Architectural Services in Nelson, Tasman and Golden Bay

Our architectural services are led by two principal architects, Andrew & Gabrielle, with extensive experience across Nelson, Tasman and New Zealand. We offer a wide range of services to support architectural visions, projects and budgets.

A modern house with a large wooden deck overlooking the ocean, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
Interior of a home with wooden stairs, framed artwork on the wall, potted plants, and a bright orange wood stove on a black table.

PLACES THAT INSPIRE LIVING

Residential Architecture

We design residential architecture that responds to its landscape, making intentional use of sunlight, views and natural performance. Each home is shaped around how you live, resulting in spaces that feel grounded, comfortable and timeless.

Our residential work includes new homes, coastal retreats, rural lifestyle properties and technical site responses throughout the Nelson, Tasman and Golden Bay regions. We lead each stage of the process with continuity and technical care, from early feasibility and concept design through to detailed documentation and construction observation.

ABOUT RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE
Living room with sliding glass doors opening to an outdoor deck with a panoramic ocean view, green ship, and blue sky.
A multi-level building with gray corrugated metal siding, outdoor stairs, and a wooden deck, featuring large windows and tropical plants in the foreground.

ARCHITECTURE DESIGNED TO REVIVE YOUR HOME

Renovation Architecture

Renovations offer the chance to reimagine what’s already there. Improving flow, comfort and connection to the outdoors. We help reconfigure spaces so they function more efficiently and improve flow, comfort and connection to the outdoors.

Our renovation work includes extensions, internal replanning, modernisations and sustainable upgrades across the Nelson, Tasman and Golden Bay regions. We guide each project with consistent design and technical expertise, from initial assessment and design development through to documentation and construction observation. We help you unlock the potential of your existing home with sustainable, future-focused design.

ABOUT RENOVATION ARCHITECTURE
People sitting and standing at a wooden bar counter inside a modern cafe, with a black menu board and white paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling.
Interior of a modern cafe or coffee shop with a bar counter, some customers sitting at the bar, and large windows letting in natural light.

ARCHITECTURE DESIGNED FOR BUSINESSES

Commercial Architecture

We design commercial spaces that support how businesses operate and how people experience them. Our focus is on durability and creating environments that feel welcoming and purposeful.

Our commercial work includes boutique accommodation, hospitality venues, workplaces and operational facilities across the Nelson, Tasman and Golden Bay regions. We bring technical understanding and consistent guidance to every stage, from early planning and concept design through to detailed documentation and construction observation.

ABOUT COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE
Exterior of a modern building with large windows, a covered walkway with support beams, a large rock, and landscaped surroundings.
Yellow modern building with black windows and a gabled roof, illuminated at dusk, with a paved walkway leading to the entrance and green lawn on both sides.

ARCHITECTURE DESIGNED FOR SCHOOLS THAT ENGAGE

Education Architecture

Educational environments should be intuitive, safe and inspiring our students and teachers. Our work focuses on daylight, durability, circulation and comfort to support learning throughout the day.

Our education projects include classroom upgrades, specialist learning spaces and community facilities across the Nelson, Tasman and Golden Bay regions. We consider long-term performance from the outset and guide every step with industry experience.

ABOUT EDUCATION ARCHITECTURE

Projects by Bell Stephenson Architects

Take a look at some of the projects we've completed across the Nelson, Tasman and Golden Bay regions, each shaped by its site, purpose and the people who use it.

View our Projects
  • 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