We make architectural design something homeowners can actually use. Most architectural firms speak builder. We speak homeowner — and translate where needed. Our work covers renovations, subdivisions and new homes for Auckland families who want a personal, approachable design process from someone who’ll actually pick up the phone.
An architectural studio where the homeowner is the client — not an afterthought between the developer and the builder. Where the language is plain English, the design process is paced for real life, and the relationship matters as much as the drawings.
Renovations are the most consent-sensitive work we do. Walls move, structure changes, and councils want detail most architectural drawings don't include. We design renovations that pass consent the first time — and that builders can price accurately before you sign anything. Whether it's opening up a 1970s plan, adding a second storey, or extending into the back yard, we'll tell you what's possible on your section before any concept drawings start.
Auckland subdivision rules changed materially in October 2025, when the Medium Density Residential Standards were withdrawn. Plan Change 120, the proposed replacement, was notified in November 2025 and is not yet operative. We run feasibility against the rules that apply right now. Before any concept drawings start, you'll get a feasibility report showing site coverage, building envelope, and indicative yield.
Bespoke architectural design for new builds on Auckland sections. We design to the site first — orientation, contour, views, neighbours, sun path — then to your brief. Custom isn't the right answer for every project. If your section is flat, standard, and the budget is tight, a series home will give you more house for the money. We'll tell you which one your site is built for in the first consultation.
H1 insulation requirements changed in 2023, and they're the floor — not the ceiling — of what a comfortable, low-running-cost Auckland home needs. We design for thermal performance, passive ventilation, and the realities of the Auckland climate. No greenwashing, no marketing certifications you don't need to pay for.
Before you commit to a full design, we'll review your site, your idea and your budget. You'll leave the first consultation knowing whether your project is feasible, roughly what it'll cost to design and build, and what the consent path looks like. If it's not feasible, we'll tell you on day one — not three months and several thousand dollars in.
Renovations are the most consent-sensitive work we do. Walls move, structure changes, and councils want detail most architectural drawings don't include. We design renovations that pass consent the first time — and that builders can price accurately before you sign anything. Whether it's opening up a 1970s plan, adding a second storey, or extending into the back yard, we'll tell you what's possible on your section before any concept drawings start.
Auckland subdivision rules changed materially in October 2025, when the Medium Density Residential Standards were withdrawn. Plan Change 120, the proposed replacement, was notified in November 2025 and is not yet operative. We run feasibility against the rules that apply right now. Before any concept drawings start, you'll get a feasibility report showing site coverage, building envelope, and indicative yield.
Bespoke architectural design for new builds on Auckland sections. We design to the site first — orientation, contour, views, neighbours, sun path — then to your brief. Custom isn't the right answer for every project. If your section is flat, standard, and the budget is tight, a series home will give you more house for the money. We'll tell you which one your site is built for in the first consultation.
H1 insulation requirements changed in 2023, and they're the floor — not the ceiling — of what a comfortable, low-running-cost Auckland home needs. We design for thermal performance, passive ventilation, and the realities of the Auckland climate. No greenwashing, no marketing certifications you don't need to pay for.
Before you commit to a full design, we'll review your site, your idea and your budget. You'll leave the first consultation knowing whether your project is feasible, roughly what it'll cost to design and build, and what the consent path looks like. If it's not feasible, we'll tell you on day one — not three months and several thousand dollars in.
Most homeowners don't start with a builder. They start with a clear idea — and someone to help work out whether it's possible.
Heritage Overlay Auckland: What You Can Change, What You Can’t, and the Consent Path Quick answer: A heritage overlay in Auckland adds planning rules from the Auckland Unitary Plan that protect either a scheduled historic building (D17) or the streetscape character of an area (D18). Most additions and external alterations need resource consent, but like-for-like
August 31, 2026
Do You Need Consent to Remove an Internal Wall in NZ? What an LBP Designer Checks First Quick answer: Removing an internal wall in NZ needs a building consent only if the wall is load-bearing, a bracing element, a fire separation wall, made of masonry, or part of a specified system. Anything else falls under
August 31, 2026
Last updated: 01 Sep 2026 Quick answer: A building consent is your council’s approval to start construction work that affects the structure, plumbing, weathertightness or fire safety of a building. Most renovations, new builds and extensions in New Zealand need one. The exception got a lot wider on 15 January 2026: new single-storey standalone dwellings
August 31, 2026
Sonder Architecture