At Imagine Architecture we believe that architecture should not only be aesthetically pleasing, but also purposeful and meaningful for the people who use it. Our design philosophy is based on a three-tiered, connected approach that prioritises the client experience at every stage of the process.
At the top of our philosophy is Tier 1: Client-Centric Design, which places people at the heart of everything we do. We strive to understand the unique needs, desires, and preferences of each client, and we use this knowledge to inform every design decision we make.
Tier 2, Purpose & Place, builds upon this foundation by considering the context of the building's location, purpose, and surrounding environment. We believe that architecture should not only be visually striking, but also purposeful and relevant to its intended use and the community it serves.
At Tier 3, we focus on our 7 Core Design Principles: Beauty, Function, Value, Light, Comfort, Efficiency, and Biophilic. These principles serve as our guideposts for every design decision we make, from selecting materials and finishes to designing spaces that promote well-being and connect people to nature.
We believe that this three-tiered approach to architecture is essential for creating spaces that are not only visually stunning, but also meaningful and purposeful for the people who use them. Thank you for considering Imagine Architecture for your next project.
Tier One: Client-Centric Design
Client-Centric Design is an overarching philosophy that puts our clients at the centre of the design process. It focuses on an approach that prioritises the needs, preferences, and aspirations of the client or end-user throughout the architectural design process. The goal is to create buildings, spaces, and environments that not only meet functional requirements but also resonate with the people who will use and inhabit them. This approach is especially crucial as architecture has a direct impact on the well-being, comfort, and experiences of the occupants.
Client-Centric Design in architecture goes beyond the physical structure; it involves understanding and addressing the emotional and psychological needs of the clients. By placing the client at the centre of the design process, we can create spaces that truly resonate with and enrich the lives of those who use them.
At Imagine Architecture, we believe that good architecture has the power to change lives. That's why we are committed to using Client-Centric Design principles in all of our projects. Whether we are designing a high quality, healthy home or a commercial space, we always begin by listening to our clients and understanding their needs. From there, we use our expertise and creativity to craft spaces that are not only beautiful and functional, but also promote health, wellbeing, and happiness. Our tagline, "changing lives through great architecture and design", reflects our belief that the spaces we design have the power to make a real difference in people's lives.
Tier Two: Purpose and Place
At Imagine Architecture, we believe that purpose and place are two core architectural principles that underpin our approach to design. Our focus on purpose and place ensures that each project we undertake is not only functional, but also meaningful and connected to its surroundings.
Purpose
At Imagine Architecture, purpose refers to the big picture orientation of each project we undertake. We believe that every building should serve a specific purpose and contribute to the community it serves. Whether we are designing a high-quality, high-performance healthy home or a commercial building, we always start by understanding the purpose of the project.
For our residential work, purpose often involves creating spaces that support the lifestyle and needs of the people who will inhabit them. This means taking into account factors such as the number of people who will live in the home, their daily routines, and any unique needs they may have. We also consider the broader purpose of the home, such as its connection to the surrounding environment and the community it serves.
When it comes to our commercial work, purpose takes on a different meaning. We work closely with our clients to understand the purpose of the building and how it will be used. This could involve designing a retail space that attracts customers and supports sales, or creating a hospitality space that provides a memorable experience for guests. Whatever the purpose, we always strive to create buildings that are not only functional, but also contribute to the success of our clients' businesses.
Place
Place is another core architectural principle at Imagine Architecture. We believe that buildings should be designed with their surroundings in mind, taking into account the unique context of each project. Whether we are working on a residential or commercial project, we always strive to create buildings that are rooted in their place.
For our residential work, this often involves designing homes that are in harmony with their natural surroundings. We take into account factors such as the site's topography, vegetation, and views to create homes that feel connected to the land. We also consider the broader context of the home, such as the local climate, cultural traditions, and architectural heritage.
When it comes to our commercial work, place takes on a different meaning. We work closely with our clients to understand the context of their building, including factors such as the local community, the competition, and the surrounding architecture. This allows us to create buildings that are not only functional, but also contribute to the character of the surrounding area.
Overall, purpose and place are two core architectural principles that underpin our approach to design at Imagine Architecture. By understanding the purpose of each project and the unique context in which it will be built, we are able to create buildings that are not only functional, but also meaningful and connected to their surroundings. Whether we are designing a high-quality, high-performance healthy home or a commercial building, our focus on purpose and place ensures that each project is tailored to the needs of its users and contributes to the community it serves.
Tier Three: Our 7 core design principles
#1 Beauty:
Beauty refers to the aesthetic appeal of a building or space. At Imagine Architecture, we believe that every project should be designed with an eye for beauty, ensuring that the final product is not only functional but also visually pleasing. We strive to create spaces that are both timeless and unique, incorporating elements of form, texture, colour, and proportion to achieve a harmonious balance.
#2 Function:
Function is a crucial aspect of architectural design, and we take it seriously at Imagine Architecture. Our goal is to design spaces that are not only beautiful but also highly functional, meeting the needs and desires of our clients. We work closely with our clients to understand their specific requirements, and we use our expertise to design spaces that are efficient, practical, and effective.
#3 Value:
Value refers to the relationship between the cost of a project and its overall quality and functionality. At Imagine Architecture, we understand that every project has a budget, and we are committed to maximizing the value that our clients receive for their investment. We strive to design spaces that are cost-effective, sustainable, and durable, ensuring that our clients get the most out of their investment.
#4 Light:
Light is a fundamental element of architecture, and we believe that it can have a profound impact on the quality of a space. At Imagine Architecture, we strive to create spaces that are filled with natural light, using windows, skylights, and other design elements to optimize daylighting. We also consider artificial lighting, ensuring that every space is well-lit, functional, and visually appealing.
#5 Comfort:
Comfort is an essential aspect of architectural design, and we believe that it should be a top priority for every project. At Imagine Architecture, we emphasize healthy outcomes as part of the comfort principle, creating spaces that are not only comfortable but also promote health and well-being. We consider factors such as air quality, temperature control, acoustics, and ergonomics, ensuring that every space is designed with the user's comfort in mind.
#6 Efficiency:
Efficiency refers to the ability of a building or space to function optimally while minimizing waste. At Imagine Architecture, we are committed to designing spaces that are efficient and sustainable, using innovative design solutions and materials to minimize energy consumption, reduce water usage, and minimize waste.
#7 Biophilic:
Biophilic design is an approach to architecture that seeks to connect people with nature, incorporating natural elements and patterns into the design of buildings and spaces. At Imagine Architecture, we believe that biophilic design can have a profound impact on the well-being of people, improving their mood, productivity, and overall health. We incorporate natural materials, vegetation, and other design elements into our projects, creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also restorative and rejuvenating.
“We found Tony and Steven a pleasure to deal with and we were able to input our own ideas into the design Imagine Architecture produced. Their technical knowledge of the design intricacies was impressive. The end result being a home that had a "good feeling" to it, with friends who see it for the first time saying, ‘This is really cool!’
Before being built we found many builders or other designers were quite critical of the design, but now it has been built we have had nothing but praise for something which is obviously bespoke yet sits comfortably in the surrounding landscape.”
Michael & Maria Ramsay– New Plymouth
"Mary and I wanted to build a conservatory area attached to the North facing side of our house. On the advice of Altherm we contacted Tony in order to have plans drawn up from which the builders could operate. Tony listened. He made suggestions and could explain suggested modifications to our ideas effectively. Draft plans were readily adjusted until we were thoroughly satisfied with the design. The builders and constructors found the plans easy to work with. The finished product looks very good and has created the space that we wanted. The dream became a reality"
Graeme & Mary Mustchin – New Plymouth