62 | Sandpit Architectural Design ARCHITECTURE T T Richard Loader Inspired design driven by the client American clients wanted this home in Martinborough to be influenced by the Californian wine growing region in the Napa Valley Embedded in Sandpit Architectural Design’s brand is its design philosophy — Inspired by you, Designed for you. Wairarapa based, Sandpit Architectural Design was founded in 2016 by Seanoa Isaac who in a past life had been a builder, and construction project manager. Early on as an architectural designer clients would often tell Seanoa that they hadn’t been listened to by their original architect or draftsperson who had tried to ‘self-style’ a project so heavily it was no longer about them as the client. “I’m all about whatever the client wants in the design. They set out their aspirations for the project, and for the particular site, and I use all the inspiration they give to me to create their dream design. “It’s heavily client driven in terms of style. I’m not trying to create a Sandpit Architectural Design legacy that is identifiable by a style per se. I’m about giving the client what they want, complemented with good design advice and guidance along the way. We try to be down to earth and love working with our locals as well as projects outside the region.” Seanoa’s journey into architectural design is in inspirational, particularly for anyone wondering whether they should step off that high-diving board and plunge into the unknown. After qualifying as a builder, then spending a number of years managing projects, Seanoa felt he needed to embrace change, and follow a creative bent he’d had since his school days. “I also loved building, so architectural design seemed to be a natural progression, working directly with the client to design what they wanted; so I jumped right into the deep-end. I’m fully self-taught and spent a lot of time researching online. It was pretty stressful for the first year, because you’re learning a different side of construction with regulations, the Building Act and navigating local council, as well as learning how to use the design software.” But what Seanoa brought to design was his extensive building experience, and the practical buildability of projects. The feedback he has received from clients and builders is that is why they enjoy working with him. “Initially, I stuck with what I knew — fairly simple new builds that are far easier than alterations, extensions and renovations in a design sense. As I grew in confidence, and the market ramped up, the scope of work expanded to include alterations, as well as more complex architectural work. The size of the floor area often doesn’t relate to the complexity or features included in the design.” Sandpit Architectural Design’s work continues to be predominantly new build residential projects, complemented with an increased number of renovations and alterations. “At the moment we’re finding there are some large-scale alterations where the building footprint might be doubling or trebling. We’ve also become involved in light commercial projects. “We’ve just completed designs for a new golf clubhouse in Martinborough and we’ve completed some work in Greytown around their pavilion and swimming pool. There was also some pro-bono community work for the Greytown RSA for the cenotaph.” While the Wairarapa region continues to provide a constant stream of work, there are a growing number of clients seeking Seanoa’s approach to the design experience throughout New Zealand, with repeat business and referrals the predominant source of work. “I worked directly with clients who had been referred to me by a local building company. The project was located in Martinborough and set amongst its own vineyard. The clients were predominantly based in America and I only met with them a handful of times. “Most communication took place over Zoom or email. It was an awesome contemporary home design that was heavily influenced by the Californian wine growing region in the Napa Valley. We raised the foundations just enough so that you could stand in the house and cast your eye over the top of the grape vines and take in the Tararua Ranges. The clients are very happy and holiday in it when they are in New Zealand.” “I’m all about whatever the client wants in the design. kbgleeson@gmail.com | 027 518 8876 Proud to have worked with Sandpit Architectural Design on many successful projects. 027 9214 865 sam@edridgeconstruction.co.nz HIGH LEVEL COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION Level 5, 25 Victoria Street, Petone 150Main Street, Greytown 0800 566 664 www.holmes.co.nz FREE QUOTES COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN DAYS: Mon-Fri: 7.30am - 5pm, Sat: 8am - 12pm At Crighton ITMwe offer an extensive range of products to suit your building material, timber and hardware requirements 201 Main Street Greytown Phone 06 304 7193
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