96 | Creativity plus costsaving a win for clients Most of Graham’s work comes from word-of-mouth referrals, builders, or clients seeing and liking his existing designs. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN Active Design An architectural designer and licensed building practitioner with more than 35 years’ experience in the construction industry, Graham Phipps-Black spent 10 years as a draftsperson for construction companies before setting up his own company, Active Design, 25 years ago. He has two degrees, one in fine arts, where he specialised in sculpture, and the other degree in architectural drafting. As a result, his creativity is anchored in a detailed knowledge of how to design buildings. The combination of creativity and craftsmanship Graham brings to his designs adds artistic flair to the resulting buildings. Over the years, Graham has worked on projects both commercial and residential: school buildings, multi-unit developments, earthquake strengthening, social housing, playgrounds and ice-rinks, but mostly he works for individuals on designing new homes, as well as additions and alterations on existing homes. Most of his work comes from word-ofmouth referrals, builders, or clients seeing and liking his existing designs. When designing, he listens to the client’s brief and focuses on creating a stylish house with a sculptural element. He is skilled at choosing materials and using construction methods that reduce labour construction costs without compromising aesthetics, durability or practicalities. Examples of such cost-saving materials are screw piles and structural insulated panels (SIPs). A recently completed house in Carey’s Bay, Otago, based around the form of a triangle to fit a difficult site, is typical of his budget-conscious approach making good use of modern technology and new ways of building. “I’ve witnessed a whole floor, on this home, taking only two to three hours to erect using SIPs,” Graham says. Active Design produces a concept plan for clients to consider, then once this is accepted or altered, final plans are drawn up and submitted to council for approval. “I design in 3D, liaise and coordinate with construction professionals such as engineers, do any resource consent applications needed and present the client with consented plans. I’ve worked with a number of different councils, each having different requirements.” Active Design won a New Zealand architecture award for a small home situated in Ruby Bay, Tasman. His designs have featured in New Zealand magazines Trends and Your Home and Garden. With a base in Waihola, just South of Dunedin, Graham works throughout New Zealand and with the advent of modern technology, travel is often not necessary. “I design in 3D, liaise and coordinate with construction professionals such as engineers, do any resource consent applications needed and present the client with consented plans. Proud to Support Active Design
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=