114 | DESIGN Detail by Davinia Sutton Trinity Interior Design Industrial Commercial Residential “Quality Solutions delivered on Time” INVERCARGILL QUEENSTOWN DUNEDIN CHRISTCHURCH 1DWXUDO 6WRQH 3RUFHODLQ (QJLQHHUHG 6WRQH &KULVWFKXUFK 6KRZURRP 0DQXIDFWXULQJ :DQDND 6KRZURRP DUWLVDQVWRQH FR Q] 75867(' %< '(6,*1 &5$)7(' %< (;3(576 International acclaim The Alpine Residence was awarded the prestigious SBID Regional Award. T T Emma Bailey Commitment shows in design outcomes T T Virginia Wright An exquisite Wanaka residence has brought international recognition to Christchurch interior architecture and design studio Detail by Davinia Sutton, following a standout year of success both nationally and internationally. The Alpine Residence was awarded the prestigious SBID Regional Award for Best Interior in the Rest of World category at the SBID International Design Awards 2025 in London. The accolades continued this year, with the residence taking out both Best Powder Room and Best Laundry at the National Kitchen and Bathroom Association Awards. For Davinia Sutton, whose Christchurchbased studio specialises in bespoke, highly considered residential interiors, the recognition is a rewarding acknowledgement of the design process and the many people involved in bringing a project to life. “We are fortunate to be doing what we genuinely love, so to have that work recognised in this way is really the icing on the cake,” says Davinia. “To be acknowledged on an international stage was incredibly humbling and very special.” Davinia travelled to London to attend the SBID International Design Awards, joining designers from more than 40 countries. It’s been 20 years since Auckland-based Trinity Interior Design was taken over by Nicole McKenzie with a team of interior designers and a team of project coordinators to support each project and designer throughout the process. Their projects tend to be architectural new builds or significant renovations, located all around the country, with a good 50% of their clients outside Auckland if not offshore. It’s clear from online testimonials that Nicole’s approach to interior design is successful for all involved, whether they be builder, architect, consultant or client, she says. “You can have very good design, but what makes the difference is the delivery: the documentation, the level of communication, the responsiveness, and the understanding of the process, as well as working collaboratively in the true sense of the word.” Five years prior to buying Trinity Interior Design, Nicole had successfully worked with its then owner on an extensive design of her own house. The opportunity to buy it coincided with the IT business she was running also going on the market, so she decided to bring some of her IT skills into the interior design industry and see what she could create by concentrating on the client’s experience as well as the design aesthetic. The approach has been successful from the start, with a carefully selected, strong team of women combining their strengths for the benefit of each project. Every project in Trinity’s portfolio is different, with the aesthetic of each responding specifically to the client’s needs and requirements, the location and the architecture. “It’s not about us, it’s about the client,” Nicole says. “We dovetail in behind the architect. We’re considerate of the work done before we come on board and continue that “It was an incredible event to be part of. The gala dinner brought together designers from more than 40 countries, so it was a wonderful opportunity to meet people, share ideas and experience the breadth of design being created around the world.” The recognition was also particularly meaningful for the homeowners and wider project team. “A project like this is a true collaboration, involving the client, architects, interior designer, builders, suppliers and trades, so the award is a win for everyone who contributed to bringing the vision to life,” Davinia says. Inspired by the shifting palette of the Central Otago landscape, the interior draws on stone, tussock, earth and sky, with dark timbers, schist walls and richly textured flooring creating a warm and immersive connection to its surroundings. The bathrooms offer a sense of retreat and calm, while the powder room introduces a more theatrical mood. Soft, cocooning bedrooms sit alongside a dramatic lounge anchored by a schist fireplace. Every detail has been carefully considered to create a home that feels both grounded and elevated in its architectural response. Davinia collaborated with Mason & Wales Architects, with construction by Christie Brothers Building, on the renovation and seamless addition to the original home. design philosophy while staying very open and communicating our ideas and directions to make sure we’re on the same page. We’re all deeply committed to the outcome.” A recently completed bespoke build, designed by Sumich Chaplin Architects, led by Bayshore Builders in Wanaka’s Homestead Bay, highlights Trinity’s carefully collaborative approach as they worked in with the interior detailing already done by the architects, says Nicole. “Our role was to select all of the finishes within the home, and our relationship with Bayshore Builders was crucial to the success of this project. We were in Auckland for the most part and our client was in Sydney, so they were our eyes and ears on the ground. “There’s a cohesive feel that flows through the house with the use of stone, concrete, timber and Ambitec textural plaster work on the walls. So there’s texture and there’s softness, which gives a real connection to the outside and through to the lake view and The Remarkables. The palette, the textures and the lighting all played a significant part in creating the feeling we wanted for this home.” Trinity Interior Design’s work at Homestead Bay was recognised when they were a finalist in this year’s Home magazine’s Interior of the Year Awards. More importantly, it fulfilled the client’s wish for a beautifully crafted home, designed according to their specific needs that allowed them to relax and enjoy Homestead Bay’s exceptional lake and alpine views. Trinity is well-versed in delivering exceptional interiors to some of the country’s most spectacular homes, regardless of the client’s or project’s location. With a proven track record and reputation, the team brings a clarity that’s hard to surpass and a depth to their process shaped by years of experience in high-end residential work. With a client-focused approach, their passion is to create joyful spaces that support people’s daily lives by turning inspiring ideas into buildable realities. Solid timber furniture made to last a lifetime 50+ years of quality cra smanship Hand-made in New Zealand 03 384 7097 info@southerncreations.co.nz
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