I help clients make better decisions that lead to exceptional built outcomes.
HWA
Architecture
HWA Architecture provides architectural design services for new homes within some of New Zealand's most outstanding landscapes.
Designing where place matters
Some sites demand more from the design process.
Scale, climate, exposure, planning controls, access, servicing, construction logistics, and the visual sensitivity of the landscape can all influence the decisions made long before a building takes shape.
I enjoy working in these environments because the site becomes an active part of the design process.
The aim is not to impose a particular architectural style or compete with the landscape, but to understand the conditions, recognise the opportunities, and develop a response that feels appropriate to its place.
That might mean creating shelter from prevailing weather, carefully framing an outlook, managing significant changes in level, selecting materials for a demanding climate, or understanding when restraint will achieve more than architectural complexity.
The result should feel considered, grounded, and connected to the landscape around it.
I bring more than 20 years of architectural experience to new home projects, helping clients navigate the decisions that shape a home from the earliest ideas through to construction.
A new home brings together far more than a collection of rooms. The way you live, the qualities of the site, budget, planning requirements, construction methods, comfort, materials, and long term priorities all influence the decisions made throughout the project.
These considerations rarely exist in isolation. A decision about orientation may influence views, sunlight, structure, outdoor living, and energy performance. Increasing space in one area may mean investing less somewhere else. The right answer is often found by understanding how the different parts of the project connect.
My role is to listen, ask the right questions, test ideas, and bring together the information and specialist advice needed to make informed decisions as the design develops.
The aim is to create a home that responds to you, the site, and the realities of the project, with each decision contributing to a considered and cohesive whole.
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first step engagement
It all starts with a first step.
From understanding the site to a completed building
Projects in outstanding landscapes benefit from early investigation and a clear understanding of the wider site before significant design decisions are made.
I can become involved from the earliest stage to explore the possibilities, coordinate specialist advice, and understand the planning, environmental, servicing, and construction considerations that may influence the project.
From there, my involvement can continue through design, visualisation, documentation, consenting, builder procurement, and construction support, with the level of service shaped around the project and the support you need.
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.
working beyond wellington
Distance doesn't need to mean disconnection.
I combine planned site visits with regular virtual meetings, digital collaboration, and detailed architectural documentation to remain closely involved throughout projects across New Zealand.
I work alongside local consultants, engineers, builders, and specialist advisers where their regional knowledge adds value, while maintaining continuity across the architectural decisions that shape the project.
For clients, the important question is less about where the designer's office is located and more about whether the project is understood, communication is consistent, and the right people are involved at the right time.
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 - 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
In progress - Horowhenua Lifestyle
Designed to nestle into a rural landscape slope with expansive outlook this family home was to bring the Central Otago to the Horowhenua. The home features four bedrooms, triple car garaging, three bathrooms and open plan living with pool house and multiple large outdoor entertaining spaces.
Rural - Horowhenua
Rural Architecture
2026
Completed Project - Lake Tekapo
Designed to sit up on a moderate urban slope with uninterrupted panoramic views this holiday home features three bedrooms, separate garaging, two bathrooms and open plan living with multiple large outdoor entertaining spaces.
Lake Tekapo
Alpine Architecture
2012
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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