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.

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 started GO architecture in 2017 after working in the industry for several years. I wanted to create a business based on listening to my clients and understanding what will work for them and their families. Building a home these days can be so overwhelming and our focus on keeping abreast of current building requirements allows us to demystify the construction process for clients – I love seeing how a well-designed house improves people’s lives. I have a Bachelor of Engineering Technology (specialisation in Architectural Technology) from Massey University in Wellington. I live with my husband, pets, and one of my two adult children. On the weekend I like nothing more than to get out the tools and work on renovating my home.

Graeme – Architectural Designer

Hi I’m Graeme. After 15 years in the graphic design, commercial print and communications sector, I wanted a new challenge and decided to retrain in architectural design. In 2021 I graduated with a New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology. I specifically chose a career in residential design as the impact of the work is incredibly tangible, even life changing for the clients. It’s a profound privilege to be a part of that process. I have a personal interest in universal design and am keen to do my part to make the built environment more equitable for all needs and abilities. When I’m not working, I love spending my free time with my amazing wife, four beautiful kids and two dogs.

Graeme – Architectural Designer

Hi I’m Graeme. After 15 years in the graphic design, commercial print and communications sector, I wanted a new challenge and decided to retrain in architectural design. In 2021 I graduated with a New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology. I specifically chose a career in residential design as the impact of the work is incredibly tangible, even life changing for the clients. It’s a profound privilege to be a part of that process. I have a personal interest in universal design and am keen to do my part to make the built environment more equitable for all needs and abilities. When I’m not working, I love spending my free time with my amazing wife, four beautiful kids and two dogs.

Jody – Architectural Designer

Hi I’m Jody and I studied architecture at Victoria University graduating with a Bachelor of Building Science and Bachelor of Commerce and Administration, with a marketing major. I have worked in commercial interiors for 15 years, before taking a hiatus to focus on my young family. I have also worked in commercial property management and building compliance. At GO architecture I have re-aligned my mahi focus with my lifelong passion of working with residential clients and helping them design homes for their lifestyle. I am passionate about family and community, and I hold various local charity volunteer roles. I love art deco, camping and believe in wabi-sabi (imperfect beauty).

Relda – Intern Architectural Designer

Kia ora! I’m Relda. I’ve recently completed a NZ Diploma of Architectural Technology at WelTec/Te Pūkenga. Having trained and worked in marketing my whole adult life, I decided to make a change and follow my enduring interest in residential design and renovation. Having been a client of GO architecture as well as now a team member, I have a unique view of the business and can confirm the passion the team has for creating healthier, well-functioning and attractive homes for clients 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’m a second year Architectural Technology student at WelTec and an intern at GO architecture in my holidays. Having trained and worked in marketing my whole adult life, I decided to make a change and follow my enduring interest in residential design and renovation. Having been a client of GO architecture as well as now a team member, I have a unique view of the business and can confirm the passion the team has for creating healthier, well-functioning and attractive homes for clients 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. My other passion is travelling, which has been limited lately to trips within NZ, but I’m looking forward to travelling overseas again soon

Bridget – Office Administrator

Hi I’m Bridget. Working at GO architecture allows me to use my many years of experience in marketing, finance and human resources in an industry that connects with my lifelong love of design. GO architecture is a fantastic place to work and I value being part of a passionate and dedicated team that places a real emphasis on working together with clients to create functional spaces that work for them. My family and friends fill my time outside work and I love going on adventures with my husband and two children. I am interested in art, films, literature, travel and enjoy being creative.

Bridget – Office Administrator

Hi I’m Bridget. Working at GO architecture allows me to use my many years of experience in marketing, finance and human resources in an industry that connects with my lifelong love of design. GO architecture is a fantastic place to work and I value being part of a passionate and dedicated team that places a real emphasis on working together with clients to create functional spaces that work for them. My family and friends fill my time outside work and I love going on adventures with my husband and two children. I am interested in art, films, literature, travel and enjoy being creative.

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