WHO IS GO ARCHITECTURE?

About

GO architecture is based in Alicetown in Lower Hutt and currently consists of a small team working on all aspects of the projects from the first consultation right through to obtaining the council consent.
Paula and her team keep up to date with industry developments and meets up with other Architectural designers and business people on a regular basis to keep upskilling and sharing expertise and experience.

Philosophy

GO architecture believes that to be successful good design needs to not only look right, but to also be robust and address your real needs.  The design process is an integral factor that needs to be properly managed in order to achieve the best outcome for you.

This means keeping you involved in the process and maintaining excellent communication channels, so you know at all times what is going on and when it will be delivered.

As designers, we believe it is important to consider environmental issues at the design stage, such as warmth and comfort, energy usage, products selection, and integration with  surrounding built and natural environments.

Up Street View of Concept Build

Experience

Paula became a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) at the end of 2016, this means GO architecture can submit projects to council and it indicates we have the required competencies to design houses and renovations in New Zealand.

Paula became a professional member of Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ) in September 2018. ADNZ is the professional body for Architectural Designers in New Zealand and maintain rigorous standards for membership and skills maintenance, this gives you assurance of our ability to meet the high standards that ADNZ expect.

       

Philosophy

GO architecture believes that to be successful good design needs to not only look right, but to also be robust and address your real needs.  The design process is an integral factor that needs to be properly managed in order to achieve the best outcome for you.

This means keeping you involved in the process and maintaining excellent communication channels, so you know at all times what is going on and when it will be delivered.

As a designer I believe it is important to consider environmental issues at design stage – including warmth and comfort, energy usage, products selected, and how it integrates with the surrounding built and natural environments.

Experience

Paula became a Licenced Building Practitioner (LBP) at the end of 2016, this means GO architecture can submit projects to council and it indicates we have the required competencies to design houses and renovations in New Zealand.

Paula became a professional member of Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ) in September 2018. ADNZ is the professional body for Architectural Designers in New Zealand and maintain rigorous standards for membership and skills maintenance, this gives you assurance of our ability to meet the high standards that ADNZ expect.

       

Testimonials

Paula was a pleasure to deal with and kept in constant contact with us during the whole process, so much so that when we came across a few curveballs, she even organised a tradie to help find a solution.

Completely professional from taking our goals in mind, very creative in giving us multiple design options we would not have even considered, sensitive to our cost considerations, great attention to detail and impeccable final consent plans that were passed first time with the Council.

Cannot recommend GO architecture highly enough. Very impressed. A+++

Amanda Oliver

We hired Paula to completely redesign our 1910 villa, including a new floor layout, new garage, new deck and a loft conversion. Paula has been excellent from start to finish. She listened carefully to what we wanted while also making her own suggestions for things we should consider. The most pleasing part of working with Paula has been how responsive and helpful she is. She has tended to answer emails within hours, if not minutes, and has always been prepared to answer any questions I might have and explain things in more detail. Paula has also been fantastic at liaising with the engineers and other professionals. It’s safe to say that we wouldn’t have made it through the design stage as quickly as we did without Paula’s dedication and attention to detail.

From a technical perspective Paula’s plans have been top notch, sailing through the BC and RC process with relative ease. I can’t speak highly enough of her work, I’m very pleased we involved her in our project.

Matt Phillips

Paula has to be one of the most knowledgeable and fair designers I have come to know. She is always professional in her manner. Her advice to clients and builders alike ensures all her designs meet local territorial regulations, building code and NZS 3604: 2011. We love working alongside her.

I would highly recommend anyone to use her service!

Candice Barr

Our Team

Paula ­- Owner

Hi, I’m Paula. I founded GO Architecture in 2017 after many years in the industry, driven by a simple idea: great design begins with listening. Every family lives differently, and I wanted to build a practice that truly understands what will work for each client and the way they live. Building or renovating a home can feel overwhelming, so we focus on staying ahead of current building requirements and demystifying the construction process. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing how a well designed home can transform everyday life. I hold a Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Architectural Technology) from Massey University in Wellington. I live with my husband, our pets, and one of my two adult children. On weekends, you’ll usually find me with tools in hand, working away on my own home renovation projects 

 

Graeme – Architectural Designer

After 15 years in the graphic design, commercial print, and communications sector, I was ready for a new challenge and retrained in architectural design. In 2021, I graduated with a New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology. I’m passionate about the impact the built environment has on people’s everyday lives, and I consider it a privilege to contribute to shaping spaces that matter. I have a particular interest in universal design and am committed to helping create environments that are truly inclusive, going beyond standard accessibility features like ramps, elevators, and designated parking. Outside of work, I enjoy board games and spending time with my amazing wife, our four children, two dogs and cats.

Graeme – Architectural Designer

After 15 years in the graphic design, commercial print, and communications sector, I was ready for a new challenge and retrained in architectural design. In 2021, I graduated with a New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology. I’m passionate about the impact the built environment has on people’s everyday lives, and I consider it a privilege to contribute to shaping spaces that matter. I have a particular interest in universal design and am committed to helping create environments that are truly inclusive, going beyond standard accessibility features like ramps, elevators, and designated parking. Outside of work, I enjoy board games and spending time with my amazing wife, our four children, two dogs and cats.

Jody – Architectural Designer

Kia ora, I’m Jody. I joined GO architecture six years ago to realign my mahi to match my passion for residential design after taking time off to focus on my young family. I enjoy working with clients to help shape homes that genuinely support their lifestyle. I bring 15 years of experience designing and project managing commercial interiors and have held other roles in commercial property management and building compliance. I studied architecture at Victoria University, graduating with a Bachelor of Building Science and a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration, majoring in marketing. I’m passionate about family and community and the philosophy of wabi-sabi. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking New Zealand’s Great Walks, supporting committees and clubs, and dabbling in pottery.

Relda – Intern Architectural Designer

Kia ora! I’m Relda. I hold a NZ Diploma in Architectural Technology and have been part of the GO architecture team since 2021. With a prior background in marketing and hands-on experience in home renovations, I bring a practical, client-focused perspective to residential design. Having been both a client of GO architecture and now a permanent team member, I have a unique understanding of the process from both sides. I can confidently say the team’s passion for creating healthier, well-functioning and attractive homes is genuine and inspiring. Family and friends are important to me, and I love doing wasgijs, dot painting and chasing the sun.

 

Relda – Intern Architectural Designer

Kia ora! I’m Relda. I hold a NZ Diploma in Architectural Technology and have been part of the GO architecture team since 2021. With a prior background in marketing and hands-on experience in home renovations, I bring a practical, client-focused perspective to residential design. Having been both a client of GO architecture and now a permanent team member, I have a unique understanding of the process from both sides. I can confidently say the team’s passion for creating healthier, well-functioning and attractive homes is genuine and inspiring. Family and friends are important to me, and I love doing wasgijs, dot painting and chasing the sun.

 

Kerren ­- Architectural Designer

Hi I’m Kerren. I have a NZ Certificate in Architectural Technology from Dunedin Polytech and bring many years of industry experience to GO Architecture. My aims are to create usable, well thought out spaces to enable my clients to enjoy their homes in the best way possible. Good residential design is important in so many ways, from small changes to major design decisions. I am passionate to help bring about these changes and make the often-complicated process run smoothly. On the weekend I like to spend time at the beach or bach with my family, enjoying good food and wine with friends and trawling antique/junk shops. I also enjoy a long walk and natter with friends and have recently taken up swimming at our local pool to relax.

Bridget – Office Administrator

Hi, I’m Bridget. In my role at GO Architecture, I draw on my background in marketing, finance, and human resources, contributing to an industry that aligns with my longstanding passion for design. I value working as part of a dedicated and collaborative team, that partners closely with clients to deliver considered, functional spaces that respond to the way they live. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, as well as travelling and exploring new places with my husband and our two children. I maintain a strong interest in art, film, literature, and a range of creative pursuits.

 

Bridget – Office Administrator

Hi, I’m Bridget. In my role at GO Architecture, I draw on my background in marketing, finance, and human resources, contributing to an industry that aligns with my longstanding passion for design. I value working as part of a dedicated and collaborative team, that partners closely with clients to deliver considered, functional spaces that respond to the way they live. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, as well as travelling and exploring new places with my husband and our two children. I maintain a strong interest in art, film, literature, and a range of creative pursuits.

 

Sarah ­- Architectural Graduate

Kia ora, I’m Sarah. I graduated with my Master of Architecture (Professional) at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in early 2025, after five years of architectural study. What energises me in my role at GO architecture is seeing clients’ visions for their homes realised. Being part of a process that creates designs which enhance or support the lifestyle people aspire to is incredibly rewarding. I’m also passionate about sustainable design practices and materials, which is what first drew me toward the architectural industry prior to my tertiary studies. Outside of work, I enjoy strength training at the gym, experimental cooking with new recipes I find online, and catching up with friends for brunch, coffee and a good walk.

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