When the Ministry of Education (MoE) engages a main contractor for a design and construct contract, and they in turn engage an architect and design team, it’s typical for an independent Technical Advisor to be assigned by the MoE to review the design. This ensures the client’s requirements are advocated for through the design process, and that on-site observation and Quality Assurance are carried out during the build to ensure it meets all requirements and specifications.
Prendos’ architectural arm – Respond Architects – was recently engaged in the Technical Advisor role for a new classroom block at Rutherford Primary School on Auckland’s Te Atatu Peninsula. Our extensive experience with MoE projects means we have a good understanding of the MoE’s design and technical requirements. We were also selected for our pragmatic approach, and our reputation for excellent technical and QA knowledge.
The project comprised a new two-storey, 10 teaching space block. Reconfiguration and expansion of the existing car parking areas was also part of the project scope. Throughout each phase of the design process, we carried out technical reviews for weathertightness, coordination and compliance with other MoE standards. We were able to add value by taking a pragmatic approach to the design and technical review, commenting on the buildability of specific junctions and providing suggestions of practical ways to reduce risk or complexity. Working collaboratively with the design and construction team, we helped to resolve potential issues rapidly and proactively.
During the construction stage we cultivated good working relationships with the project team, with a focus on solutions and a ‘best for project’ approach. Our fortnightly site visits ensured the work was in compliance with the design documents and MoE standards, and our reports highlighted any QA or design issues observed during our checks. We also reviewed and commented on design changes and minor variations on site, and carried out a final defects inspection at the end of the project.
As a result of the collaboration between the contractor, architect and Prendos/Respond as Technical Advisor, potential design or on-site issues were proactively and quickly addressed. This facilitated sensible and timely solutions so that the project could be completed to a high standard, on time and on budget.
“The quality of reporting delivered was excellent”
“We engaged Respond Architects for this project for their previous experience and excellent performance record on MoE projects.
I found the quality of reporting delivered was excellent and it was at an appropriate level – not ‘nit-picky’ but practical and pragmatic. They also had a good working relationship with the contractor, which was collaborative, rather than heavy handed oversight.
I’d have no hesitation in recommending Natasha (Cockerell), and I can’t fault the service in any way. Natasha is always a pleasure to deal with – she’s really easy to work with and very responsive to requests. She immediately understands our requests and responds clearly and appropriately in a way that’s tailored to the audience.”
Fiona Westerkamp – Delivery Manager, Ministry of Education
Prendos is one of the few companies qualified to undertake weathertightness and façade peer reviews. We’re frequently employed as independent specialists to check other architects’ designs for Building Code compliance and weathertightness ‘best practice’. Find out more about our Design Peer Review services, or contact us to discuss your project.
