I help clients make better decisions that lead to exceptional built outcomes.
HWA
Small Project Architecture
HWA Architecture provides architectural design services for small residential projects such as wall removals, kitchen and bathroom design throughout Wellington, Hutt Valley and Porirua.
Small Projects. Big Difference.
Not every project is a new home or major development. Sometimes it's a new bathroom, a kitchen renovation, a garage conversion, opening up a living space, or creating a sleepout or home office.
Smaller projects deserve the same level of thought as larger ones, but they don't always require the same level of process.
My approach is proportionate to the complexity of the work. Sometimes a site visit, experienced advice, and a few sketches are enough to establish the right direction. Other projects require detailed design, building consent documentation, consultant coordination, and construction support.
The aim is to understand what matters, identify where my involvement will add value, and provide the level of architectural support the project actually needs.
A few well considered decisions can make a significant difference to how a building functions, feels, and performs, without turning a modest project into a major architectural exercise.
Not every project requires a full architectural service. Sometimes a few hours of experienced advice is enough to save weeks of uncertainty.
Small projects often begin with a First Step Engagement or site visit. We discuss what you're trying to achieve, look at the existing building, and identify the likely design, approval, and construction considerations.
From there, the project can grow only as far as it needs to. That might mean sketches and advice, or it may develop into building consent documentation, consultant coordination, and support during construction.
Although the physical scope may be modest, smaller projects can involve many of the same investigations, conversations, approvals, and professional responsibilities as much larger work. The time involved is not always proportionate to the construction value.
For this reason, I generally undertake smaller projects on an hourly basis. This allows my involvement to reflect the actual work required and means you pay for the advice and support your project needs, rather than a predefined architectural package.
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first step engagement
It all starts with a first step.
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 - Kitchen
Replacement of an original 1960's kitchen with internal walls removed, floors sanded and new exterior joinery.
Porirua
Residential Alteration Architecture
2020
Completed Project - Bathroom
A new bathroom finished in Italian tiles with stone bath and basin with harbour views.
Wellington
Residential Alteration Architecture
2018
Completed Project - Kitchen
A new Kitchen with indoor / outdoor connection and roof windows transforming a 1990's large home into a modern light filled living space.
Upper Hutt
Residential Alteration Architecture
2025
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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