62 | T T Alexia Anderson Education projects bring dose of pride ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN T T Alexia Anderson Immersion Architecture Client-specific design A switch from semi-pro multisport athlete to full time architectural designer and business owner is a move Ant Jackson does not regret. Ant established Immersion Architecture four years ago, thanks to his passion for design and a shift in priorities. He had previously divided his time between competing at a serious level as a multisport-athlete and part time work as an architectural designer for various companies. Ant eventually found himself competing less seriously, had married, was about to become a father and had started work on his own family home. It seemed like the perfect time to develop Immersion Architecture. Now with offices in both Dunedin and Queenstown, the company prides itself in new residential architecture, but also works across a range of project types, including housing, industrial, residential alterations, shop and office fit outs, site feasibility, commercial and procurement. A few months after establishing the company in 2019, Covid hit. However, Ant bided his time and got through the challenges the pandemic brought. “That was a bit of a scary moment, but no projects got pulled so that gave us confidence that we were doing the right thing and just grew.” In 2021 Ant was joined by James Gourlay and in 2022 Richie Pearce joined the team. Another architectural graduate will join the team in the new year. The team, made entirely of senior architectural designers, brings a combined 45 years’ experience to the industry. “Our approach is to create client-specific design solutions,” Ant said. “Every project and client have their own particular requirements – our role is to shape a building around these requirements.” He said while the team works very closely and everyone is involved in each other’s projects, the person who is the “best fit” for the client, becomes the project lead. The aim is to work to each other’s strengths, which does not just include design work. Their backgrounds also feature a range of other sectors, including the construction industry. Their ultimate goal is to provide outstanding service to each client, from start to finish, whether that means always being available to discuss their work, or answer questions. “We do bespoke architecture so every design is specific to our client, the site and their needs.” Dwelling Architectural Design Dwelling Architectural Design is meeting the needs of a wide range of clients, from individual homeowners through to those in the education sector. The Dunedin based team has a range of beautiful homes under its belt and while there is a sense of satisfaction that comes with each new build, educational projects bring an extra dose of pride. Dwelling Architectural Design principal Cameron Grindlay said they had a reasonable amount of school projects on its books and that work was something they took satisfaction from. “If kids enjoy being at school, they want to learn and if staff enjoy being at school, they want to teach.” He plans to continue looking for work within the education sector, knowing how much of an impact architecture can have on a wide range of people. “School work affords you the opportunity to affect a wider sector of the community.” He said the previous Government had spent money on the education sector and it was obvious through his work that it was, in fact, reaching the schools and where it needed to go. A large portion of school work makes up his current workload, along with work for developers, new homes and multi-unit designs. While he has worked on some bigger houses, bigger was not always better and smaller designs had the ability to be more efficient. “If kids enjoy being at school, they want to learn and if staff enjoy being at school, they want to teach.” 03 455 4414 | sales@allcor.co.nz | www.allcor.co.nz F A B R I C A T I O N STAINLESS & ALLOY • STRUCTURAL STEEL • STAINLESS BENCHTOPS • DESIGN & DRAFT At ALLCOR we add value to a project, with in-house fabrication, construction, design and drafting services. We work for our customers by exceeding their expectations. Commercial and Architectural Builders since 1974 p: Mark 027 438 2533 w: www.graybro.co.nz www.glstevensonbuilders.co.nz Proud to support Dwelling Architectural Design Graham Stevenson glstevenson@xtra.co.nz 6 Grater Street Maori Hill Dunedin Ph: 0274 342 733 Fax: 467 5462 A/H: 467 5462 Residential • industrial • Light Commercial New Homes • Extensions • Renovations • Alterations Bathrooms • Kitchens • Prompt Service • Free Quotes G.L STEVENSON BUILDERS LTD jason@stevwill.co.nz
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