Design decisions

Building design is a complex process involving a diverse range of skills and inputs.

A key role is considering amd balancing a wide range of often conflicting factors to achieve a building outcome that: 

• meets client requirements
• is aesthetically and environmentally sound
• meets all planning and building control regulatory requirements including significant ones around durability, structural stability, fire resistance and weathertightness 
• considers the future - climate, building use 
• applies LCA and Code plus principles as appropriate
• will be safe and healthy for occupants
• can be built and effectively maintained
• will remain serviceable after a major event. 

This publication identifies the wide range of factors that need to be considered as part of a building's design to achieve a successful long-term outcome for the client. Given the myriad of factors to be considered, it focuses on the key elements rather than getting into specific details of the relative merits of a design feature or building material or component.

Aimed primarily at designers and architects, this resource can be used as a check, particularly for those new to design and construction, to ensure all relevant design factors have been identified and considered.