devani-architecture

Residential Architecture in Wellington: A Home Designed Around You

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 08:27:32 GMT

Residential Architecture in Wellington: A Home Designed Around You

Every home starts with a question: what's actually possible on this site? If you're looking for a residential architect in Wellington , you've probably already run into the answer to that question being more complicated than expected — a steep section, a tricky boundary, or a house that no longer fits how your family lives. Devani Architecture exists to answer that question properly. We design homes for the Wellington region, working with the site you actually have rather than a template reused from somewhere flat and sheltered. This guide covers what to look for in a residential architect in Wellington, the qualifications behind Devani Architecture, and how the process works from first conversation to consent.

What a Good Residential Architect in Wellington Should Do for You

A residential architect in Wellington should make your project simpler, not more complicated. In practical terms, that looks like:

Straight answers about what your site can and can't support
A design shaped around your household, not a standard floor plan
Paperwork prepared properly so council consent doesn't drag on
Someone you can actually reach when you have a question, at every stage of the project

That's the bar Devani Architecture holds itself to on every residential project, from a first-home renovation to a new build on a difficult site.

Wellington Sites Are Not Simple — Your Design Shouldn't Ignore That

Sections across Wellington rarely make life easy. Steep contours in Khandallah, tight boundaries in Karori, wind funnelling through the Hutt Valley — these are everyday realities, not edge cases. Ignore them at design stage and you pay for it later, in council queries, redesigns, or a home that fights the weather instead of working with it.

Devani Architecture is based in Lower Hutt and works across Wellington City, Lower Hutt, and Upper Hutt, designing specifically for these conditions rather than around them.

A Track Record Across Different Project Types

Rather than specialising in one narrow style of home, Devani Architecture has worked across residential new builds, home renovations, and medium-density housing projects throughout the Wellington region — on sites ranging from flat suburban sections to steep, exposed hillside lots. That range matters for homeowners: a firm that has only ever drawn one type of house tends to default to it, whether or not it actually suits your site.

If you're comparing architects, it's worth asking directly about the range of residential work a firm has taken through to consent — not just the styles shown in their portfolio images. You can browse Devani Architecture's project portfolio to see how that range plays out across real Wellington sites.

Residential Architect in Wellington: Run by Vijay and Hardik Devani

Devani Architecture, a residential architect in Wellington, is owned and run by Vijay Devani and Hardik Devani .

Vijay Devani holds a National Diploma in Architectural Technology, is a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP Design 2), and is an ADNZ professional member.

He has led construction design and consent delivery across residential new builds, renovations, commercial fit-outs, industrial projects, and medium-density developments.

Hardik Devani is a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP-Design) and an ADNZ member.

When you bring a project to Devani Architecture, it's Vijay or Hardik who takes your brief, designs your home, and carries it through consent.

Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing an Architect

Judging on portfolio images alone. A striking render says nothing about whether a firm understands your actual site, your budget, or your council's requirements.
Not asking who's running your project day to day. At many firms, your first meeting is with someone senior — after that, it often isn't, and you end up dealing with whoever picks up the project next.
Overlooking site-specific experience. Designs that ignore Wellington's wind, slope, and drainage conditions tend to cost more to fix later than to get right the first time, through redesigns or unexpected consent conditions.
Falling for a design that doesn't fit your life. A beautiful plan that doesn't suit how your household actually functions day to day isn't a finished design — it's a starting point that still needs work.
Avoiding the budget conversation early. Get a straight answer on what's realistic for your site and brief before you're emotionally attached to a concept that may need significant rework to stay affordable.
Not clarifying what happens after design. Ask whether your architect stays involved through consent and into the build, or whether their involvement ends once drawings are handed over.

How Devani Architecture Works With You

First conversation. You speak directly with Vijay or Hardik about your site, your budget range, and what you're trying to achieve. This gives you an honest first take on what's achievable, before any commitment, with the focus on site feasibility and how it fits your brief.

Design. Concepts are developed around your household's daily routines, the site's slope and orientation, and realistic costs. What you get is a home built around how you actually live, not a generic layout — the focus stays on practical floor plans, not just visual appeal.

Consent. Drawings and documentation are prepared to meet Wellington-region council requirements, which means fewer delays and fewer surprises from council queries. The aim is getting it right the first time rather than resubmitting.

Through to build. Vijay or Hardik stay involved as questions come up during construction, giving you a steady point of contact through to completion rather than a handover to a stranger. This continuity carries the original design intent through to the finished home.

Each stage builds on the last — there's no point where your project is quietly reassigned to someone new, and no stage where you're left guessing what happens next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns and runs Devani Architecture?

Devani Architecture is owned and run by Vijay Devani and Hardik Devani. Vijay holds a National Diploma in Architectural Technology and is LBP Design 2 and ADNZ registered; Hardik is LBP-Design and ADNZ registered.

Where does Devani Architecture work?

Devani Architecture designs for homeowners across the Wellington region, including Wellington City, Lower Hutt, and Upper Hutt.

What types of residential projects does Devani Architecture take on?

Devani Architecture works across new builds, renovations, and medium-density housing projects, adapting the design approach to each site and brief rather than reusing a single template.

What should I ask before choosing a residential architect in Wellington?

Ask who will personally run your project, what qualifications and range of residential work they've taken through to consent, and how communication works once the project is underway. Devani Architecture is happy to answer these directly in an initial conversation.

How do I start a project with Devani Architecture?

Get in touch through the Devani Architecture contact page and you'll hear back directly from Vijay or Hardik to talk through your site and goals.

Does Devani Architecture manage the building consent process?

Yes. Preparing and managing consent documentation with Wellington-region councils is part of the service, right through to a consented design.

Let's Talk About Your Site

If you're planning a new build, renovation, or medium-density project anywhere in the Wellington region, book a project conversation with Devani Architecture. You'll speak directly with Vijay or Hardik — no handoffs, no call centre — just a real conversation about what's possible on your site, and what it would take to get there.

What Does Residential Building Design Cost in New Zealand?

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:47:30 GMT

What Does Residential Building Design Cost in New Zealand?

Started pricing up a new home or a renovation yet? Then you've probably already hit the confusing bit — one site says design fees run 3%, another says 15%, and none of them seem to be talking about the same thing.

Nobody's lying to you. Residential building design cost in New Zealand genuinely depends on a handful of variables that shift from project to project, and most guides skip straight past those to hand you a tidy headline number instead. Not much use when you're trying to actually budget.

So here's the honest version, and how to think about it before you sit down with a designer.

How Much Does Residential Building Design Cost in NZ?

Most residential design fees here land somewhere between 3% and 12% of your total build cost. Where you fall in that range comes down to how much of the process your designer is actually handling. A straightforward home, clear brief, easy site — that tends to sit lower, around 3–5%. Throw in a complicated roofline, a sloping section, or a few council overlays to navigate, and you're looking at 8–10% or more.

Put that in dollar terms: on a $600,000 build, you're looking at $18,000 to $72,000. Big gap, we know. But it's not a random one — it reflects the actual hours of drawing, coordinating, and problem-solving a project needs.

A simple box on flat ground just doesn't take the same work as a bespoke home clinging to a hillside, and the fee tends to follow that logic pretty closely.

Some practices quote a fixed lump sum instead of a percentage — this is common for smaller renovations or scopes that are already well defined. Others bill hourly for the early conversations, before any formal design agreement gets signed. None of these approaches is "better" than the others. What actually matters is that whichever one your designer uses, it's spelled out clearly and in writing before anyone picks up a pencil.

What Actually Drives the Cost of Residential Design?

A handful of things move this number more than anything else.

Site conditions. A flat, easy section is simply cheaper to design for than a steep or exposed one in the wider Wellington region — wind zones, seismic requirements, retaining walls, they all add pages to the documentation.

Scope of service. Concept design alone costs less than a full service that runs through to contract administration and site visits during construction. Worth deciding early how much hand-holding you actually want from your architectural design team, because that choice moves the fee more than almost anything else.

Level of customisation. A near-standard plan tweaked to fit your section takes less time than a fully bespoke home built around your lifestyle, your orientation, your material choices.

Consents and compliance. Building consent fees, resource consent where it's triggered, geotechnical reports, structural engineering — none of this lives inside the design fee. Budget for it separately.

Renovations vs. new builds. Altering something that already exists is often trickier to document than starting from a blank canvas, which is exactly why renovation fees tend to run higher as a percentage than new-build ones.

New Build vs. Renovation: Does Design Cost Differ?

Yes, and noticeably so. New builds give a designer more room to move, which — a bit counterintuitively — often makes them more fee-efficient per square metre. Renovations mean working around what's already there: existing structure, unknowns hiding behind the walls, and the job of integrating with whatever design intent the original build had. If you're weighing a renovation against just starting fresh, factor this in, not only the build cost itself.

Is It Worth Paying for Considered Residential Design?

Honestly, this question matters more than any percentage figure.

The real value sits in the upfront work — getting orientation, flow, natural light, and material choices right before consent drawings are locked in place. Rush through this stage to shave a few percent off the fee, and it tends to cost more later, not less

Change orders once the build is already underway

Reworked consent applications, and the delays that come with them

A finished home that just doesn't work the way you hoped it would

It's a bit like skipping the site visit before buying a section. You save time now, but you're taking your chances on everything you didn't find out.

At Devani Architecture , we take a people-centric approach — we spend real time understanding how you actually want to live before a single line gets drawn, using natural light, ventilation, and smart planning to shape spaces that work for daily life, not just for the render. Hardik Devani, our LBP-Design and Professional Architectural Designer (ADNZ member), leads design development across our residential projects. Vijay Devani, holding LBP Design 2 and ADNZ credentials, anchors construction documentation and consent delivery alongside him.

Not sure whether your project needs the full service or just concept design? That's exactly the sort of thing worth talking through before you commit to any fee structure at all — get in touch and we'll walk through your site and your brief together.

Getting a Design Fee Proposal You Can Actually Compare

Before you commit to any designer, ask for a written fee proposal. It should separate the design fee from consultant costs — engineering, surveying, geotechnical — state clearly which stages are included, and confirm whether site visits during construction are covered. This one step is the easiest way to compare quotes apples-to-apples, instead of getting drawn in by a number that only looks lower because it covers less.

Thinking through a residential design project in Wellington or the Hutt Valley? Have a look through our project gallery to get a feel for what's possible, or get in touch with Devani Architecture for a proper conversation about your site, your brief, and a fee structure that actually fits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to design a house in New Zealand?
Design fees typically run 3% to 12% of total build cost, depending on project complexity, site conditions, and how much of the process the designer covers.

Is architectural design fee separate from the build cost?
Yes. The design fee covers planning, drawings, and documentation. Construction costs, council consent fees, and consultant fees like engineering and surveying get budgeted separately.

Do renovations cost more to design than new builds?
Often, yes. Renovations mean working around existing structure and whatever unknowns come with it, which can push design fees to 8–15% of the renovation cost — higher than what's typical for new builds.

What's included in a residential design fee?
It varies by proposal, but commonly covers concept design, developed design, consent documentation, and sometimes contract administration or site visits. Always confirm the scope in writing.

Should I choose a fixed fee or a percentage-based design fee?
Neither wins outright. A fixed fee suits well-defined, simpler projects. A percentage fee tends to suit larger or more complex builds where scope might shift. Ask your designer which structure fits your project, and ask them to explain why.

Devani Architecture — Lower Hutt, Wellington & Hutt Valley. This article is general information and does not constitute design or professional advice specific to your site.

Looking for an Epuni Architect? Here's What Actually Matters Before You Hire

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 07:16:08 GMT

Looking for an Epuni Architect? Here's What Actually Matters Before You Hire

If you've typed " Epuni architect " into Google, you're probably standing in your kitchen wondering whether that wall really needs to come down, or staring at a section in Lower Hutt trying to picture what could go on it. Either way, the search says more about where you are than what you need — because the right question isn't just who's local, it's who will actually listen before they start drawing.

Devani Architecture is based right in Epuni, at 17 Trinity Avenue, so the "local" part is covered. But a quick note before we go further, since it matters for anyone hiring in this space: Hardik Devani , who leads design at Devani Architecture, is a Licensed Building Practitioner (Design) and a professional member of Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ) — not a registered Architect under the NZRAB. That's a legally protected title, and Devani Architecture is upfront that it doesn't apply here. What Hardik and his brother Vijay do offer is full architectural design services — concept through construction support — without that specific registration. For most residential and small commercial projects in New Zealand, that's exactly the skillset the job calls for.

Why Epuni Homeowners Keep Landing Here

Epuni sits in a part of Lower Hutt with a real mix of housing stock — post-war bungalows, 1970s builds, newer infill developments squeezed onto subdivided sections. That mix means no two renovation or new-build briefs look the same. A villa near the train line has different bones, light, and council history than a 1990s home two streets over.

Devani Architecture's approach leans into that. Rather than starting with a template, the team treats early conversations as a chance to understand how a household actually lives — where the morning light lands, how a family moves through the kitchen, what's driving the frustration with the current layout. That's the "people-centric" design philosophy the practice talks about, and it shows up in decisions as basic as window placement and as significant as whether to renovate at all versus rebuild.

What the Design Process Looks Like

Projects with Devani Architecture typically move through five stages: an initial consultation, site and needs analysis, concept design, design development, and full documentation for building consent — followed by support through construction. It's a collaborative sequence rather than a one-off drop-and-go brief, which matters most at the consent stage. Councils don't reward guesswork, and well-prepared documentation from the start tends to mean fewer RFIs and fewer delays later.

Sustainability sits inside that process too, not bolted on afterward. Passive solar orientation, material choices, and energy efficiency get considered from concept stage, which usually costs less than retrofitting green features into a finished design.

Renovation, New Build, or Something In Between

Devani Architecture works across residential renovations, new builds, and small commercial or community projects throughout Lower Hutt and greater Wellington. Whether the brief is opening up a cramped kitchen, adding a second story, or designing a small commercial fit-out, the starting point is the same: a conversation about what isn't working now, and what the space needs to become.

If you're not sure whether your project is even worth pursuing yet, that's still a reasonable place to start. An initial chat costs nothing but clarifies whether a renovation, extension, or fresh build makes more sense for your site and budget.

Ready to Discuss Your Project?

If you're considering a renovation, extension, new build, or small commercial project in Epuni, Lower Hutt, or the wider Wellington region, the best place to start is a conversation.Devani Architecture can discuss your site, requirements, design options, and the next steps before you commit to a project.

Contact Devani Architecture to discuss your project and arrange an initial consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Devani Architecture a registered architecture firm in Epuni?

Devani Architecture is based in Epuni and provides full architectural design services, but Hardik Devani is not registered with the NZRAB and does not use the title "Architect." He works as a Licensed Building Practitioner (Design) and ADNZ member.

What kind of projects does Devani Architecture take on?

Residential renovations, new home builds, and small commercial or community projects across Lower Hutt and the wider Wellington region.

How does the design process start?

With an initial consultation and site and needs analysis, followed by concept design, design development, and documentation for council consent.

Does Devani Architecture handle building consent documentation?

Yes. The team prepares comprehensive, council-ready documentation aimed at reducing RFIs and keeping consent timelines on track.

Is sustainable design part of every project?

Yes — passive solar orientation, material selection, and energy efficiency are considered from the concept stage rather than added later.

Commercial Architect Lower Hutt: What to Look for Before You Commit to a Design Team

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 06:42:08 GMT

Commercial Architect Lower Hutt: What to Look for Before You Commit to a Design Team

A shop fit-out, a new office block, or a service station redevelopment — commercial projects in Lower Hutt carry a different weight than a home renovation. There’s a lease clock running, a council process to satisfy, and a business that needs to keep functioning while the design comes together. Choosing the right commercial architect in Lower Hutt is less about finding someone with a nice portfolio and more about finding a team that understands how those pressures actually work.

That’s the lens we bring to every commercial project at Devani Architecture, whether it’s a retail fit-out in Petone, an office redevelopment in the CBD, or a mixed-use building anywhere across the wider Hutt Valley.

What Makes Commercial Architecture Different

Residential design is built around one household’s lifestyle. Commercial design has to hold several things in balance at once: how staff move through a space, how customers experience it, what the building has to earn back in rent or revenue, and what council and Building Code requirements demand before a single wall goes up.

Shops, offices, hotels, administrative buildings, and service stations shape the character of a town as much as any landmark does. Getting them right means treating the practical and fiscal needs of the business owner with the same care as the experience of the people who’ll use the space every day.

Why Local Knowledge Matters for a Commercial Build

A commercial architect working in Lower Hutt needs more than design skill — they need to know how Hutt City Council actually processes commercial consents, which sites carry heritage or flood overlays, and how local trades and suppliers operate.

That local grounding shows up in practical ways:

Fewer Surprises During Consent

Concept work that accounts for Building Code requirements and council expectations from day one can move through approval with fewer requests for information and less delay.

Realistic Budgeting From the Start

Knowing local build costs and supplier lead times means a concept design is more likely to survive contact with a real quote.

Faster Relationships With the Right Trades

An architect embedded in the Hutt Valley already has working relationships with engineers, builders, and consultants who understand commercial timelines.

What a Good Commercial Architect Should Walk You Through

A trustworthy commercial architect doesn’t hand you a set of drawings and disappear. The process should cover:

Site and feasibility study: Understanding what the site allows before design work goes too far down one path.

Concept design: Shaped around your business rather than a template pulled from a previous job.

Detailed documentation: Comprehensive enough that council reviewers aren’t left guessing, helping keep the build on schedule.

Consultant coordination: Working with engineers and consultants so the design is buildable, not just attractive on paper.

Consent and construction guidance: Helping the business owner navigate council processes and the construction phase.

Planning a commercial project in Lower Hutt ? Get in touch with Devani Architecture for an initial conversation about your site, your brief, and what’s realistic for your timeline no obligation, no generic packages.

Working With What’s Already There

Not every commercial project starts from an empty site. Many of the most successful commercial builds in Lower Hutt are renovations and reimaginings of existing buildings — fit-outs, extensions, and repositioning projects that keep what already works while improving function and flow.

That approach can be faster to consent, lighter on budget, and often better for the surrounding streetscape than starting over. A good commercial architect will tell you honestly when a renovation makes more sense than a rebuild, even if a full rebuild would be the bigger job to win.

Designing for the People Who Use the Building

The best commercial buildings don’t just house a business — they shape how people feel while they’re in it. Natural light, sensible ventilation, and a layout that makes sense for how staff and customers actually move through the space all affect whether a commercial building performs well over time, not just on opening day.

At Devani Architecture , that’s the standard we hold commercial work to: a space that balances what the business needs financially with what the people inside it need day to day. The modern workplace is shifting — staff expect an environment that feels considered, not just functional, and that shift is changing what “good” commercial design looks like across Wellington and the Hutt Valley.

Sustainable Commercial Design, Without the Added Cost Everyone Expects

Sustainability isn’t treated as an add-on at Devani Architecture — it’s part of how every project, commercial included, gets designed from the first sketch.

Smart orientation, natural ventilation, and material choices that reduce long-term running costs tend to pay for themselves well within a commercial building’s lifespan, often faster than owners expect.

For a business, that translates directly into lower ongoing energy costs, a healthier space for staff and customers, and a building that holds its value as regulations around sustainable commercial construction continue to tighten.

The Devani Way, Applied to Commercial Projects

The same principles that guide Devani Architecture’s residential work apply just as much to commercial projects:

Your input shapes the brief — it doesn't just approve it.

Nothing about the design process feels like a black box; everything is explained as it happens.

The design stage isn’t rushed, because careful early planning saves real money and stress once construction starts.

Existing buildings are retained wherever it makes sense rather than assuming a rebuild is always the better answer.

Hardik Devani, who leads the studio from Epuni, brings a Licensed Building Practitioner (Design) qualification and a background spanning multi-unit developments, boutique builds, renovations, and commercial projects across Aotearoa.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a commercial architect in Lower Hutt actually do?

A commercial architect manages the design of business spaces — shops, offices, hotels, service stations, and administrative buildings — from concept through council consent and construction.

In Lower Hutt, that also means understanding local council processes, site constraints, and Hutt Valley trades well enough to keep a project realistic from day one.

Does Devani Architecture only work on new commercial builds?

No. Many commercial projects are renovations or fit-outs of existing buildings, keeping what already works while improving function, flow, and appearance.

Devani Architecture works across both new builds and renovations throughout Lower Hutt , Wellington, and the wider Hutt Valley.

How long does a commercial architecture project take?

Timelines vary with project size and complexity, but rushing the design phase can cost more time and money later through consent delays or costly changes during construction.

Careful early planning, even when it takes longer upfront, tends to produce a smoother and less expensive build overall.

Is sustainable design more expensive for commercial buildings?

Not typically over the building’s lifespan. Smart orientation, natural ventilation, and considered material choices can reduce long-term energy and running costs, potentially offsetting additional upfront investment within the first few years of operation.

Does a commercial architect help with council consents?

Yes. Good commercial architecture practice includes preparing documentation built to withstand council scrutiny, reducing requests for information and helping keep a project moving.

Devani Architecture guides clients through consent processes with Hutt City Council and neighbouring authorities as part of the design service.

Start Your Commercial Project With a Conversation

Every commercial build starts with a conversation, not a quote. Tell us about your site, your business, and what you’re trying to achieve, and we’ll give you an honest read on what’s involved — timeline, budget realities, and whether a renovation or a rebuild makes more sense for your situation.

Book an Initial Consultation →

View Commercial Project Gallery →

Building Consents in Lower Hutt & Wellington: What Homeowners Should Know Before Applying

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 06:46:14 GMT

Building Consents in Lower Hutt & Wellington: What Homeowners Should Know Before Applying

f you're planning to build, renovate, or extend your property in Lower Hutt or Wellington, you'll most likely need building consents before you can legally begin construction. Understanding the building consents process early is essential, as it's one of the most common stages where projects are delayed—not because the construction is overly complex, but because the paperwork, plans, and council requirements weren't prepared correctly the first time. Working with an experienced architectural design team helps ensure your building consents application is accurate, complete, and ready for council approval from the outset.

What Is a Building Consent?

A building consent is official approval from your local council that the building work you intend to do follows the standards of the New Zealand Building Code set out in the Building Act 2004. In most cases, you cannot legally start building work — new builds, structural renovations, additions or changes that affect plumbing and weathertightness — without one. Some small and like-for-like repairs are exempt, but it's always worth checking before you start.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Building Consent?

Under the Building Act 2004, your local council has a statutory time limit of 20 working days to process a complete building consent application. This timetable is administered by Hutt City Council for Lower Hutt projects and begins the working day after a complete application is received.

If the council wants additional information, they will issue a Request for Information (RFI) , and this stops the clock until you respond — incomplete or badly prepared applications are the single biggest source of delay.

This is exactly why the quality of your first application is so important. A well-prepared, well-documented application gets through council quicker and with fewer costly requests back and forth. New Paragraph

Why Building Consent Gets Stuck for Homeowners

Most delays and rejected applications are caused by a few common problems:

Drawings that are incomplete or confusing, so the council doesn't have enough information to assess compliance.

Design that doesn't yet account for Building Code standards on structure, weathertightness or fire safety.

Lack of documentation, such as specifications, site plans, or engineering details.

Changing the scope mid-application, which can incur additional review fees and reset your processing time.

You avoid most of these problems by working with a team that produces consent-ready documentation from the get-go.

How Devani Architecture Can Help With Building Consents

Devani Architecture works with clients in Lower Hutt, Wellington and the greater Hutt Valley to design and document projects that are truly ready for council submission — not merely drawn, but built to withstand scrutiny. The team's approach includes:

Site study and concept design guided by Building Code requirements from day one.
Well-written, comprehensive documentation to reduce RFIs and delays.

Guidance through residential, commercial and renovation projects alike.

A collaborative process where clients know exactly what is being submitted, and why

Licensed Building Practitioner (Design) and professional member of Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ), Hardik Devani leads the design work at Devani Architecture, offering hands-on, accountable design knowledge for every consent application the practice prepares.

Begin Your Building Consent Journey the Right Way

It's not luck that gets a building consent through — it's careful design and paperwork before you apply. If you are planning a new build, refurbishment or business fit-out anywhere in Lower Hutt or Wellington, a short chat now can save you weeks of delays later.

Request a consultation with Devani Architecture

know exactly what your project requires before submitting to council.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a building consent for a renovation?

Most renovations that involve structural changes, new plumbing, bathrooms, kitchens or anything that affects weathertightness require a building consent. Small like-for-like repairs are generally exempt, but it is wise to check with your design team or council before you start.

How long does a building consent take in Lower Hutt?

Hutt City Council has 20 working days to process a complete application under the Building Act 2004. Should the council issue a Request for Information (RFI) , it may take longer, as the processing clock is stopped.

What makes building consent applications take longer?

Typical reasons include incomplete drawings, insufficient documentation and unclear Building Code compliance. A well-documented application from an experienced design team is far less likely to be delayed.

Can Devani Architecture manage my building consent application from beginning to end?

Yes. Devani Architecture develops design documentation expressly to meet council and Building Code standards, guiding clients through the process from concept through to consent submission.

Is Devani Architecture registered with NZRAB?

Hardik Devani, a Licensed Building Practitioner (Design) and member of Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ) , leads Devani Architecture's design work. The title "Architect" is protected by law in New Zealand and may only be used by persons registered with the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB) .

Disclaimer

Devani Architecture provides design and documentation services as a Licensed Building Practitioner (Design) and ADNZ member . Hardik Devani is not currently registered with the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB) and does not use the legally protected title "Architect."

Architectural Design in Lower Hutt & Wellington: Why People-Centric Planning Matters

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 06:06:34 GMT

Architectural Design in Lower Hutt & Wellington: Why People-Centric Planning Matters

Good architecture begins with a simple question: how do you actually want to live, work, or spend time in a space? At Devani Architecture, architectural design is more than just drawings and permits; it is a collaborative process that places the people who will use a building at the centre of every decision, from the first conversation to the final build.

What Is Architectural Design?

Architectural design is the planning, shaping and detailing of a building to make it useful, sustainable and aesthetically considered, balancing the look of a space with the way it will actually be lived in. This includes everything from site research and spatial design to material selection, natural light, ventilation and long-term environmental performance. Architectural design skillfully done converts a building into a location that benefits everyday life.

Devani's Approach to Architectural Design

Devani Architecture offers people-focused architectural design services for residential, commercial, industrial and community projects throughout the Wellington and Hutt Valley region. The team does not work on a template, but begins by understanding the lifestyle of the client, what they want to do with the space, and then designs around that.

The core concepts behind any project are:

Natural light and natural ventilationn — clever orientation and design to decrease the need for artificial heating, cooling and lighting.

Planet-friendly, sustainable design — a commitment to sustainable design that considers resource use and environmental impact at every stage of the process.

Collaborative method — the result is influenced by the clients alongside the design team, rather than simply approving a ready-made concept.

Renovation and rethinking — many projects work on existing homes and buildings rather than new builds, respecting what exists while increasing its function

Residential, Commercial and Community Architectural Design

The work of Devani Architecture can be divided into three main categories:

Residential — converting a house into a home with architecture that represents the requirements, tastes and culture of its inhabitants.

Commercial — developing shops, offices and other company spaces that balance economical, practical needs with the comfort of the people who use them every day.

Community — schemes that acknowledge shared and public space as part of the wider character of a neighbourhood or town.

This is reflected in Devani's finished project gallery of home developments, business fit-outs and refurbishment work around the Hutt Valley and larger Wellington region.

The Importance of Planning Ahead

Architectural design deadlines vary depending on the amount of work, but one thing remains the same: speeding through the design phase is likely to result in a more costly, time-consuming and stressful build down the line. It's the careful early-stage planning, from site research through to consultation and design development, that allows a project to go through consenting and construction with fewer surprises. This is in accordance with the wider New Zealand Building Code, which is administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment — the compliance standard that any architectural design in New Zealand has to eventually meet.

Design principles focused on sustainability can be seen in organisations such as the New Zealand Green Building Council, which provides independent guidance on energy-efficient, resource-conscious building practices — principles that closely align with Devani's own design philosophy.

Getting Started

Architecture works best as a conversation, not a checklist. For any new builds, renovations or commercial projects in the Lower Hutt or Wellington area, the Devani Architecture team suggests starting with a chat about what isn't working in your current space — and what you Devani Architecture | www.devani.co.nzwant it to become. Find out more about Devani Architecture or request a consultation to get that conversation started.

Ready to talk about your project?

Contact Devani Architecture at 17 Trinity Avenue, Epuni, Lower Hutt 5011, New Zealand — or via h.devani@devani.co.nz.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the architectural design process?

It usually starts with an initial consultation, site and needs analysis, concept design, design development and documentation for consent, followed by construction support. For Devani Architecture, this is a collaborative process with a customer-driven approach that influences every step.

How long does the design of architecture take before construction?

Timelines vary depending on project size and complexity. Right from the outset, Devani Architecture makes it clear they will not hurry the design phase, since good planning early on will save money, time and worry once building begins.

Does Devani Architecture exclusively design new constructions?

No. Many projects are renovations and reimaginings of existing residences and commercial buildings, keeping what already works while increasing function and atmosphere.

Where does Devani Architecture work?

Devani Architecture is situated in Epuni, Lower Hutt, and works on residential, commercial and community projects across Wellington and the Hutt Valley, New Zealand.

What is sustainability in architectural design?

Sustainable design decreases long-term environmental effect and resource consumption while often enhancing comfort, natural light and energy efficiency — a common motivator driving every Devani Architecture project.

What Does "People-Centric Architecture" Actually Mean?

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 10:47:32 GMT

What Does "People-Centric Architecture" Actually Mean?

Picture your own house for a minute. Somewhere in it there's a spot where you always end up making the coffee, even though nobody planned the kitchen around that. There's probably a corner that looked great in the drawings and that nobody has ever actually sat in. And then there's the hallway — the one that turns into a genuine pile-up the second a pram, a dog, and a toddler all try to squeeze past at once.

People actually live in these places, and people are messy. Particular, too, in ways nobody thought to ask about before the concrete went in. So why do so many homes still get designed as if the people using them were an afterthought?

That's the whole idea behind people-centric architecture , really. Start with how someone lives, and let the building catch up to that — not the other way around.

What People-Centric Architecture Really Means

Cut the jargon and it's a simple idea. Figure out who's actually going to use the space, then design around that — instead of pulling out a template and nudging it around whoever happens to be paying this time. People-centric work starts from the opposite direction.

Here's a small example. A family cooks together most nights but hardly ever touches the formal dining room. Catch that early enough, and you can grow the kitchen a little and let the dining space do something more useful. Miss it, and the dining room gets built anyway — because that's apparently just where dining rooms go.

Same principle, just working at the scale of one room.

Why Every Good Design Starts With a Conversation

Here's something we've learned over the years, occasionally the hard way: good decisions almost never come from measuring a site. They come from sitting down and actually talking to someone.

How many people really live here, and how might that change in ten years? Does someone need real quiet during the day for work calls? Might a parent move in down the line, and is there room for that if so? Do you love a full table on the weekend, or does the idea of six people crowding your kitchen sound like a nightmare?

None of that turns up on a site survey. You only get it by asking — and then by noticing the small things people mention almost in passing. A line like "oh, and it's brutal in there by 3pm in summer" is exactly the kind of throwaway comment that ends up reshaping the whole design. Skip that conversation, and you're designing for someone generic. Someone who doesn't actually exist.

How This Approach Changes a Home

Once people become the starting point, a few things shift.

Light gets placed with intention. A kitchen that's used every morning wants that early sun; a lounge that only comes alive at night doesn't need much of it at all. How people physically move through the house gets mapped out too, so nobody's squeezing past a door every time dinner's cooking.

There's also room built in to stretch. A guest room today can become a home office next year and a nursery the year after — no walls need to come down for that to happen. Materials and orientation get chosen with actual energy use in mind. And the layout is built to still make sense in fifteen years, not just on move-in day.

None of this takes clever engineering. Mostly it just takes paying attention.

A Simple Real-Life Example

Take a couple who both work from home. Hand that brief to a template-first design, and the home office usually gets wedged into whatever room is left over — generally the smallest one, tucked away with barely any light reaching it.

Ask a couple of questions first, and the outcome looks completely different. Maybe one of them is on calls most afternoons and wants a bit of visual privacy. Maybe the other wants to still feel part of the house while working. Knowing that, the office can sit near a window that catches soft afternoon light, with a sliding door for calls that stays open the rest of the time.

It barely costs more at the design stage, if anything at all. But it changes how that couple lives in their own home, every working day, for years to come.

Why Devani Architecture Works This Way

Honestly, this isn't just a line for the website — it's how a project actually starts here. Before a single sketch gets drawn, Hardik Devani — our Licensed Building Practitioner – Design and Professional Architectural Designer — sits down with the client personally. We talk about how they live now, what's driving them a bit mad about their current place, and roughly where they see themselves in ten years' time.

That first conversation ends up shaping almost everything after it — where the light falls, which materials make the cut, all of it. Sure, it takes longer than grabbing a layout off the shelf and tweaking it. But it's the only approach we've found that actually produces a home built around the people who'll live in it, rather than around a floor plan someone else already had lying around.

Conclusion

Good architecture keeps coming back to one question: who is this actually for? People-centric design keeps that question in view the whole way through, from the first sketch to the last material choice. The result isn't a flashier building — it's one that quietly makes everyday life a little easier, because it was built around the people actually living in it.

Ready to create a space designed around the way you live? Talk to the team at Devani Architecture and discover how a people-centric approach can transform your next project.

Talk to Devani Architecture

devani.co.nz/contact

FAQs

What is people-centric architecture?
Design that starts with the people using a space. The layout, the light, the materials — all of it gets shaped around how they actually live.

Why does people-centric design matter?

Spaces designed this way tend to just work better day to day. Fewer awkward rooms, fewer "why on earth did they put the office there" moments

How does it benefit homeowners?

Better natural light, routines that flow more naturally, spaces that can flex as life changes, and a home that still holds up years down the line.

Is it suitable for commercial buildings?

Yes — same principle applies. Think about how staff move through an office each day, or how a customer experiences a shop floor.

How does Devani Architecture put this into practice?

Every project starts with a real conversation about how the client lives and works. That conversation is what shapes the layout, the light, and the materials that follow

Why We've Decided to Be a Lower Hutt Building Design Studio: Meet Devani Architecture

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:01:01 GMT

Ask most homeowners about their experience with designers and you'll hear one of two answers. It was either a genuinely good experience, or it was like handing someone the keys who never really understood what they wanted. We got tired of hearing the second story, so we started Devani Architecture . We're a Lower Hutt building design firm based in Epuni, working on everything from family homes to commercial fit-outs and community spaces around Wellington and the wider Hutt Valley. But how we work matters more than where we're headquartered — and that's what we want to get into here.

The Devani Architecture Team

Devani Architecture is led by Hardik Devani, a qualified architectural designer and Licensed Building Practitioner – Design (LBP Design). Hardik is currently studying towards a Master of Architecture (Professional) and holds a National Diploma in Architectural Technology (NDipAT) and a Bachelor of Architectural Studies majoring in architecture and Mātauranga Māori and the built and natural environment.

He keeps strong ties to the wider profession as an executive team member of SANNZ (Student Architecture Network New Zealand), a branch of the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA), where he also holds student membership. He's been an active member of BNI (Business Network International) for the past six years and is a participant of the KITEA programme and a member of the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA).

Hardik also brings practical experience working with religious institutions, where he was exposed to Vastu Shastra, Vastu Kala, and Vedic architectural principles. That background shapes how Devani Architecture approaches cultural sensitivity in design — recognising that different communities have different expectations of how a space should feel, function, and flow.

Alongside him is the practice's partner, Vijay Devani, whose steady hand has been just as formative for the firm. Vijay is a professional member of ADNZ, a licensed building practitioner (design 2), and holds a national diploma in architectural technology. Over the years he's guided the design, consent, and delivery of an incredibly wide range of projects — from medium-density housing to commercial fit-outs, industrial developments, residential new builds and renovations, and architectural homes that defy easy description.

Hardik and Vijay have built their expertise, creativity, and professional competency together, project by project — which is how most real design partnerships actually work. It's less a formal division of labour and more two people working side by side, getting better at the same craft. Hardik credits Vijay's consistent delivery as a big reason for the firm's success and says he's been able to keep pursuing his own studies largely because of Vijay's support.

What Does "People-Centric Architecture" Really Mean?

We use this term a lot, so it's worth a proper explanation rather than leaving it as a catchphrase. What it tells us is that the building comes second. The person comes first.

Before we put up a single wall, we want to know how you truly live — where the light lands in the morning, whether you want a quiet Sunday or twenty people over, and how your family might grow over the next ten years. Good design isn't about making an impression on the street. It's about making a place that fits your life the way a well-tailored coat fits your shoulders.

Why Work With a Design Partner Who Works With You, Not For You

Honestly, too much of the architecture and design industry treats clients as an afterthought once the "creative vision" is locked in. We think that's backwards.

The same principles apply across all our projects, whether residential, commercial, or community:
Your input helps shape the brief — not just approve it
Everything is explained as we go, so nothing feels like a black box
We won't rush the design stage, even though it would be faster (careful early planning saves real money and stress later)
We work with what's already there, not just what's easiest to build from scratch

That last point matters more than most people expect. Some of our most satisfying projects have been renovations — honouring a home's bones while completely rethinking how it works.

Sustainability Is the Foundation, Not the Add-On

Sustainability is more than good marketing, and it would be dishonest to say otherwise. It genuinely drives many of our design choices — natural light, ventilation, smart material selection, and minimal environmental impact.

Who We Design For

Devani Architecture works with a diverse range of clients across Lower Hutt and the greater Wellington region, including:

Homeowners planning a renovation or new build
Property developers managing multi-unit projects
Builders looking for a collaborative design partner
Commercial property owners and investors
Real estate developers scoping fresh sites
Community organisations building shared spaces

That same all-encompassing approach — art, design, landscape, interiors, and engineering — applies equally to single-family homes and multi-stage commercial developments, working as one process rather than five separate hand-offs.

The Devani Way, Briefly

If there's one takeaway we want people to leave with, it's that architecture shouldn't feel like a sale. It should feel like a conversation that happens to end in a building. That's true whether you end up working most closely with Hardik or Vijay — the whole practice follows the same approach.

Not sure if we're the right fit for your project? The simplest next step is to get in touch and tell us where you're at—even if it's just "my space doesn't work anymore"—and we'll take it from there.

Book a consultation with Devani Architecture

devani.co.nz/contact

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "people-centric architecture" mean to Devani Architecture?

It means design decisions are made around how you'll really live or work in the space, not just how the structure looks. Comfort, function, and long-term liveability matter more to us than looks alone.

Who leads the design process at Devani Architecture?

Hardik Devani, a Licensed Building Practitioner – Design (LBP Design) and professional architectural designer, manages design directly on every project – backed by a Bachelor of Architectural Studies, a National Diploma in Architectural Technology, and an ongoing Master of Architecture (Professional).

Who else at Devani Architecture oversees projects?

Vijay Devani, partner in the business and a Licensed Building Practitioner (Design 2), has seen a wide range of residential, commercial, and industrial projects through to completion and has worked alongside Hardik to build the firm from the ground up.

Does Devani Architecture only take on residential projects?

No — we work on residential, commercial, industrial, and community projects across Wellington and Lower Hutt. The approach stays collaborative and sustainability-driven regardless of project type.

Can Devani Architecture help modify an existing house rather than build a new one?

Yes, and it's some of our favourite work. We aim to make a home feel and function better while respecting what's already there.

How long does the architectural design process usually take?

We're upfront from day one that it depends on the project. Design is the stage we don't cut corners on, because good planning early usually saves time and money later.

What makes Devani Architecture different from other building designers in Lower Hutt?

We design with clients, not for them — your perspective shapes the brief from the start. Combined with Hardik's crosscultural design experience, a genuine creative partnership leading the business, and a deep commitment to sustainability, every project reflects how you really want to live or work.