The Story Behind Bell Stephenson Architects

Bright living room with large glass sliding doors opening to a grassy outdoor area with trees and a body of water in the distance. The room has a wooden ceiling, white walls, and colorful furniture including a striped couch with cushions and a wooden dining table with yellow chairs. A pink and white striped rug is under the dining table.

We create spaces that shape how you live and invite calm and positive moments. We are NZIA-registered architects based in the Tasman region. Our work is grounded in permaculture values and timeless design principles.

Bell Stephenson Architects was founded on a belief that architecture should feel natural, connected to its environment and effortless to live in. From our Motueka studio, we work throughout the Nelson Tasman region, bringing decades of sustainable architectural and hands-on building experience to coastal homes, rural retreats, renovations, schools and commercial spaces. Every project is shaped by sustainability, comfort and a respect for place.

WHAT WE’RE KNOWN FOR AS ARCHITECTS

  • Principal-led architectural design

  • Nelson, Tasman expertise

  • Sustainable, permaculture-informed solutions

  • Clear communication + 3D modelling

  • NZIA-registered practice

  • 60+ years combined experience

Exterior view of a modern house with dark siding, large glass windows, wooden stairs, a glass railing, and lush greenery in a sunny landscape.

Meet the Architects Behind Bell Stephenson

Gabrielle Bell, smiling middle-aged woman with short brown hair, wearing a black top and a light green scarf, outdoor setting with a body of water and a cloudy sky in the background.

Gabrielle Bell

Principal Architect, NZIA Registered

I retrained from geology into architecture, graduating with Honours from Victoria University in 1996 and registering as an architect in 2004. I went on to establish my own architectural studio in Motueka, completing residential and renovation projects while applying sustainable design principles to my own home and property. My experience spans site analysis, residential design and detailed documentation across a wide range of homes in the Nelson and Tasman region. I particularly enjoy collaborating with clients and shaping ideas into designs they feel truly connected to and comfortable in.

Andrew Stephenson - smiling man with gray hair and beard wearing a yellow polo shirt outdoors near water and greenery.

Andrew Stephenson

Principal Architect, NZIA Registered

I began my career with practical building work, which later supported my role at Jasmax where I contributed to the design and documentation of Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum. With an Honours degree from the Auckland School of Architecture and a Building Science degree from Victoria University, my experience now includes operating my own architectural practice for over 30 years. Developing several permaculture-based lifestyle properties and designing a BRANZ-rated eco home, I bring technical capability across residential, commercial and community projects, supported by practical construction knowledge and a commitment to sustainable design. I love making deams into a reality.

Architectural Services in Nelson, Tasman Region

Resilient, sustainable architecture guided by permaculture principles and expert experience.

Contact us

  • We design timeless, environment-responsive homes that reflect how you live and how your site naturally wants to perform, from Nelson and Tasman through to projects across New Zealand.

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  • We reimagine existing homes with upgrades that improve flow, comfort and long-term performance while respecting the character of what’s already there.

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  • Designing clear, durable and purposeful spaces for hospitality, workplaces and accommodation, shaped around operational needs and user experience.

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  • We design safe, engaging and resilient schools with careful attention to circulation, daylight, durability and long-term community use.

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See what architectural projects we’ve been designing recently.