86 | ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN Lawson-Hughes Design T T Anne Boswell From small-scale projects to housing developments, Laura’s work showcases her versatility. Architectural designer Laura Hughes, managing director of Lawson-Hughes Design, is no stranger to the challenges of the architecture industry. Starting her career amidst the uncertainty of the 2009 Global Financial Crisis, she turned adversity into opportunity by launching her business with the guidance of her father, a seasoned architectural designer, who has designed over 800 homes. This mentorship has been a cornerstone of her success, providing a solid foundation in both design and problem solving. Laura was initially based in Dunedin and Queenstown, but as work quickly expanded she opened an office in Auckland, before taking a brief hiatus to focus on her family. In 2016, she re-launched Lawson-Hughes Design as a sole-charge business, collaborating with her father and former business partner when needed. “Having Dad’s knowledge is invaluable,” Laura says. “With 50 years’ experience he has seen it all, and he remains my ‘supervisor’ to this day.” Specialising in renovations, extensions and new builds, Laura has a portfolio as diverse as her clientele. Projects range from families seeking to reconfigure their spaces, to clients needing guidance on compliance and resource consent. “It really is a mixed bag, and that’s part of the fun,” she says. Tailoring spaces to clients’ lifestyles Whether it’s helping a family improve the flow of their home, or working with clients to create the home of their dreams in their ideal location, Laura brings a practical and creative approach to every project. One of her favourite challenges is transforming older properties. “I love taking a ‘ratty’ bungalow or villa and completely redoing the property, restoring them to what they ‘should’ look like,” she says. Utilising advanced CAD modelling and 3D imaging, Laura ensures her clients can visualise the end result. For Laura, renovation is about more than aesthetics – it’s about functionality, comfort, and creating a space tailored to the client’s lifestyle. Her design ethos centres on collaboration and personalisation. She emphasises the importance of understanding her clients’ needs, visiting their homes to discuss their ideas and inspiration. “A good renovation involves getting to know people and their life; each project is so individual,” she says. One standout project involved redesigning a master bedroom for a couple that had been talked into an over-budget design that didn’t resonate with them. “In the end, we scaled back the project, stuck to their original budget and created their dream master bedroom in time for their baby to arrive,” Laura says. “No job is too ‘small’.” From small-scale projects to housing developments, Laura’s work showcases her versatility. One notable project in Mangere involved designing tasteful, space-efficient terraced homes that provided the owners with a steady income. Laura also takes pride in offering guidance on building and resource consents, ensuring her clients feel confident and prepared throughout the process. “If people are unsure, they are welcome to just ask,” she says. “There is no charge for a site meeting, consultation or appraisal.” Through her work, Laura combines her passion for architecture with a client-first approach. Her ability to balance creativity with practicality makes her a trusted partner for families, builders and developers alike. “It is always a good time to renovate – it’s the best way to get exactly what you want in a home,” she says. COPPINS CONSTRUCTION Auckland’s Top Renovation Specialists. Quali ed, licensed and members of Master Builders, We are your residential building specialists. Call us today for your free quote - 021 297 6773 www.coppinsconstruction.com Re-Igniting Fire Engineering to Basics. Complex Problems, Simple Solutions. Fire Engineering Design Due Diligence Assessment Passive Fire & Construction Monitoring Peer Review Services Fire Protection & Sprinkler Design Fire Engineering Consultants Contact Us Now! (09) 391 3340 info@igneousfire.co.nz Level 17, 19 Customs Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010 igneousfire.co.nz
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=