5 Kiwi architects you should know about

If your dream is to escape to a stunning, nature-infused holiday home, then you need to know about Herbst Architects. Lance and Nicola Herbst are famous for reinventing the Kiwi bach, transforming it from a humble shack into a work of art.

• Their signature style: Their designs feel like they've grown right out of the coastal or native bush settings they inhabit. They use incredible timber-work, creating screens and structures that play with light and blur the line between inside and out. It’s a style that is both rugged and incredibly sophisticated.
• Why we love them: Their homes are the ultimate expression of relaxed, Kiwi living. They're not just buildings; they're retreats that connect you directly with the beautiful landscape around you. Perfect for anyone who dreams of getting away from it all.

When it comes to creating homes that feel like modern sculptures, Stevens Lawson Architects are at the top of their game. Nicholas Stevens and Gary Lawson have a cabinet full of awards, and for good reason. Their work is known for its bold forms and beautiful, refined details.

• Their signature style: Think clean lines, interesting geometric shapes, and a stunning use of natural materials like dark-stained timber and stone. They create homes that make a statement but still feel incredibly warm and liveable.
• Why we love them: They prove that modern homes can have soul. Their designs are both powerful and poetic, perfect for those who appreciate architecture as an art form.

For a dose of high-end glamour, look no further than Jack McKinney. His firm is behind some of New Zealand’s most luxurious and beautifully finished homes (and even some of our trendiest restaurants!).

• Their signature style: Expect flawless detailing, a rich palette of materials, and a sense of sophisticated calm. His work often features dramatic spaces, beautiful custom joinery, and a seamless flow that feels both grand and intimate.
• Why we love them: Jack McKinney's projects are pure, unadulterated luxury. They’re the kind of homes you’d see in a magazine and spend the rest of the day dreaming about.

Remember the famous "Hut on Sleds" that could be moved around a Coromandel beach? That was the brilliant work of Ken Crosson and his team. Crosson Architects are known for their inventive and sometimes playful solutions to tricky design challenges.

• Their signature style: They don’t follow a single formula. Instead, they’re known for their creative and site-specific designs. Whether it's a tiny cabin or a sprawling family home, their work is always clever, highly functional, and has a unique story to tell.
• Why we love them: They remind us that architecture can be fun! Their work is perfect for anyone who loves outside-the-box thinking and truly one-of-a-kind homes.

Based in Wānaka, Rafe Maclean and his team are masters of creating homes that are not only beautiful but also kind to the planet. Their work is deeply rooted in sustainability and designed to sit harmoniously within the stunning Central Otago landscape.

• Their signature style: Their homes are warm, inviting, and built to perform. They often use materials like rammed earth and local timbers, combined with high-performance design principles (like Passive House) to create homes that are energy-efficient and incredibly comfortable to live in.
• Why we love them: They are leading the way in showing that sustainable design doesn't mean sacrificing style. Their homes are proof that you can have a beautiful house that is also healthy for you and the environment.