Our Process

Designing Homes With Purpose

Your project, step by step.

From the first phone call to plans lodged with Auckland Council. Here's what happens at each stage, what we need from you, and where your builder comes into it. Ten steps, in plain English.

01
Illustration: Your first call - Sonder Architecture

Your first call

You get in touch and we call you back. We’ll ask what you’re planning, what’s driving it, and whether anything about your site is likely to help or hinder. No cost, no obligation.

02
Illustration: On-site visit, no charge - Sonder Architecture

On-site visit, no charge

We come to you, walk the property, and talk through what’s possible. Bring your questions and any rough sketches or photos you’ve collected.

Builder: if you already have one, a good meeting for them to sit in on.

03
Illustration: Feasibility study - Sonder Architecture

Feasibility study

We request your property file from Auckland Council and check what the site and the zoning will actually allow. You get a feasibility report covering what’s possible and what’s constrained, plus a quote for concept and architectural drawings.

04
Illustration: Your decision - Sonder Architecture

Your decision

Take your time with the report. We’ll follow up to answer questions. If you decide not to go ahead, we’ll ask for honest feedback, because that’s how we get better.

05
Illustration: Signed proposal and deposit - Sonder Architecture

Signed proposal and deposit

Once you’re happy, you sign the proposal and pay the deposit. We confirm receipt in writing and book the next site visit.

Payment 1: the deposit, with your signed proposal.

06
Illustration: Client file and site revisit - Sonder Architecture

Client file and site revisit

Your project file is set up and we come back to the property, this time measuring and recording the detail the drawings need.

07
Illustration: Concept drawings - Sonder Architecture

Concept drawings

We draft the concepts and walk you through them, on site or over a Zoom call, whichever suits. Changes at this stage are quick and cheap, so tell us what you actually think.

Builder: a good point for an early ballpark on cost.

08
Illustration: Architectural drawings - Sonder Architecture

Architectural drawings

With the concepts settled, we invoice the next instalment and start the full drawing set. We present them, you review, and we amend where needed.

Payment 2: the next instalment, before the architectural drawings begin.

09
Illustration: Pricing with your builder - Sonder Architecture

Pricing with your builder

The drawings go to your builder or renovation partner for a build quote. We’ll meet on site with them so the plans, the budget and the buildability all line up before anything goes to council. No builder yet? We can point you towards people we work with regularly.

Builder: the formal build quote happens here.

10
Illustration: Consent lodged with council - Sonder Architecture

Consent lodged with council

You confirm you’re happy to proceed and we lodge the plans with Auckland Council. Council has 20 working days to process a building consent, but that clock stops each time they ask for more information. We handle those requests and keep you posted.

Where your builder fits in

Before you start. Bring them to the first site visit if you already have one.

Concept stage. An early ballpark on cost keeps the design honest to your budget.

Pricing stage. The full drawing set goes out for a firm build quote, and we meet on site together to work through it.

Through the build. Your builder leads. We stay available for design questions and any consent amendments that come up.

When you pay

Deposit. With your signed proposal, before we start.

Instalment. Before the architectural drawings begin.

Any further instalments are set out in the proposal you sign, so there are no surprises.

We work closely with homeowners, consultants and builders to bring thoughtful, human-centered designs to life.