Functional design
When it comes to architectural design, lived experience counts for a lot. From growing up on a busy North Canterbury farm, to studying at Victoria University Wellington, and then living in houses, villas, and apartments around the world, Emma Wallace has seen how many, many homes function. And – often – how they don’t.
“Many people think a template approach to design will do the job, but your family and your requirements are unique, and your home’s design should reflect that. By getting to know each client on a personal level, I can provide the very best solution to make the most out of their home for many years to come, in a way that looks and feels like them.”
Emma’s approach, honed over 20 years in the industry, involves detailed conversations and site visits with homeowners to gauge exactly what they need from their new home, renovation or extension. This enables her to unlock each client’s specific requirements to ensure the solution is tailor-made for them, their lifestyle, their budget, and their site.
“Not all building sites are created equal. Every town or city – in fact, every suburb – has its own unique considerations. Maybe it’s about blocking the dreaded Christchurch easterly, or maximising winter sun in a secluded bay – whatever it is, understanding can only be done with a personalised solution borne from in-person visits and regular consultations.”
“More than anything, design has to be functional in a home,” explains Emma, owner of Emma Wallace Architectural Design. “But functionality doesn’t have to come at the cost of style.
Having worked extensively across Christchurch, Canterbury, and Marlborough, Emma can confidently guide clients on considerations for each location, adding layers of professional insight as a Licensed Building Practitioner and experienced architectural designer.
Whether clients are seeking to build their dream home, renovate their existing home, tweak an established interior layout, or add a cohesive and sympathetic extension, Emma says there is a functional and personalised solution for every design conundrum.
“You’d be surprised at how simple it is to solve spatial problems with a little creative thinking.”