70 | Site visit is always the first step Once a design has been arrived at, there is engagement with client and builder to gain further comment and input. McLeod Architecture T T Sue Russell ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN Making the decision to move away from Auckland in 2015 to Hawera, in South Taranaki was a good move for Jared McLeod. It gave him the opportunity to purchase a home, something that was increasingly out of reach in Tauranga, and to be closer to family. Jared studied architecture at Unitec in Auckland, entering learning at age 24, something he says was a benefit. “Going in slightly older I appreciated the training and had some life experiences behind me. I have a fairly mechanical mind and I think that helped me grasp the principles behind design.” McLeod Architecture is a small practice, engaging a part-time designer during school hours. Jared says he has a large volume of work across his desk, given he designs in the commercial and residential space along with school redesign and repurpossing. “I never stop feeling grateful for the amount of work I have. If you put your head down and do really good work then projects come your way. We ensure we make plans very user-friendly and readable for builders and I know they appreciate this.” Working collaboratively with builders and clients is the absolute key to success, Jared says. There’s good reasons for this, as he explains. “If you work in isolation, you’ve only ever got your own ideas to put into the design mix, so you’re limited by your own thinking. If you are always by yourself, it is just reinforcing what you have always done. Great ideas come from working with people from all walks of life and that enriches the whole design process.” Jared says a site visit is always the first step on any project. “Looking at the space the home will be built on, informs a whole raft of design factors, orientation being critical. We always design with the sun in mind, so the home will be warm.” Then conversations really get underway with clients, trying to better understand what they want of their home, how they want to live. Jared says he views architecture as a ‘tool’ to enable people to live the lifestyle they want. “Spaces can very much influence how you live and feel.” Once a design has been arrived at, there is engagement with client and builder, to gain further comment and input. It’s also important to keep the building budget constantly at the forefront. “We’re not about pushing the budget to the absolute maximum. These are critical conversations that need to be addressed. In New Zealand often people don’t really want to talk about their budgets.” Having settled now for nearly 8 years in Taranaki, Jared says he’s really pleased with where the practice is positioned. The town has two or three other architects and the region is an interesting area to be based in, with growth occurring in pockets. “I think the move away from Auckland to areas such as Taranaki has certainly influenced the building energy and amount of work building professionals have and I don’t see that slowing down as people discover the benefits of living and working in the regions.” Along with residential and commercial work, Jared has also taken up projects for Council. There are a couple of new subdivisions growing in Hawera which bodes well for future demand for his services. “I’ve established some very good relationships with builders, who will refer clients to me.” As a Licensed Building Practitioner, and qualified architect, there’s an expectation of ongoing professional development, something Jared says he enjoys. “It’s always been my aim for the work I do to improve incrementally project on project and to maintain an awareness of new design thinking. That’s one of the things that makes the profession such an engaging one.” • Accounting • Business Advice • Payroll & Taxation Services • Budgeting & Forecasting ...more than just accounting! 06 928 5608 | www.hippaccounting.co.nz Darryl Riddick BUILDER Proudly Supporting McLeod Architecture 027 278 4724 riddicks@xtra.co.nz
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