Emphasising attention to detail and a restrained aesthetic, the practice designs spaces that inspire and stand the test of time. Understanding the important connection of people to place, each project and site present unique challenges viewed as opportunities. Innate curiosity drives the practice to sculpt volumes where light, materials, and form enhance one another harmoniously.
Influenced by a desire to share fresh ideas and sustainable designs, Bassett-Smith Architecture creates robust, elemental new homes, buildings, and renovations. The practice believes in a collaborative approach, working closely with clients to bring their visions to life.
Functionality and architectural excellence coexist, ensuring each project is detail-focused and executed with care and consideration to brief, person, and context. Pride is taken in every element of the work, enjoying collaborations with good people, listening intently, and enjoying the journey.
Founded by Lloyd Bassett-Smith, Bassett-Smith Architecture is based in Mount Maunganui and extends its thoughtful design ethos throughout New Zealand. With over 15 years of architectural expertise and 5 years of building experience, Lloyd fosters enduring client relationships, seamlessly blending considered design with sustainability. As a member of Architectural Designers New Zealand, the New Zealand Green Building Council, and a certified Homestar Designer and Assessor, he is committed to advancing sustainable architecture nationwide.
Our ethos is to design spaces that improve the well-being of those who use them.
People appreciate our calm dedication, valuing the way we work with them to create a considered and enduring architectural solution.
We design with passion and care, enthusiastically engaging with the aspirations of our clients and honouring the unique New Zealand topography.
We recognise that construction of any building can impact biodiversity loss and climate breakdown. To minimise impact on the natural ecosystems, we design, quantify, enhance, and certify the level of sustainability throughout every project.
Our designs use leading edge and emerging technology platforms and tools. We incorporate energy-efficient systems sourcing eco-friendly materials (locally where we can), optimising natural light, ventilation, and conscious of water conservation.
Close contact with our clients every step of the process is vital as we move ahead with a project.
Our design solutions follow the Architectural Designer of New Zealand (ADNZ) design process framework. Here’s what that usually looks like:
Briefing with site visit and cost management.
Transfer of brief and site information into design options and ideas.
Refining the selected concept.
Relaying into accurate site plan, floor plans, elevations, and renders.
For building consent application.
Project tender and preparation of documents for contractors to price.
In tandem with construction progress.
To ensure works are in accordance with design.
Timelines vary depending on size, complexity and specifics but to provide the most accurate initial advice possible we’ll start by talking the project over, taking onboard your ideas and goals, analysing site surveys, and existing plans if it’s a renovation.
You’ll be expecting a beautiful architectural solution that’s tailored to your budget, so we determine and monitor costs carefully, adjusting key design elements if need be. We have a number of ways to balance the size of the project with your planned spend. You can feel reassured that your agreed budget will be sustained without compromising on quality.
We’re architectural designers passionate about creating projects of all sizes and scope that align with our core values.
We do. We enjoy the constraints, context, and opportunities that reimagining an existing home or building bring.
We design a wide range and diversity of projects delivering for clients throughout Aotearoa. Our experience, approach, and time management allows us to easily tackle the task no matter the size and scope.
Our philosophy is to leave the planet in better shape for generations to come. This begins by categorizing sustainability into passive and active strategies. Passive strategies with fundamental principles such as: proper building orientation, thoughtful window placement and solar exposure, shading controls, thermal mass, and cross-ventilation. From there, the techniques become more sophisticated, including enhanced insulation, minimizing thermal bridging, evaluating the embodied energy of materials, and considering their lifecycle and manufacturing processes. Active strategies involve advanced, technology-driven solutions, often referred to as "plugins." These include high-performance window systems, additional thermal insulation, solar panels, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, and ensuring airtightness. The long-term performance of these homes is a testament to their enduring quality.
Our process starts with a conversation. We listen, and learn about your lifestyle, budget, tastes and style to carefully formulate a brief and precisely plan the scope of the project. Refer to process page for further information.
Timelines will vary, depending of course on the scope and size of the project, as well as the availability of builders and contractors.
Both! Although our clients are largely people asking us to design them a new home or renovation, we also handle commercial design projects for other structures. It’s about having a synergy with you, seeing and understanding your vision, and responding to that in a way that aligns with your expectations.
Interior and landscape design are essential elements in the success of any project. We collaborate closely with both interior and landscape designers throughout the process to ensure a seamless, cohesive result that aligns with your unique needs and tastes. Our focus is on your lifestyle, preferences, and the overall aesthetic of the space. This integrated approach, along with our detailed visualizations, comprehensive plans, and precise cost estimates, allows you to vividly experience your future space before it becomes reality.
If you are looking for an Architectural Designer who demonstrates dedication to a simple, clear, and considered design process give us a call.
