3 minute read
Curtis Architecture’s grand designs
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Grand designs
By Rosie Duff
It’s been said that sustainable architecture is no longer an option, but an imperative.
And with markets changing rapidly, architectural firms have no choice but to keep up. Curtis Architecture director and designer Casey Curtis, has been in the business for over 10 years and understands the importance of investing in energy-efficient features for a long-lasting build. Established with the aim of providing a clientfocused service, Curtis Architecture has been raising the standard of architectural ventures throughout New Zealand since 2017. Balancing elegant design with functionality and efficiency, managing director Casey Curtis, says she’s passionate about building warmer, dryer and more sustainable homes for her customers. Having studied through the Passive House Institute New Zealand (PHINZ), Casey is wellversed on the importance of bridging the gap between the desired performance of buildings, versus the material outcome. “We specialise in energy efficient residential or commercial design, using high-thermal performing construction methods,” she explains. By designing houses to maximise energy efficiency, Casey says you can significantly reduce operational costs – which is more beneficial for her clients, and the environment in the long-term. In this sense, the team at Curtis Architecture is committed to pursuing new technologies and ideas in their pursuit to advance a build’s function and improve occupant health. With that being said, Casey says the number one priority at Curtis Architecture is to protect a client’s investment the whole way through – which is mostly to do with planning ahead of time. “We don’t move on from stage-to-stage throughout the design process until we have some level of costs factored. Otherwise, you’re just wasting the client’s time and money,” she explains. For a successful result, it’s also important that the lines of communication between the architectural designer, builder and client are open at all times. Indeed, Curtis Architecture takes pride in their collaborative approach, which Casey believes is a driving factor behind why clients use their service, over other firms. “We work really carefully with the client and the builder to ensure that we’re designing to their budget from day one. “Although our primary target market is mostly residential, we work with a wide range of builders. “A lot of them end up bringing us their customers so that we can work collaboratively
PROUDLY BUILDING & RENOVATING MODERN & LUXURY HOMES.
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Curtis Architecture Architectural services:
• Passive homes • New builds • Renovations & extensions • Workplaces & commercial buildings • Resource consents & planning • Homestar assessments • Sustainable custom designed, energy efficient homes.
with them from the beginning and support their clients through the design process. “We also work very closely with our preferred engineer – Fifth Dimension Consulting, who we are joining forces with in a collaborative office space in the coming months.” A one-stop-shop for clients, Casey is confident that this cohesive approach results in the right house, the right price and the right time frame. When reflecting upon how to stay on top of ever-changing styles and practices within the industry, Casey says you have to be ready to adapt. “You need to learn what is required and then adjust. In this industry you’re always spinning and changing everyday – there’s constantly something new to learn or grow from. It never stops,” she explains. And in terms of the future? Casey says her goal for 2022 is to expand the team and push to the commercial sector.
