| 71 T T Bernadette Cooney The clever use of light and space Rebuilt 1890s villa (top). Work in progress, new house (below). Timeless designs which evoke a sense of serenity and encompass logical planning, clever use of light and space and excellent detailing are the hallmarks of experienced Wellington registered architect Clare Bush. From her Mount Victoria studio, Clare creates designs for new homes and renovations for Wellington City, the Hutt Valley and Kapiti Coast. She is a skilled sole practitioner who has been a registered architect for 30 years. Established 14 years ago, Clare Bush Architects is renowned for its stylish modernist designs, character villa modernisations and city apartment renovations. Her portfolio showcases transformative projects scattered across the hills and valleys of Wellington city and suburbs. Clare is among the few architects who still draw their designs by hand. She believes this approach fosters a deeper understanding of scale and detail, essential for creating thoughtful and well-proportioned spaces. Clare explains, “You can’t draw it if you don’t understand what you’re drawing. It’s not a cut-and-paste process.” Hand drawing is a source of joy in her work, allowing her to engage more intimately with the design process. “I enjoy crafting by hand, and I believe it’s a better process.” Currently under construction is Clare’s design for a three-storey family home in Mount Vic near the former St Gerard Monastery. The design is a large, complex contemporary structure that balances traditional and modern aesthetics. “Because it’s located in the Mount Vic north character zone, it had to be sympathetic with the character of its neighbourhood.” Another notable project is a significant renovation of an apartment across three levels of the Hannah Factory Apartments on Leeds Street, Te Aro. This renovation involved a complete interior remodel, including a new kitchen, and bathroom, and the addition of a new steel and glass staircase - showcasing Clare’s ability to transform inner-city living spaces. “It’s important to work out what the house needs. As in, there is a way they’ll work optimally in terms of orientation to the sun, the landscape and the entry,” says Clare, “so to me, the house will quite often tell you what it needs, and a good architect will marry that up with the owners needs and wants.” Clare underscores the benefits of working with a registered architect for major projects. Architects like her offer comprehensive oversight, understanding council and construction regulations and providing valuable insights to clients. “We understand the rules for the council, who to liaise with, and the construction process,” she says. This expertise helps in anticipating and mitigating stressors for clients, making the building process smoother. “I think that overview is so helpful in making the process as painless as it can be. You’ve got someone who has insight and is going to help you anticipate what lies ahead.” Clare is your quintessential Wellingtonian, born and raised in the city. Being the daughter of an architect, her love of architecture is in her genes. Her love for the city’s architectural heritage and contemporary design makes Clare Bush Architects a leading name in residential renovations and new builds in Wellington. Clare Bush Architects ARCHITECTURE Planit Construction have built an enviable reputation of delivering complex & challenging new builds and alterations to the highest standard. We enjoy working with architects and clients to take your dream off the plans and turn that into reality. We have the knowledge and expertise to deliver the highest quality projects. rowan@planit.nz www.planit.nz 021 397 710 / 04 380 1958 Proudly supporting Clare Bush Architects
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=