| 105 T T Kelly Deeks Finding solutions is studio’s specialty Design Architectural is known for its problem-solving approach to high-end commercial design, from warehouses and office buildings to complex fit-outs and challenging building refurbishments. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN Design Architectural Design Architectural may be a small team based in Whangaparāoa, but the bespoke studio has been delivering big results for clients across New Zealand for decades. Now led by director Micah Spear, Design Architectural is known for its problem-solving approach to high-end commercial design, from warehouses and office buildings to complex fit-outs and challenging building refurbishments. “We like working with projects that need solutions or results,” says Micah. “It’s rewarding to work on a project that has challenges, or to take something that’s not working and needs upgrading, and finding the solution, make it functional, and give it a new life.” The business has been operating since 1987, and Micah’s own story with the company started in 2006 when he came as a student on work experience while still at secondary school, which then turned into becoming part of the team in 2008. After working his way up through the ranks, he became a shareholder and then took over as director in 2018. Today, Micah and his associate Alesi Hertzke may be a small team but are producing big projects with the help of a wide network of trusted consultants and contractors. A recent highlight was the delivery of a large warehouse development in East Tāmaki for long-time client Anzor Fasteners. Design Architectural has delivered multiple projects of all sizes over the years for the national trade supplier of stainless steel components, and Micah has enjoyed carrying that relationship on with them. “Our relationship with Anzor started before I was even involved,” says Micah. “They came back to us in 2015 for a new distribution centre, and that was the first time I was able to be part of working with them, and I’ve worked closely with them ever since.” The latest project involved navigating multiple challenges, but despite this the result was a high-performing, functional facility that ticked all the boxes for Anzor’s expanding operations. Micah says this kind of commercial work is the team’s specialty. “Residential clients often come with a dream, while commercial clients come with a problem that needs solving. That’s the kind of work we enjoy, taking a brief, finding the solution, and delivering a result.” Design Architectural has completed projects all over the country, including in Auckland, Wellington, Hastings, and Christchurch. Many of its clients are businesses with multiple locations, and the team takes pride in helping them maintain consistency across their buildings, their branding, and their developments. “Those repeat relationships are great,” says Micah. “We get to learn how their business operates, what they require to grow their business, and what challenges they face, then they know each time they return we can deliver exactly what they need.” Micah says one of the biggest changes in the industry since starting back in 2008 is the increasing complexity of the consent and compliance process. “The amount of information required for every project grows and grows. A set of documents for a similar building done a decade ago, now can be four times as much today. Every council has different ways of doing things. It’s a constant moving target.” But where others see problems, Micah sees an opportunity to add value. “Our clients trust us to take care of all those challenges behind the scenes. That’s why we provide a complete design solution from concept to completion. “That simplicity of dealing with one team, who can handle every stage of the design and consent process and deliver results, is key to what we offer our clients.” “It’s rewarding to work on a project that has challenges, or to take something that’s not working and needs upgrading, and finding the solution, make it functional, and give it a new life.” AUGUSTINE AIR DESIGN HVAC & MVHR SPECIALISTS Design & Install for Commercial and Residential Projects Feasibility Studies & Site Monitoring PS1,PS4 as per H1 & G4 Compliance EURO range of Ventilation systems and components 0211057462|augustineairdesign@gmail.com www.augustineairdesign.com
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