The LTD Architectural Design Studio team consistently strive to raise the standard of design in the region’s building environment. Design director David Maurice says to achieve this, listening, understanding and identifying what’s at the core of a client’s needs and relating that back to them is the secret to delivering a high level of service to their clients. “It’s often the intangible stuff like needing a peaceful or private space, or connecting to beach or bush, or wanting a place that brings family or friends closer together. Sometimes these things get crowded out by a list of functional requirements, so we try to sift through all that and draw out what really matters.”
Providing extraordinary design for ordinary budgets, one of the biggest levers for controlling building cost is size, which requires a high level of problem-solving to ensure the core of a client’s brief can be fully realised within their budget, says David. “We believe that it’s possible to reduce the size of a house or building without reducing the quality of the spaces within it, which is where good design becomes so important. It means getting every element of the design working as hard as possible so that nothing is poorly or seldom used. The quality of a space is largely defined by the way it feels. However, this can be sabotaged by too much focus on the layout and function of the plan. The proportions of the spaces, the quality of natural light, the texture of the finishes and even acoustic properties should all be considered. These are all items that don’t necessarily add more cost to a project."
At the heart of the business is designing buildings that help people connect to the natural environment. “We love using natural building materials wherever possible and work on minimising the building’s size and footprint to ensure that the existing ecosystem of the site remains as intact as possible. Ultimately, it’s about designing right for people, the place and the planet. I’ve learned over the years not to rush the design process but rather to sit with ideas for a while. It can be a few days before I’m comfortable that a solution feels like the right fit for a project. I’ve realised that this process results in reaching a good outcome in a shorter amount of time as opposed to needing to rework an inferior option. Inspiration can come from anywhere!”
A visionary, and an award-winning designer, David says he always feels honoured at the level of trust that clients place in his team, particularly with very personal projects. “This has always been a real highlight for me over the years, along with the friendships with both colleagues and clients.”
Receiving the National ADNZ/Resene Architectural Design Award in 2021 was also a huge personal highlight. “Out of the awards we’ve received I’m most proud of this one as it was a house I designed for my own young family. I think it was a building that encapsulated much of what we’re trying to achieve as a practice.”
LTD Architectural Design Studio
111 Bridge Street, Nelson
ltdarch.co.nz
