54 | ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN Nick Rowe Architecture T T Richard Loader Communication key to good design Nick Rowe Architecture is mostly focused on new bespoke architectural homes and renovations. Developing finely tuned listening skills is key to the success of any architectural journey, and Nick Rowe has been told by his clients that he has exceptional listening skills. “Our goal is to make the client journey with us a very personal one,” says Nick. “I will spend hours with a new client before I even put pen to paper, getting to know them personally, right down to the names of their pets, so that I can take the client on a design journey. “Knowing the client at that very detailed level influences the design ideas. We listen to what the client is comfortable with architecturally, assess how much the client can be challenged, and expose them to ideas they had never thought of, because you don’t know what you don’t know. More often than not, that exposure will influence their thinking and the ultimate design of their home.” Nick established Nick Rowe Architecture twelve years ago, as a natural progression in his own journey into architectural design, after working for one of New Zealand’s leading practices. He says it was a courageous step at the time, having recently relocated from Auckland to the Hibiscus Coast with a young family and hot on the heels of the GFC, but it has been rewarded with success. “I hit the ground running with some exciting projects, along with bread-and-butter renovation projects. Over the years we’ve been involved in a diverse range of projects including working on resorts in the Islands.” Now a team of three designers, Nick Rowe Architecture has evolved into a very busy design practice, mostly focused on new bespoke architectural homes, but still designing bespoke and detailed renovations and extensions to suit the clients’ evolving lifestyle and family. “I’ve kept the team quite small so that I can retain close control of the work,” says Nick. “Everything is checked by me before it goes out the gate. We work in a number of architectural aesthetics, and love working with natural materials. We specialise in refined, bespoke, and unique architecture that considers in detail the way our clients and families want to live.” Nick and his team predominantly undertake design projects throughout the North Island, including Coromandel, Hawke’s Bay, and a recent project in Wellington. Currently, Nick and his team are very excited to be negotiating a contract for a project in the United States. “The clients were on holiday in New Zealand last Christmas when they saw some of our work. They decided they wanted to build something unique to their neighbourhood and are excited by the idea of working with us.” Impassioned about the art and craft of architectural design, Nick loves to witness the transition from ideas, to loose sketches to detailed drawings, to the home rising from the ground. “During the build we carry out site observation, to ensure the design is being accurately translated through to construction. Small design improvements that make a difference also become apparent when you are on site. To see our clients living in their home with big beaming faces is fantastic, particularly when they say they now consider you their friend, not their designer.” Along with those finely tuned listening skills, which translate into good client relationships and designs, Nick says developing close working relationships with consultants, builders and contractors has also been a key to the company’s success. “We enjoy many client referrals and work with a number of amazing builders. Because they love working with us they refer us to many of their own clients.” Congratulations to Nick Rowe Architecture on another successful project! HFC Group is proud to be part of the design Team. www.shaferdesign.co.nz Ph: (09) 421 1412
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