Business North December / January 2021

6 | Busy practice helping to shape region Karen Phelps K aitaia architectural practice Arcline Architecture has had an interesting journey, beginning first when Alan Simp- kin left school and went building, eventually establishing his own company focusing on design and build. That activity grew substantially over ensuing years until in 2003 he switched to concentrat- ing just on design, pursuing what he loved most and surrounding himself with drafts- men, engineers, interior designers, landscape architects and town planners. Arcline Architecture still has a strong family focus, with son’s Trent and Tristan taking on project management and company manage- ment roles. Trent, who joined the business in 2017, says the company takes on a wide array of pro- jects, something the whole team enjoys. “We are so busy at the moment and we need more people. The building industry has just gone crazy since August and currently we have about eight contract draftspeople and we are literally filling their time up solely on our work.” “We are so busy at the moment and we need more people. The building industry has just gone crazy since August and currently we have about eight contract draftspeople and we are literally filling their time up solely on our work.” The company’s main office is situated in Kaitaia, however other practices have opened in Kerikeri and Whangarei. About 20% of business is from projects based in and around Kerikeri. Aucklanders wanting to get out of the city and move north, as well Kiwi’s returning from overseas, are fuelling demand for their services. Trent says that finding the right fit, in terms of the team, is essential and he and others in senior management have evolved a ‘sixth-sense’ about someone presenting as a possible employee. “People think it is about the intellectual side and the qualifications which are important of course but it is more about personality and attitude and a willingness to understand the standards we adhere to professionally.” Asked about the impact Covid-19 has had, particularly coming out of lock-down, Trent says it has come as a surprise just how much activity there is. Arcline Architecture fully rebranded early last year and Trent says that has really opened the doors to greater demand for their servic- es. “I think another point of difference for us is that we have had a building background, which sits behind our design thinking. “We know what does and doesn’t work practically.” The design process begins with the client providing them with a brief, often a whole bunch of photos of aspects of design and architecture that they feel drawn towards. A site visit then follows. “We then get a sense of potential. Where are the views? REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Far North - Arcline Architecture info@tastructures.co.nz 0210 873 3650 STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING T&A Structures provides innovative & cost-effective structural engineering design solutions. i i i i l i i i l i . • Preparation of Resource Consent & Notice of Requirement applications • Submissions to notified applications & plan changes • Pre-purchase property planning advice • Environment Court and Council Hearing evidence & attendance • Independent Planning Commissioner (panel) Servicing Northland and beyond. P +64 21 202 3898 | W www.zenithplanning.co.nz