I help clients make better decisions that lead to exceptional built outcomes.
HWA
Recladding Architecture
HWA Architecture provides architectural design services for recladding projects within the Greater Wellington region.
A new beginning for existing buildings.
A well considered recladding project can renew confidence in a building, improve its performance, and create something that feels as though it was always meant to be that way.
Recladding is far more than replacing tired or weathered materials. It is a chance to reconsider the building as a whole, refine its appearance, improve performance, and resolve shortcomings that have emerged over time.
Done thoughtfully, a reclad doesn't simply create a new exterior. It can transform the way a building performs, feels, and is experienced.
Based in the Wellington region, Hamish has spent more than 20 years helping clients use recladding as an opportunity to renew, improve, and future-proof their homes and buildings through thoughtful design and practical expertise.
Recladding is far more than replacing the exterior of a building. It is often a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve performance, address maintenance issues, and rethink how a home or building functions for the future.
Every recladding project is different. Some simply require a durable new exterior, while others provide the ideal opportunity to improve insulation, replace windows and doors, reconfigure layouts, add extensions, or modernise the building's appearance. Understanding what is worth retaining, what should be improved, and how these decisions work together is fundamental to achieving the best outcome.
Successful recladding requires careful coordination between architecture, weathertightness, structural design, building services, and construction. I work closely with trusted consultants and contractors to ensure every detail contributes to a building that is warmer, more durable, easier to maintain, and designed to perform for decades to come.
Whether you're addressing weathertightness concerns, replacing ageing cladding, or using the project as an opportunity to transform your property, I can help develop a design that builds on what you already have while unlocking its full potential.
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first step engagement
It all starts with a first step.
How I work on reclad projects
Every recladding project begins with understanding the existing building. An initial site visit and First Step Engagement allows me to understand the condition of the building, the known concerns, and what you are hoping to achieve.
From there, I can help identify the investigations, specialist advice, and likely approval requirements needed before significant design decisions are made.
Many recladding projects benefit from the early involvement of a building surveyor. Where weathertightness failure or wider remediation is involved, councils and project teams may require detailed building assessments, remediation strategies, quality assurance processes, and construction monitoring alongside the architectural design.
I work collaboratively with building surveyors, engineers, builders, and specialist consultants to understand the underlying issues and develop a coordinated response. The objective is to resolve the building properly rather than simply conceal existing problems behind new cladding.
As the project develops, the architectural scope can grow with it. Some projects focus primarily on renewing the exterior, while others include new windows and doors, improved insulation, alterations, extensions, or wider upgrades to the building.
Recladding projects often involve more investigation and coordination than people initially expect. My involvement is generally structured on an hourly or staged basis, allowing the level of service to reflect the complexity of the building and the support the project requires.
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 - Beachfront holiday house
This holiday house built right on the beach within the dunes was a relocated home with an extension above. Our scope was to add the garage, completely reconfigure internally and reclad ready for the next 50 years of memories.
Coastal Dunes
Urban Coastal Architecture
2026
Completed Project - Thorndon Heritage Renovation
Homes built prior to 1930 in Wellington have particular heritage requirements and this character home was no exception. The project involved resolving structural and weathertightness issues related to the age of the building, while meeting modern building standards for Energy, Health and Comfort as well as current fire safety requirements.
Thorndon, Wellington
Heritage Architecture
2024
Completed Project - Heritage Re-roof
Known as the 'Banana House' this large expansive home has Heritage New Zealand listing. I prepared the consent documentation and site observation for the building code aspects of the re-roof while working alongside Heritage NZ and the council approved Heritage Architects to ensure the replacement was in keeping with the existing.
Wellington
Heritage Architecture
2025
FIRST STEP BEFORE COMMITMENT
If you’re considering purchasing a site or starting a construction project, a small amount of upfront advice can make a significant difference to how things unfold.
The First Step Engagement is a focused initial session designed to help you understand your building or site, identify potential challenges, and move forward with confidence.
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Understand what’s achievable
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Identify challenges early
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Make informed decisions before committing
First Steps Engagement — Residential
$450 + GST (plus any disbursements)
First Steps Engagement — Commercial
Price on application
For clients referred by builders and agents we work with, this is offered at a reduced rate.
If you choose to continue working with us, the cost of the First Steps Engagement is credited toward the Pre-Design phase.
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.
To see more of what I am up to follow along on my socials.
From investigation to renewed building
Recladding projects often begin with investigation rather than design. Understanding the existing construction, identifying the extent of any underlying issues, and coordinating the right specialist advice provides the foundation for the decisions that follow.
Once the building is understood, my involvement can continue through architectural design, remediation coordination, documentation, consenting, builder procurement, and construction support.
The level of service is shaped around the building, the issues identified, and the wider opportunities the project presents.