rules of engagement

Large-scale retail is a moving target: rather than discrete tender, design and construction stages, each merges as the works develop.

That's the experience of architect Chris Meikle of Woodhams Meikle Zhan Architects, based on many years' experience on large retail projects, including several for Westfield.

As project architects on the Westfield Albany project, the firm worked with Westfield's design team to complete the developed design and documentation for the tender and consent process. The firm then continued as documenting architects.

Well into construction, the architects were making detailed drawings, as Westfield identified new ways to save costs and new tenants came on board.

"That is the nature of retail many elements determine the final outcome, and as documenting architects we needed to keep detailing the information as it changed," he says. "We also had to document works as they were commissioned, such as all the pre-cast stairs for the mall, rather than document the project chronologically, which added to the complexity."

Architects carried out daily on-site quality checks throughout the 12-month construction process, working to CM5-level observation standards. This involved dealing with detailed and large changes as they occurred on site, and co-ordinating core services, such as air conditioning, electrical and fire sprinklers.

"Another part of our role was co-ordinating the tenancy master plan and producing new tenancy lease plans as soon as new tenants came on board," says Meikle. "At the peak of the project, five people were working just on tenancy plans."

For more information, contact Woodhams Meikle Zhan Architects, PO Box 9584 Newmarket, Auckland 1001, phone (09) 377 5215, fax (09) 377 5214. Email: chrism@wmlarchitects.co.nz, or visit the website: www.wmlarchitects.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas