How long does it take to design a new home?

It depends on the size and complexity of the house, how quickly decisions are made and whether resource consent or specialist reports are needed. We give a project-specific programme once the brief and site are understood.

How much does new home design cost in NZ?

Fees depend on the scope, site complexity and level of detail. We provide a written fee proposal after the initial conversation rather than a generic price, so you know what is and isn't included.

Do you work outside Auckland?

Yes. We work with clients throughout New Zealand. Much of the design process works remotely; site visits and local consultants are arranged when the project requires them.

New home architectural design · New Zealand

New home architectural design, from site to consent.

A new home should belong to its site, its owners and its budget. We design new houses around orientation, sun, views, access, lifestyle and buildability — then document them properly for building consent.

Start your project

The service

New Home Design with Nator Architecture

Whether you own a section, are about to buy, or are a builder with a client ready to go, we take the project from first brief through concept, developed design and the consent drawing set.

Led by Timmy Nator, LBP (Design) Class 1, with around 15 years of residential design experience. Available throughout New Zealand, with remote delivery where appropriate.

Who it's for

Homeowners building on their own section
Buyers checking a site before purchase
Builders needing design and documentation
Owners replacing an existing house

Scope

What's typically included

Site and brief review
Concept house plans and 3D massing
Developed design and material direction
Building consent drawings and specification
Consultant coordination (engineering, geotech, surveying)
Council RFI responses during processing

Scope is agreed in writing for each project. Council fees and consultant fees are separate.

New Zealand considerations

What to know before you start

Building Code and NZS 3604

Most standalone timber-framed houses are designed to the NZ Building Code, often using NZS 3604 for timber framing within its limits. Sites outside those limits — high wind zones, steep or poor ground — need specific engineering design.

District plan rules

Height, setbacks, site coverage, height-in-relation-to-boundary and hazard overlays in your council's district or unitary plan shape what you can build. Where a design does not comply, a resource consent may be needed before building consent.

Licensed design

Design of restricted building work must be carried out or supervised by a suitably licensed Licensed Building Practitioner (Design) or other authorised professional. Timmy Nator is an LBP (Design) Class 1 with around 15 years of residential design experience, and Nator Architecture is an architectural design practice, not a registered architect practice. Work is taken on within the scope of that licence; structural, geotechnical and other specialist engineering is provided by independent consultants where a project requires it.

Questions

Common questions

Start your project

Tell us about your site

Send the property location, what you want to build and your approximate budget. An enquiry is not a formal site assessment.

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