Going for a building design that’s personal, pleasing, and functional? If so, you’ll need the best Wellington architects to do that work– and we’ve covered them here.

We chose the best architects with the most impressive portfolios. In addition, we also selected those who will work closely with you and make the whole designing process a breeze.

Great architecture goes well beyond the design, bringing purpose and meaning to your space. If you’re ready, here is our rundown of the best Wellington architects!

1)  Nic Ballara – The Pōneke Company

BEST FOR	Modular Homes, Custom Residences, Housing Developments, Urban Infill Projects, Rural Homes, Sustainable Design, Property Developers.
SERVICES	Architectural Design Modular Housing Design Residential Architecture Urban Infill Developments Rural Lifestyle Dwellings Bespoke Home Design Housing Development Planning Design Consultation Project Collaboration
WEBSITE	https://www.theponeke.co/
ADDRESS	Level 2, 33 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
CONTACT DETAILS	Nic Ballara Office phone: 04 979 8950 Mobile: +64 21 473 977 Email: [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Pōneke Company has established itself as a forward-thinking architectural practice that responds directly to the changing needs of New Zealand’s housing market. Evolving from Pōneke Architects, established in 2016 by architect Nic Ballara, the firm has built a strong reputation for its innovative design approach and collaborative problem-solving.

A key strength of the company is its focus on modular housing solutions, which are designed to address challenges such as rising construction costs and evolving housing demands. This approach allows the firm to create homes that are efficient, adaptable, and suited to a variety of environments.

The Pōneke Company’s architectural services cover a wide range of residential projects, from dense urban infill developments to spacious rural lifestyle homes. Their versatility enables them to serve both developers and homeowners with solutions tailored to different project requirements.

Led by NZ Registered Architect and NZIA member Nic Ballara, the practice demonstrates a strong commitment to professional standards and quality design. Clients seeking architectural expertise can benefit from a team that combines technical knowledge with a deep understanding of New Zealand’s housing challenges.

While modular housing is a major area of specialisation, The Pōneke Company also provides bespoke architectural design services. This allows clients to pursue highly personalised homes while still benefiting from the firm’s innovative design philosophy.

The practice has expanded its reach beyond Wellington, working on projects in Queenstown, Hawke’s Bay, Hamilton, and Auckland. This broader presence reflects its ability to deliver architectural solutions across diverse regions and settings.

Overall, The Pōneke Company stands out as an architectural practice that successfully balances innovation, sustainability, and practical housing solutions. Its combination of modular expertise and custom design services makes it a strong choice for clients looking for modern residential architecture.

Highlights

• NZ architects specialising in offshore modular housing since 2016.
• Experience navigating difficult planning and consent pathways.
• Strong in urban-infill and brownfield redevelopment.
• Focused on projects that are actually buildable and commercially viable.
• Equally comfortable with bespoke homes, multi-unit developments, and modular housing.
• Licensed NZ architects (NZIA members)

2)  Gerald Parsonson – Parsonson Architects Ltd

BEST FOR	Collaborative and Creative Design
SERVICES	House Retreat Multi-Unit Culture Hospitality Commercial
WEBSITE	http://p-a.nz/about
ADDRESS	181 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6001, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS	+64 4-384 2969
OPERATING HOURS	—

Gerald Parsonson is a licenced architect and the founder of Parsonson Architects. He leads a team of passionate and creative individuals.

He works in a creative and collaborative way to unlock the design potential of your project. His areas of expertise cover houses, multi-units, hotels, resorts, offices, and cultural buildings.

After focusing on the home’s utilities, he strives to provide artful and aesthetically-pleasing designs in line with your vision.

Parsonson Architects is driven to make the community better through their building designs. One example is how they’ve set up their own co-housing service in the city.

Highlights

• Provides stunning results
• Licenced architect
• Works collaboratively
• Wide range of offerings 

Customer Reviews 

Here’s some feedback posted by one client on Houzz:

“We are midway through building a new house with Parsonson Architects. We have had and continue to have such an amazing trip through designing and building with this fabulous and professional bunch of people. Their attention to detail is eye opening, their communication with us as clients is brilliant. They pay attention to budgets and cost control. We are so grateful.”

3)    Sam Martin – Foundation Architecture Studio

BEST FOR	Client and Site-Specific Approach
SERVICES	Design Document Deliver
WEBSITE	http://www.foundationarchitects.co.nz/?page_id=596
ADDRESS	8 Marion Street, Te Aro, Wellington 5810, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS	+64 4-384 8249
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

At Foundation Architecture Studio, architects take a different approach than most. Sam Martin, an experienced architect from Foundation Architecture Studio, focuses on what the site requires while collaborating closely with the client.

Sam believes that the design will unravel by itself and from there, he starts working. He also aims to create the best build designs based on the project setting and proposed budget.

He has over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial projects. The long journey helped him develop an open mind and a wider perspective when it comes to designing.

Foundation Architecture Studio is based in Te Aro, Wellington. Contact their studio to discuss your prospective projects with them.

Highlights 

• Pragmatic and creative design
• Customer-focused approach
• Has 20+ years of experience
• Studio is located in Te Aro, Wellington

Customer Reviews 

On Facebook, a happy client named Steve Ruscoe, wrote this:

“These guys are great. They work with all types of projects and budgets. Care fully listening to clients ideas and offer solution pathways.”

4)  Samantha Zondag – Studio Pacific Architecture

BEST FOR	Practical Outdoor Design
SERVICES	New Houses Additions and Alterations Retail Work Large Multi-Units Masterplans Landscaping
WEBSITE	https://www.studiopacific.co.nz/people/samantha-zondag/
ADDRESS	Level 2/74 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS	(04) 802 5444 [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Friday: 8am – 5.30pm

Samantha Zondag is an architect from Studio Pacific Architecture who specialises in providing practical outdoor designs that fit with the harsh NZ climate and landscapes.

Samantha is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Architects. Aside from her affiliations, she also has a Master’s Degree in Architecture from the University of Auckland.

Some of her notable projects include the Nelson Airport Terminal, the Sir Geoffrey Peren Building, the 20 Customhouse Quay, and the He Tohu Exhibition.

Her extensive background and impressive architectural portfolio is proof that she’s one of the best Wellington architects you can find.

Highlights 

• Provides practical outdoor design
• NZIA member
• Holds a Master’s Degree in Architecture
• Impressive architectural portfolio

5)  Ben Jagersma – First Light Studio

BEST FOR	Aesthetic, Efficient and Usable Design
SERVICES	Community Houses Multi-Build Multi-Unit
WEBSITE	https://www.firstlightstudio.co.nz/
ADDRESS	181 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS	04 385 3789 | 027 349 9784 [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Friday: 8.30am – 5.30pm

If you are planning to build a residential house, multi-unit, or community building, consider hiring architect Ben Jagersma from First Light Studio.

Ben completed his Master of Architecture programme at the Victoria University of Wellington. One of his most famous projects is the internationally-acclaimed Meridian First Light house.

Ben designs simple and efficient homes that provide great aesthetics without giving up function and comfortable living. He can help in realising your project, whether it be large-scale or small-scale.

You can get in touch with Ben by emailing or calling him. You’ll see for yourself why he’s a multi award-winning designer, as well as one of the best Wellington architects.

Highlights

• Designs simple and efficient homes
• Multi award-winning architect
• Has numerous projects completed
• Well-travelled

Customer Reviews 

Check out Anne Michelle’s glowing review on Facebook: 

“Innovative, dynamic and in touch with the changing needs of home dwellers who are wanting a cleaner, simplified and much more connected lifestyle.”

6) Reve Architecture

BEST FOR	Integrated and resolved design
SERVICES	New houses Alterations and additions Townhouses Multi-Unit and Infill Housing Modular home/ prefab design
WEBSITE	https://www.revearchitecture.co.nz/
ADDRESS	Level 1, 60 Cuba Street Wellington, 6011
CONTACT DETAILS	+64 21 900 982
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Friday: 8.30am – 5.00pm

Reve Architecture is a team of experienced architects and architectural graduates who endeavour to provide innovative and creative solutions across a broad range of project types. The team is led by its two directors, Michael Stonyer and Sian Robinson.

With Reve Architecture, you can expect to have a smooth construction project. This is because they also help with documentation and permit and resource applications to make your construction project smooth.

Although they are a full-service architectural firm, you can still approach them for stand-alone design services. Their designs are not only aesthetics but also innovative and environment-friendly.

Highlights

• The team is lead by a Registered Architect
• Complete services from pre-design to contract administration
• Creative, innovative, and sustainable spaces
• Good for new builds, renovations, and home additions

Customer Reviews

Paul Seiler left this review on Houzz to share his positive experience with  Reve Architecture:

“Mike and Sian have repeatidly provided us with sound advice, great ideas and delivered on time and budget. They are ‘unflapable’ when things deviate from the plans and use their expertise and influence to calm and return to the desired path. The added bonus is their patience to educate me through the new waters of subdivision and building.”

And that ends our list of the best Wellington architects. With years of proven experience, you can rely on these architects to deliver you high-quality architectural designs.

Do you have any questions or comments about our list? If you have one, feel free to send it over to us and we’ll get right back to you.

Once you’ve hired the perfect architect for your project, you will now have the ideal design for your home. If you’re now ready to have your home built, you may want to check out our list of the best home builders in Wellington.