I help clients make better decisions that lead to exceptional built outcomes.
HWA
Rural and Lifestyle Architecture
HWA Architecture provides architectural design services for Farm Residences, Rural Buildings and Lifestyle Blocks throughout New Zealand.
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.
Based in the Wellington region Hamish has been advising and designing modern, practical and thoughtful architecture for rural and lifestyle blocks for 20+ years.
I specialise in designing homes for rural settings that combine lifestyle, comfort, and enduring quality. My architecture responds thoughtfully to the surrounding environment, creating spaces that feel part of the land.
Designing for rural sites, whether coastal or inland, requires attention to climate, soil conditions, and orientation. We maximise sunlight, expansive views, and seamless indoor–outdoor living to create homes that are both comfortable and resilient for the long term.
With over 25 years of experience, I collaborate with trusted local consultants to bring these ideas to life. Every detail is considered, every line is purposeful, and each home is designed to be uplifting, functional, and enduring.
Whether you’re planning a house on a farm, near the beach, or somewhere a little out of town, we can help you create a home that truly embraces its unique setting.
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
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First Step Engagement
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Desiktop Review
-
Site Review
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Site Measure
-
Prepare a Brief
-
Planning Assessment
DESIGN
Concept Design
-
Site Setout Plans
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Floor Plans
-
Elevations
-
Sketch Perspective.
Developed Design
-
Primary Construction Drawings
-
Sub-Consultant Liaison
PLANNING
Council
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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
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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
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Wet Area Detailing
-
Electrical Design
-
Data Design
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Lighting Design
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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
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Interior Elevations
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Specialist product design
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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
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Material selection and approvals
-
Sub-Contractor Liaison
-
Fixtures and Finishes details
DEFECTS
Tailored services to suit
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
Completed Project - South Otago
A minor reconfiguration of an existing house with new joinery, insulation, wall linings and finishes. A reinvigored family farm home ready for the next generation.
South Otago
Rural Architecture
2026
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 - Rural Interior
Comfortable and full of light this interior is a great example of living in a rural setting with large spaces and connection to outside.
Interior
Rural Architecture
2018
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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