Design & Make

Ethos

Good architecture is not simply about creating beautiful spaces. Nor is it about being purely functional.
To be truly good, architecture must enrich the lives of those who experience it, enhance the surroundings in which it sits and be sensitive to the environmental impact it exerts.
To do this, good architects must listen carefully, respond sensitively and think both creatively and ethically.
At Design & Make, our mission is to do just that, no matter the scale of your project or budget.

Approach

Every client has different requirements and each project is unique. We start by listening so that we can fully understand your needs. Our design is then a response unique to you, your project and your site.
We are passionate about sustainability and have inhouse expertise in Homestar and Passive House Design so that we can insure your home is beautiful as well as comfortable and affordable over it's lifetime.
We communicate our ideas clearly so that you can fully understand the design every step of the way and make clear decisions before anything is built. The built outcome should exceed your expectations, not be a complete surprise!
And finally, we understand that a great built outcome requires an experienced team working together, so our relationship with all consultants and trades is as important to us as our relationship with you.

Experience

We have extensive experience from small scale commercial fit-outs to high-end residential projects and all the spaces in-between. We have worked in the South Island for over 15 years, and have also worked in Wellington, Perth, Edinburgh, London & Dublin.
We have very varied interests, from traditional building methods utilising natural materials (strawbale, natural plasters, and earthen floors) to the latest design and construction technologies (Homestar and Passive House).
Our work and life experience means that we have an array of knowledge to draw from, so that we can utilise the best systems and techniques for your project and budget.

Custom Fabrication

As well as architectural knowledge we have extensive experience with the design and fabrication of bespoke steel items. Michael is currently taking a break from being full-time behind a welding helmet, and working as a Carpenter apprentice. However we still have the capability to undertake bespoke design & fabrication projects for you, as one-offs or as part of your architectural design. Over the next few years Michael will be focusing on developing our 26 acre block into a self-sufficient off-grid paradise. We aim to practice what we preach and learn first hand how traditional techniques, such as straw bale, cob and lime plaster can be incorporated with new methodologies such as Passive House to create beautiful, healthy, sustainable buildings.