I help clients make better decisions that lead to exceptional built outcomes.
HWA Architecture provides architectural design for residential, commercial, and community projects throughout New Zealand.
Full Service Architecture
HWA
Architecture that responds
Successful projects are shaped by hundreds of decisions. Understanding what matters to you, recognising the potential of the site, testing ideas, managing cost, navigating planning requirements, and considering how the building will actually be constructed all influence the outcome.
My role is to bring those different considerations together. I listen carefully, ask questions, test assumptions, and explore ideas before developing a design response that is appropriate to you, your site, and the ambitions of the project.
Drawing on more than 20 years of practical experience, I help clients see the bigger picture, make better decisions, and invest their time and money where it will add the most value.
Whether you're creating a family home, a community facility, or a significant commercial investment, the goal is simple: to understand what matters, navigate complexity with confidence, and achieve an exceptional built outcome.
01
first step engagement
It all starts with a first step.
START TO FINISH ARCHITECTURE
From the first conversation to a completed building, I shape my involvement around the decisions and support your project needs.
TEN STAGES. ONE CONNECTED PROCESS.
01
First Step Engagement
The simplest way to start. Bring me your project as it is and we'll identify the questions, opportunities, and most useful next steps.
02
Feasibility
Where more investigation is needed, I bring together site, planning, cost, and specialist information to test what is realistically achievable.
03
Understanding the existing
For existing buildings, 3D laser scanning and early investigation provide reliable information before significant decisions are made.
04
Design
Ideas are explored, tested, and refined into a response shaped around you, the site, budget, and ambitions of the project.
05
Visualisation
Realistic imagery and walkthroughs help you experience the project and make informed decisions before construction.
06
Documentation
Detailed drawings and specifications turn design decisions into clear information that can be priced, consented, and built.
07
Regulatory Coordination
I coordinate the architectural response, specialist input, and approval process without losing sight of the project we're trying to deliver.
08
Procurement
I help you understand builder options, compare proposals, and select a team appropriate to the project.
09
Construction
My involvement can continue through construction to answer questions, review architectural work, and help resolve issues as they emerge.
10
Ongoing Support
The relationship doesn't need to end at completion. I remain available as the building is used, changed, and evolves over time.
Elemental Architecture
Elemental is for clients who want a thoughtful architectural design and only the essential documentation to bring it to life.
We resolve the key design decisions and prepare the project for consent and construction, giving you a clear basis to take forward with your builder.
PRE-DESIGN
Pre-Design
-
First Step Engagement
-
Desiktop Review
-
Site Review
-
Site Measure
-
Prepare a Brief
-
Planning Assessment
DESIGN
Concept Design
-
Site Setout Plans
-
Floor Plans
-
Elevations
-
Sketch Perspective.
Developed Design
-
Primary Construction Drawings
-
Sub-Consultant Liaison
PLANNING
Council
-
Resource Consent Drawings
-
Assessment of Effects
-
Liaison with Council and Sub-Consultant Planners
DOCUMENTATION
Consent and Contract:
-
Construction Details
-
Weathertightness Details
-
Wet Area Detailing
-
Essental Schedules
-
Specifications
-
Supporting Information
APPROVAL
Council
-
Building Consent application
-
RFI responses
PROCUREMENT
CONSTRUCTION
Partial on-site engagement including:
-
3Hrs Builder / Contractor architectural support
DEFECTS
Elemental + Architecture
Elemental + is for clients who want greater certainty before construction begins.
Alongside the architectural design and documentation, we prepare a clear scope of works and help you identify, compare and appoint the right builder for your project.
PRE-DESIGN
Pre-Design
-
First Step Engagement
-
Desiktop Review
-
Site Review
-
Site Measure
-
Prepare a Brief
-
Planning Assessment
DESIGN
Concept Design
-
Site Setout Plans
-
Floor Plans
-
Elevations
-
Sketch Perspective.
Developed Design
-
Primary Construction Drawings
-
Sub-Consultant Liaison
PLANNING
Council
-
Resource Consent Drawings
-
Assessment of Effects
-
Liaison with Council and Sub-Consultant Planners
DOCUMENTATION
Consent and Contract:
-
Construction Details
-
Weathertightness Details
-
Wet Area Detailing
-
Essental Schedules
-
Specifications
-
Supporting Information
APPROVAL
Council
-
Building Consent application
-
RFI responses
PROCUREMENT
Finding a builder
-
Scope of Works Document
-
Builder Identification
-
Pricing review
-
Contract review
CONSTRUCTION
Partial on-site engagement including:
-
3Hrs Builder / Contractor architectural support
DEFECTS
Integrated Architecture
Integrated is for clients who want to stay involved in the choices that make their project their own, without having to navigate the process alone.
I stay connected through the project, bringing the key design decisions together and providing guidance and support when it matters most.
PRE-DESIGN
Pre-Design
-
First Step Engagement
-
Desiktop Review
-
Site Review
-
Site Measure
-
Prepare a Brief
-
Planning Assessment
DESIGN
Concept Design
-
Site Setout Plans
-
Floor Plans
-
Elevations
-
Sketch Perspective.
-
3D Renders
Developed Design
-
Primary Construction Drawings
-
Sub-Consultant Liaison
-
Joinery Detailing
-
Kitchen Detailing
-
Wet Area Detailing
-
Electrical Design
-
Data Design
-
Lighting Design
-
Heating Design
-
Finishing Plans
-
Fixtures Schedule
PLANNING
Council
-
Resource Consent Drawings
-
Assessment of Effects
-
Liaison with Council and Sub-Consultant Planners
DOCUMENTATION
Consent and Contract:
-
Construction Details
-
Weathertightness Details
-
Wet Area Detailing
-
Interior Detailing
-
Construction Schedules
-
Specifications
-
Supporting Information
APPROVAL
Council
-
Building Consent application
-
RFI responses
PROCUREMENT
Finding a builder
-
Builder Identification
-
Pricing review
-
Contract review
CONSTRUCTION
Partial on-site engagement including:
-
Unlimited Builder / Contractor architectural support
-
Design change review and documentation
-
Council interactions as required
-
Quality review
-
Monthly site visits during construction
-
CCC Application
DEFECTS
Curated Architecture
Curated is for clients who want every part of their project thoughtfully considered and brought together as a complete whole.
We work closely with you throughout the journey, shaping the materials, fixtures, finishes and details while staying deeply involved through construction to protect the design intent.
PRE-DESIGN
Pre-Design
-
First Step Engagement
-
Desiktop Review
-
Site Review
-
Site Measure
-
Prepare a Brief
-
Planning Assessment
DESIGN
Concept Design
-
Site Setout Plans
-
Floor Plans
-
Elevations
-
Sketch Perspective.
-
3D Renders with materials and colour consult.
Developed Design
-
Primary Construction Drawings
-
Sub-Consultant Liaison
-
Joinery Detailing
-
Kitchen Detailing
-
Wet Area Detailing
-
Electrical Design
-
Data Design
-
Lighting Design
-
Heating Design
-
Finishing Plans
-
Fixtures Schedule
-
Material Selection
-
Product Selection
-
Interior Elevations
-
Specialist product design
-
Bespoke Detailing
PLANNING
Council
-
Resource Consent Drawings
-
Assessment of Effects
-
Liaison with Council and Sub-Consultant Planners
DOCUMENTATION
Consent and Contract:
-
Construction Details
-
Weathertightness Details
-
Wet Area Detailing
-
Interior Detailing
-
Construction Schedules
-
Specifications
-
Supporting Information
APPROVAL
Council
-
Building Consent application
-
RFI responses
PROCUREMENT
Finding a builder
-
Builder Identification
-
Pricing review
-
Contract review
-
Reference checks
-
Insurance conformity
-
Builders guarantee checks
CONSTRUCTION
Comprehensive on-site engagement including:
-
Unlimited Builder / Contractor architectural support
-
Design change review and documentation
-
Council interactions as required
-
Quality Assurance oversight
-
Monthly site visits during construction
-
CCC Application
-
Weekly site observation
-
Contract Administration
-
Product sourcing
-
Material selection and approvals
-
Sub-Contractor Liaison
-
Fixtures and Finishes details
DEFECTS
Tailored services to suit
Local knowledge
Even within New Zealand, every region brings its own character, conditions, and possibilities. Having lived and worked throughout many parts of the country, I bring genuine regional experience, local knowledge, and established relationships that help me understand what will shape a project and develop a response that belongs.
Wellington is exceptionally well connected to the rest of New Zealand. From here, I work with clients and project teams across the country, combining planned site visits with virtual collaboration to remain closely involved throughout the design and construction process.
My experience includes projects in some of New Zealand's most distinctive regions, from established urban and coastal communities to vineyards, rural properties and outstanding natural landscapes.
Explore my architecture by region:
Architecture within Greater Wellington
Architecture for the Kapiti Coast
Architecture in the Horowhenua
Architecture for the Wairarapa
Architecture in some of New Zealand's Outstanding Landscapes
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Central Otago
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South Otago
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Mackenzie Country
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Ruapehu District
-
Hawkes Bay
-
Canterbury
-
Lake Taupo
Tailored services to suit
Elemental
Elemental is for clients who want a thoughtful architectural design and only the essential documentation to bring it to life.
I resolve the key design decisions and prepare the project for consent and construction, giving you a clear basis to take forward with your builder.
Elemental +
Elemental + is for clients who want greater clarity before construction begins.
Alongside the architectural design and documentation, we prepare a clear scope of works and help you identify, compare and appoint the right builder for your project.
Integrated Architecture
Integrated is for clients who want to stay involved in the choices that make the project their own, without having to navigate the process alone.
I stay connected through the project, bringing the key design decisions together and providing guidance and support when it matters most.
Curated Architecture
Curated is for clients who want every part of their project thoughtfully considered and brought together as a complete whole.
I work closely with you throughout the design and construction journey, shaping the materials, fixtures, finishes and details while remaining closely involved during construction to protect the design intent.
MANAGING A NEW ZEALAND BUILDING PROJECT FROM OVERSEAS
Many of my clients live elsewhere in New Zealand or overseas. While the distance can vary from hundreds to thousands of kilometers, the real challenge becomes ensuring every decision reflects your aspirations, protects your investment, and respects the unique qualities of the property.
My role extends well beyond architecture. I work as your trusted representative on the ground, providing clear advice, coordinating consultants, navigating planning and approvals, and ensuring the project continues to move forward while keeping you informed and involved wherever you are in the world.
Outstanding Landscape properties deserve more than impressive architecture. They deserve a thoughtful response to the landscape, climate, planning framework, and the way the property will be experienced for generations to come. By understanding both the opportunities of the site and what matters most to you, I create buildings that feel as though they could never have belonged anywhere else.
Whether you're creating a permanent home, a family retreat, or a long-term investment, my goal is to give you confidence that your project is being guided with care, sound judgement, and a commitment to achieving an exceptional outcome.
Completed Project - Seatoun Sanctuary
In the tightly held seaside suburb of Seatoun in Wellington this bespoke home has been designed for warmth, comfort, style and privacy.
Wellington
Urban Architecture
2010
Completed Project - Alpine Living
In the shadows of the southern alps and the reflection of Lake Tekapo this warm and spacious holiday home has been designed for the owners to spend the day adventuring outdoors and come home to a chilled out entertainers paradise.
Lake Tekapo
High Country Architecture
2021
Residential Alteration feedback
This is the second project I've engaged HWA for. I wouldn't have gone back if I wasn't happy the first time - and this project has been just as successful. Happy to (and frequently do) recommend HWA - just as long as he doesn't get so popular and busy that he can't work on my next projects.
- L Jensen
New Home feedback
From the moment I saw the concept I knew he'd nailed it. We didn't change a thing.
- D. Pelvin
Developer feedback
Hamish has done an amazing job for us designing homes to sell and our own home. We have worked with a number of designers over the years but Hamish's designs have always been spot on. Highly recommend!
-V Floyd
Commercial alteration feedback
Wow, we were expecting some compromise and complications extending our building, the design had no compromises, was achieved around the expected budget and with minimal disruption. Very happy with the result.
- Commercial building owner, Porirua
Commercial alteration feedback
Hamish has taken a simple in theory challenge and navigated the complexity of council, engineers and contractors to enable us to improve our commercial building and increase the rentable space.
-Commercial Landlord, Porirua
Completed Project - Fairways Edge
Designed for owners who value a mature garden setting, tree-lined outlook, all-day sun, and effortless entertaining, this alteration carefully reworks an existing two-level home. The design brings clarity to a previously fragmented arrangement of multiple living areas, bedrooms, and storage.
Upper Hutt
Urban Architecture
2025
Levin - Waitarere Surf Life Saving Club
Nestled into the Horowhenua dunes this new building designed as a Design-Build project for the Surf Lifesaving Club facilitates social interaction, beach safety and sporting excellence.
Completed Project - Waitarere Beach
Community Architecture
2024
Ready to talk about your project?
You don't need to have everything worked out. Tell me what you're considering and we can start from there.
Enquiries are typically responded to within 1 business day during normal business hours.
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