Short answer: no. You definitely don’t need to have a builder lined up before meeting with an architect. In fact, most people come to us at NB Architects without one – and that’s perfectly normal.
That said, if you do have a builder in mind already, it can be helpful to bring them into the conversation early. But there are some pros and cons worth understanding first.
When it’s fine to wait
There’s no harm in starting the design process before choosing your builder. In many cases, it’s better. It gives you the freedom to focus on design decisions without feeling locked into someone else’s pricing or construction preferences.
Once you have a solid set of drawings – ideally after concept or developed design stage – you can approach multiple builders for quotes. This keeps things competitive and gives you a clearer understanding of your options.
Many of our clients appreciate this approach, especially when budgeting carefully. It allows them to weigh up build cost estimates alongside quality, reputation, and timing.
When having a builder early can help
If you’ve already worked with a builder before or have someone you trust, involving them early in the process can be useful. They can offer feedback on buildability, suggest alternatives for cost savings, and provide ballpark figures that help steer the design in the right direction.
This is especially handy if you’re working to a tight budget or if the site has quirks that might make construction tricky – sloping sections, limited access, heritage overlays, or similar.
We’re happy to work with builders during the design phase – whether it’s to reality-check ideas, run feasibility numbers, or bounce around different construction techniques. Collaboration at this stage can save time and money later.
But a word of caution…
Be mindful that locking in a builder too soon – especially before plans are developed – can limit your ability to get other quotes. If the relationship doesn’t work out, or the pricing comes in above budget, it can be hard to walk away.
In some cases, we’ve seen clients tie themselves to a builder early on, only to feel stuck when things don’t align down the track. So if you do want to go this route, make sure you’re confident it’s the right fit.
What NB Architects recommends
We’re flexible. We’ll happily work with your preferred builder from day one, or we can recommend reputable local builders when you’re ready to get quotes. We can also help you through the tender process, if that applies to you. We’ve worked with a wide range of Timaru-based builders and know who’s good with what type of project – whether it’s new homes, commercial builds, or heritage renovations.
If you’re not sure what’s best, start by talking to us first. We can help you work through the design process and give you guidance on when to bring in a builder. Every project is different, and the right timing often depends on your goals, timeframe, and budget.
Thinking about starting a project?
You don’t need all the answers before you come in. We’re happy to sit down, talk through your ideas, and give you a sense of what’s involved – builder or no builder. If you’ve got plans for a home, renovation, or commercial space, we’re here to help make it happen, step by step.