OUR SERVICES

Residential Property Architecture

We design homes shaped by site, climate and the way you live.

Our residential architecture supports homeowners with sustainable values, spanning urban sections, coastal sites and rural lifestyle properties across Nelson, Tasman, Golden Bay and wider New Zealand. Each project is planned for natural performance and long-term comfort, and we can also provide detailed kitchen, bathroom and laundry design to create a cohesive and functional home.

WHAT WE BRING

  • Principal architects leading every home

  • Expertise with the landscape in the Nelson, Tasman region

  • Permaculture-informed sustainable home design

  • Clear communication with residential 3D visuals

  • NZIA-registered residential architecture practice

Living room with large sliding glass doors opening onto a balcony with scenic view of mountains and landscape.
Modern wooden house with large glass sliding doors, surrounded by landscaping and a hammock, under a clear blue sky.

Our Residential Architectural Process

  • We begin with an initial briefing to understand your goals, the landscape and the way you live. This is followed by site analysis and information gathering, including orientation, sun, views and any existing conditions that influence design.

  • We explore early ideas through sketches, planning studies and 3D architectural modelling, developing forms and layouts that respond to climate, sun and views. This stage defines the key design direction.

  • We refine the design with more detail, reviewing structure, materials, finishes and spatial flow. Performance, practicality and long-term value guide decisions as your home becomes more defined.

  • We prepare detailed drawings, specifications and technical documentation required for building consent. We manage communication with the council and coordinate with other consultants as needed.

  • We remain involved throughout construction, visiting site as needed to review progress, support your builder and maintain design integrity. You choose the level of on-site involvement you prefer.

  • We also provide other services covering master planning, resource consents, feasibility studies and permaculture design.

Take a look at some of our recent residential architecture projects, each shaped by landscape, lifestyle and purpose.

VIEW ALL PROJECTS

Reach Out to Our Architects

Planning a new home or thinking about what’s possible on your site? Our registered and experienced architects would love to talk.

Contact Our Team

  • My husband and I were so fortunate to have Bell Stephenson as our architect for our new residential build; they made the process simple and thoroughly enjoyable by providing clear communication, guidance, and creative expertise. We would absolutely and unequivocally collaborate with them again and have already referred them to close friends.

    — Jason and Wendy Benwell

  • We engaged Bell Stephenson to build our new house and were amazed that after just one meeting, they had a concept plan that was perfect and needed no modification. They were friendly, approachable, offered valued suggestions, kept our project within budget, and delivered a fabulous home that is everything we wanted.

    — Sandra Hobbs

  • Gabrielle Bell of Bell Stephenson Architects provided concept and working drawings for an Early Childhood Education Centre in Motueka. Her expert guidance, research, and attention to detail ensured our Resource and Building Consents were accepted without delay, and their approachable, professional team made communication easy while keeping the design on track with our budget.

    — Wendy Whitehead