncomfortable to ask a question and seeing to it that we were ok and things were going per plan) but outstandingly also after completion - which speaks volumes about Tony’s integrity and the firm he headsIn summary, Tony cares, he is professional, energized, and totally client driven, needless to say I would have no hesitation in using Sketch Architecture again or recommending Sketch to anybody.” Janine Chow Re-clad and Renovation - Greenlane, Auckland "We have been a client of Sketch Architecture Ltd over the past 18 months and have been involved with them in the complex task of progressing our leaky home project from the investigative stage, through the re-clad process, to the current legal and cost recovery stage.The process has been extremely complex and difficult and in this regard believe we have been extremely fortunate to have had the services of Sketch Architecture. They have been involved from the beginning, from the concept and design phase through the planning and consent process to the building and final code of compliance stage. Since then they have continued to give support to our legal claims and providing complex data required by the Dept. of Building & Housing prior to proceeding with Conciliation and Arbitration.At the outset Sketch were highly recommended by Re-Clad Builders. Their services and responsiveness have been truly remarkable – quick, positive, highly efficient and financially exactly as quoted. We have been entirely satisfied with the services provided and have been extremely grateful for their proactive support.In conclusion, our weathertight project is looking encouraging and this could not have been achieved without the professionalism and full support that we have been given by Sketch Architecture.We would be most happy to elaborate further should any prospective client require further information." David & Juanita Marsden Pohutukawa Kindergarten Extension - Ellerslie, Auckland “Sketch Architecture became involved in the planning stages of what was our third building expansion at Pohutukawa Kindergarten. (We had previously altered and expanded a small two bedroom 1920’s cottage!) Tony met head-on the challenge of accepting what was in place and what had already been approved in the prior two stages, and he completed a fantastic set of plans for the final stage of our project development.The plans were clear and complete and consent was readily obtained. One of the key things that we would emphasize in recommending Sketch to others is the ‘work alongside’ approach that Tony has. Problems do arise when clients are not listened to, and in our complex situation of prior development and Ministry of Education requirements, we needed to have a good grip on what and how the plans were drawn up. Tony was a pleasure to work with in that he always listened to what our needs were, and responded so quickly, often with better ideas and always with great solutions. He listened and we felt involved at every point.We would thoroughly recommend that you talk to Tony about your next project, - and we are sure you will then want to follow through and use the expertise and efficiency at Sketch Architecture for your plans.” Marilyn Appleton Superior Construction on Sketch Architecture Ltd “We’ve been working together with the team at Sketch Architecture Ltd for a number of years now, and find Tony and his plans exceptionally easy to deal with.I’ve been building for over 20 years and receive plans from a wide variety of architects around Auckland. From a builders perspective Sketch Architecture’s plans are some of the most detailed and usable plans we’ve dealt with. For our clients this means a smooth and faster build with an architect that is dedicated to giving you the perfect design. With Sketch we often find there is no need for extra clarification on details; they’re all provided. This makes the building process a breeze for us, the builder. We have also used Tony to redesign our home in Half Moon Bay. He listened to our needs and provided us with our dream home. We recommend Tony and his team at Sketch to all our clients." Phil Penney, Superior Construction Ltd.
Townhouse Renovations – Pakuranga, Auckland “Tony successfully took my two townhouse extension, re-cladding and renovation projects through the resource consent process with no fuss, which allowed me to build up to the property boundary and over the height limits. The subsequent building consents went through easily. While I had some rather intricate design ideas, Tony advised me to keep it practical and simple. He was right. It looks great. Tony is a pragmatic down-to-earth architect, who does not promise unrealistic timescales, and instead delivers on time.” Keith Weale