| 93 Thrive Architecture ARCHITECTURE T T Kelly Deeks Smart design critical to affordability Thrive Homes reflect founder Josefine Watterson’s vision to make better housing more accessible. As demand increases for homes that are not only well-designed, but healthier, more efficient, and built to last, more homeowners are recognising the value of working with a registered architect, and Thrive Architecture’s recently released Thrive Homes demonstrate what cost- effective sustainability can look like. Designed as high-performance, pre- fabricated homes that balance quality and affordability, the Thrive Homes reflect founder Josefine Watterson’s vision to make better housing more accessible, without compromising on design or sustainability. For Josefine, becoming a registered architect marked a turning point in both her career and the level of service she could offer clients. Josefine spent more than a decade working as an architectural designer before deciding to complete her registration, driven by a desire to test her knowledge and take greater ownership of her work. “I wanted to understand where my gaps were and make sure I had the knowledge to support clients fully,” she says. “As a designer you can rely on other people’s expertise, but I wanted to be in a position where I could carry that responsibility myself.” That decision also aligned with a longerterm goal to establish her own practice. Thrive Architecture was launched three years ago, built around Josefine’s vision of making sustainable, high-performance homes accessible to more New Zealanders. Central to that approach is the belief that architects have a duty of care that goes beyond simply meeting minimum building code requirements. “It is not just about designing to code,” she says. “We have the knowledge and tools to do better, and there is a responsibility to use that.” That philosophy underpins Thrive Architecture’s three core service areas. The consultancy arm sees Josefine working alongside homeowners, builders, and other design professionals to provide specialist advice on energy efficiency, materials, and performance, with a strong focus on education. “We often work with builders on a few projects and then they don’t need us anymore,” she says. “It is about sharing knowledge so more people can deliver better homes.” For clients seeking a tailored solution, Thrive Architecture also offers bespoke residential design, with each home considered in response to site and lifestyle. Recognising that architecturally designed homes are often out of reach for many, Josefine has now expanded into prefabricated housing through her Thrive Homes range. “There are high-end prefabricated homes and there are lower-quality options, but not a lot in the middle,” she says. “We are creating something that delivers high performance at a more accessible price point.” Developed in partnership with national prefabrication company Flexi House, up to 80% of each home is constructed off-site before being assembled locally. The first design available is ThriveHaven70, a 70sqm, two-bedroom unit aligned with new granny flat rules, with larger homes to follow. Josefine says smart design plays a critical role in affordability. “With the right design, a 200sqm home can feel like 250sqm,” she says. “It is about using space efficiently.” As a registered architect and member of the New Zealand Institute of Architects, Josefine says she benefits from a strong professional network, allowing collaboration on larger projects. Looking ahead, she believes the role of the architect will continue to evolve as homeowners place greater emphasis on sustainability and long-term value. “Our goal is to create homes that give more than they take – homes that support the people living in them, and contribute positively to the environment and the wider community.”
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