84 | ARCHITECTURE Renee Woods Architect T T Sue Russell Homes designed for how people live Renee works through a staged design process. ‘The close connection between design and construction also gave me much more insight into the construction phase.” When Matarangi-based architect, Renee Woods, reflects on her learning path, she’s clear about one thing – the real learning begins after graduation, through the challenges, opportunities and professional growth that come from working in the real world of design. “I went to Unitec in Auckland for five years and, looking back, I think Unitec had more of a design focus, which appealed to me,” says Renee. Even before this, when her parents engaged an architect for one of their homes, Renee caught a glimpse of what an architect brings to the design conversation. Work experience at the same practice exposed her to the possibility of steering her natural artistic bent towards the built environment. Following graduation, Renee worked in a Hawke’s Bay architecture firm before shifting to residential design-and-build company, Design Builders, in Havelock North. “Design Builders gave me a different experience to a traditional architecture practice, and I was able to build on my experience to become a Registered Architect while working there,” she says. ‘The close connection between design and construction also gave me much more insight into the construction phase.” The move to Matarangi with builder husband, Josh of Woods Construction, brought a new chapter and the opportunity for Renee to establish her own architectural studio, working on residential and community projects around the Coromandel. While Renee’s passion lies in residential architecture, her practice extends beyond residential work, such as her role as architect for the Whangamatā Community Marae and Wellbeing Hub. “It’s a really meaningful project to be involved with and quite different in scale and complexity to my residential work.” When engaging with clients, Renee says it starts with taking the time to understand how they want to live, and using her expertise to achieve that for them. “Sometimes, the best outcome is simply a really well-considered home that suits the people living in it, and works beautifully for everyday life.” Renee works through a staged design process. “By the time we reach detailed design, the project has already been questioned, tested, coordinated and refined,” she says. It’s this process Renee believes can sometimes be overlooked when people consider the role of an architect. “Very little is designed in isolation. One change can have a flow-on effect across many other parts of the building, which is why the project needs to be considered as a whole. You’re not simply paying someone to draw a house; you’re investing in the thinking and process behind it.” Having a builder husband has also given Renee a close understanding of the relationship between design and construction, although she and Josh operate separate businesses and work independently as well as collaboratively. That experience has made Renee an advocate for early contractor involvement where appropriate. “Getting a builder involved while the design is developing means we can talk about construction methodology, detailing and buildability while there is still flexibility to explore options. It’s much easier to resolve those questions during design than once something is consented and being built,” she says. It feeds into something Renee feels strongly about – making architecture more accessible. “Architecture shouldn’t just be for high-end homes. “It’s about applying thoughtful design to whatever project is in front of you and making the most of what you have. “When you consider the investment you’re already making in building a home, I believe it’s worth investing in getting the design right.”
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