Design Association of NZ Inc

Architectural Design

Architectural Design is the bringing together of art and science in buildings.

Structural Design

Structural Design is the analysis and design of structures that support or resist loads.

Civil Design

Civil Design is the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment.

Mechanical Design

Mechanical Design applies the principles of physics and materials science for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems.

Electrical Design

Electrical Design is the design and application of circuitry and equipment for power generation and distribution, machine control, and communications.

Member Area

How to get Design Advice

The first point to note is there is no such person as "a designer". To be effective, a practitioner must be discipline specific. The challenge is to find a practitioner in the market, competent to do the job in a timely, ethical and economic manner.

It is recommended that practitioners who are members of a recognised Professional Association are considered first. All New Zealand recognised Associations operate within a Code of Professional Ethics, and in most cases, are willing to assist with information and if necessary, intervention.

Architectural Design Process

All structures intended for human habitation are subject to the Building Act and the attendant Building Code. From 1 March 2012, Practitioners working in this discipline must be Licensed Building Practitioners, (LBP).

Under the LBP Design phase, there are three classes based upon the complexity of the project. The classes are Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. Booklets are available free of charge from Department of Building and Housing or at http://dbh.govt.nz/lbp-consumer – these provide important information.

How to Engage with a Design Practitioner

A minimum accepted practise is that a formal written contract of engagement is in place prior to any significant work taking place. By far and away it is better, to the point of insistence, that a recognised Form of Contract of Engagement be used. All reputable Professional Associations have forms available.

It goes without saying, both parties intending to contract should obtain independent legal advice, prior to signing or within a period of grace granted for this purpose.

Intellectual Property

In general there are two types of property; real property and intellectual property.

Real property is land and the built environment e.g. houses, factories, harbours, railways etc. Real property has scientifically determinable quantities such as mass and volume. The value of real property can be established more or less a by the process of what you see is what you get.

Resolving Disputes

With effective communication, most disputes are avoidable. It is important throughout the design process, that all parties keep each other informed of anything and everything that happens, and to do it in writing.

Should you find yourself in the unfortunate position of being in a dispute, some points you may wish to consider are;