Residential architectural design where the process is as rewarding as the end result

Imagine designing your new home and feeling truly heard every step of the way. Too often, homeowners get stuck with cookie-cutter plans that don’t reflect their vision or lifestyle, and the mountain of council paperwork can quickly turn excitement into overwhelm.

It’s easy to worry that you’ll end up with a space that doesn’t feel like yours, or that building for the future is out of reach.

With
Fundamental Design Studio, your ideas guide the process from the first concept through council approval, ensuring your home is uniquely yours and ready for what lies ahead.

Our new home design service gives you a personalised, stress-free journey from your first sketch to finished plans. If you’re ready to create a home that fits your life perfectly, share your vision and see what’s possible.

Learn more about how your ideas drive the process on our
About page, or view examples of our designs in the gallery.

Send Us A Message

For a free consultation or quote, please send us a message

Residential architectural design in Hutt Valley, Wellington and lower North Island to create your dream home

  • Residential architectural design shaped around your lifestyle and preferences
  • Expert guidance and building consent support for a seamless, stress-free experience
  • Innovative custom home design with clear communication at every stage
Designing new homes for Wellington, Hutt Valley, Wairarapa, Kapiti Coast and Porirua

Personalised home design centred around your lifestyle and vision

“I don't like to impose my tastes and preferences. Personalising the design is always driven by the client.” William Arends, Founder and Principal Designer

Your new home should reflect you and your family, not someone else’s tastes. The residential architectural design process is shaped by your ideas, research and personal preferences. Bring magazine clippings, Pinterest boards or sketches - your inspiration drives the conversation. Every question aims to understand exactly what you want, and your input is welcomed at every stage.

Designing a new home is a big step, so you’ll find open, easy conversation makes it simple to share your thoughts or change your mind. Whether you’re planning a family home, tiny house or townhouse development, the process is flexible and responsive to your needs as they evolve.

If you’re considering a multi-unit project, visit our
Townhouse and Developer Opportunities page for more information.

A step-by-step design journey with expert guidance

"There's no loss of knowledge changing over from concept to working drawings. I am there with you for the whole process – from start to finish." William Arends, Founder and Principal Designer

From your first enquiry to moving in, you get clear, consistent support. Your journey starts with a no-obligation, free quote - no stress or pressure.

Sit down with your architect to discuss your goals, then move through concept development, detailed design and all the practical steps to make your dream a reality.

You work directly with your architect, so you’re never handed off to someone else or left wondering what’s happening. If challenges arise, you get proactive communication, regular updates and advice whenever you need it.

You'll find us always available for advice or site visits, even outside typical hours, you’re never left to figure things out alone. If you’re also considering changes to an existing property, explore our
Home Renovations & Extensions page for more options.

Navigating council consent and approvals with confidence

"I handle the whole council application for you. I've worked in councils so I know how they work." Williams Arends, Founder and Principal Designer

Building consents and approvals are often the trickiest part of a new build. There’s no need to worry about paperwork or council queries - every step is handled for you. All plans and documents are prepared, applications submitted and council questions answered on your behalf.

Experience with Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt and Porirua council requirements helps you avoid common pitfalls. You’re kept updated at every stage, so you’re never left in the dark about your approvals.

If questions raised during construction, we move quickly to resolve them, keeping your project on track.

To learn more about our approach and experience,
visit the About page.

Energy-efficient and sustainable solutions

"I like to use the latest technological developments in new houses, especially when it comes to eco design and passive homes." William Arends, Founder and Principal Designer

You deserve a home that’s comfortable, efficient and future-focused. Innovative, practical solutions are integrated into every custom design, using the latest advances in heating, insulation and eco-friendly technologies.

Whether you’re interested in passive solar design, high-performance thermal insulation or sustainable materials, these features can be included to deliver long-term comfort and lower running costs.

You’ll get options that fit your lifestyle, budget and maintenance preferences, ensuring your new home is as practical as it is future-ready. Whether you want a full passive house or simply the best in modern living, guidance is provided through the choices to deliver a solution that works for you.

Ready to discuss your project or have questions? Visit our
Contact page.
Architectural Design and Draughting Services. Based In Upper Hutt.
Servicing Wellington Region

Collaboration and adaptability for your project

Your ideas evolve and inspiration can strike at any time. A collaborative approach means your feedback is welcomed and you stay involved throughout. You’ll see clear drawings, visual tools and regular check-ins, making it easy to review options and suggest changes.

If your needs shift or you have a new idea, the process adapts without fuss, balancing your requests with timelines and the integrity of the design. You’ll never feel like you’re causing trouble by asking for advice or making changes.

If you’re interested in commercial or multi-unit projects, see our
Townhouse and Developer Opportunities page.

Start your journey to a new home


Take the first step towards a home designed just for you. With a collaborative process, expert guidance and creative solutions, you’ll enjoy a smooth, enjoyable journey from concept to completion.

Your ideas and vision are at the centre of every decision, ensuring the result is a home that fits your lifestyle perfectly.

Contact us today to share your vision and see how it can become reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

We start every new home design by listening to your ideas and vision. Your lifestyle, inspiration, and feedback guide every stage, from concept sketches to final plans. We adapt the process to suit your needs, ensuring your home is truly unique and reflects what matters most to you.

We handle the entire building consent and council application process for you. With experience working in local councils, we prepare all documents, submit applications, and answer council queries, keeping you informed throughout. This means less stress and fewer delays for your new home project.

Absolutely. We specialise in integrating sustainable solutions, such as passive solar design, advanced insulation, and eco-friendly materials. We'll help you choose features that fit your budget and lifestyle, so your home is comfortable, efficient, and future-ready, with lower running costs and a smaller environmental footprint.

You can be as hands-on as you like. We encourage you to bring ideas, feedback, and inspiration at every step. Regular check-ins, clear drawings, and open communication ensure you’re always in the loop. If your needs or ideas change, we adapt the design quickly, so you always feel heard.

We offer residential architectural house plans services across Wellington, Hutt Valley, Wairarapa, Kapiti Coast, and Porirua. Our local expertise ensures your new home is designed to suit both your lifestyle and the specific requirements of your location, making the process smooth and tailored to you.