TESTIMONIALS

BLUNDELL RESIDENCE – House for the person who uses a wheelchair

Details from the interview given to LIFETIME DESIGN magazine – published in the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.

“I use a wheelchair as a result of an accident. We engaged an architect to design a home that would meet my unique needs, allow me to live at home as I aged, give me full access to inside and outside, and be equally comfortable and functional for my family. Hallways, doors, and spaces are wide, allowing an easy 360–degree turn with a wheelchair. All around the house, decks are at the same level as the concrete driveway entrance. There are ramps to lower-level decks with built-in garden boxes. This home doesn’t say ‘disability’. Anyone could move in and live here – they’d love it.”

Mr. Phillip Blundell
Homeowner

“Everything’s just so easy. I drive in, open the door, bring in the shopping – I just walk straight through. There are no steps, there are no obstacles. Whenever we’ve been away and we come home it’s just… oh, phew! We’ve both got so used to the wide-open spaces. I’ve adapted to not tripping over things or having to walk around things. It’s hugely more relaxed. We have friends in a wheelchair and ours is the only house they’ll visit. Other places aren’t safe and accessible enough. We also both have elderly parents – and it’s totally not a problem for them to come and visit us. We did not want functional, we wanted exciting! But it is super-functional and it also makes a statement.”

Mrs. Helen Blundell
Homeowner

“The thoughtful and considered application of universal principles of accessibility has made for a fully integrated solution to living on wheels on the side of a hill. The design, planning, construction, and attention to detail have all been thoroughly explored and executed to form a spacious, supportive and naturally accessible living environment.”

New Zealand Institute of Architects
Jury citation for Project Award for Architecture in Residential Category: Blundell New Residence

DULIEU RESIDENCE – PARATIHO RESIDENCE

“Davor, I want to say how much we have enjoyed working with you. You have truly been a great friend and advisor to us.

We have called our new Residence and property PARATIHO (Paradise). There was a stage we kept saying to one another – oh this is Paradise we are living in. From here I looked up a contemporary Maori name for Paradise and it turned out to be PARATIHO. It was not the easiest of builds and got my grey matter really going. However, it has been satisfying to have seen such a wonderful design become a reality. I know you are as proud of it as we are.

We do value our friendship with you DaVoR. You have been extremely kind and generous towards us. We speak highly of you to others and really pray that your business thrives to you, the benefits you and your team at studio MWA, so much deserve.

We are careful to preserve the Natural environment here at PARATIHO and any trees we plant are required to be of Native origin. Everything we do here must be in keeping with preserving a natural look.

Anyway, thanks again for your design and ongoing help, with this much-loved and commented-on house.”

Barry and Dianne Dulieu
Homeowners

PENDROUS NEW RESIDENCE

“I had never built before, but I found my ideal section with 180-degree sea views. All I needed now was a house that met all my needs and took advantage of the awesome sea views. Despite looking at many traditional houses they just didn’t work on the section.

The site wasn’t flat and the best views over Wellington were off at an angle to the street. Despite the potential extra costs, I decided to talk to an architect. That’s when I first met Davor and his team at studio MWA. They sat and listened to what I wanted. Davor then visited the site and took photos of the views in every direction. A few weeks later I went to the Studio MWA offices to be presented with a draft set of drawings. They included all the essential features I had requested, but the look and feel were like nothing I had ever imagined. The house was set off at an angle to maximize the awesome Wellington views and the windows were floor-to-ceiling in all the living areas.

I was certainly sold on using an architect. The investment ensured I had a design for a unique home with a wow factor in every room. The plans were eventually converted into the finished article by an excellent team of builders. They took the time to ensure that the architect’s vision was converted into reality. Davor met with them on-site every step of the way to ensure the finished house was as fantastic as the final set of plans. Moving in day was one of the most exciting days of my life. The final product was a testament to a fantastic architect team and a quality building company. All I did was pick the colour scheme and provide the money to build it.

If you are looking for more than just a traditional house and want a statement that says something about you, then I suggest you give Davor and his team a call. You won’t be disappointed.”

Mr. Steve Pendrous
Homeowner

PFAHLERT RESIDENCE REFURBISHMENT

“Davor was our architect for a major house renovation in Lower Hutt, when we completely remodeled the downstairs of our house within the constraints of the existing footprint.

Throughout the design stage, Davor consulted frequently with us, and we were very happy with the ideas he developed. He had a very good vision of the final product he was working towards. We were able to make our suggestions, which were incorporated if practicable. However, if Davor thought they would not work he would discuss them with us and promote alternatives which would be better.

Davor introduced some different elements (e.g. block glass wall, cassette ceilings) which added flair to the design. His kitchen design was extremely functional, and the result was a kitchen that was both modern and timeless.

The finished renovation was a lovely modern open-plan environment, with clean lines and well-defined areas that flowed well throughout the house. It was very easy to live in, and a great entertaining space for both large and small gathering.”

Liz & John Pfahlert
Homeowners

MT MARUA RESIDENCE 2

“Thank you so much for your design. Your plans for our new Residence have reignited our excitement for building on the section and give us a great vision of what we could build up there. We are keen to work with you on this exciting project.“

Hamish Blundell
Homeowner

GREYTOWN DEVELOPMENT

As heritage architect, Mrs. Fiona Cristela comment to Greytown City Council:

“I consider that the proposed development is a relatively elegant attempt at creating a contemporary design within the heritage precinct. The scale of the buildings is consistent with the heritage area and features of the design reflect the intentions of the design guide.

Visitor accommodation, office space, and retail activities are also consistent with other nearby activities, and will well serve to enliven the street into the evening as well as during the day, and on the weekends as well as during the week. 

The proposal is likely to assist in the promotion of tourism in the town, by providing visitors with ,accommodation of a high standard. Although communal spaces within the site (for example the swimming pool) are not public, these will encourage a higher occupancy rate, which will in turn benefit the town centre as a whole.“

Mrs. Fiona Cristela
Heritage architect

PROFESSIONALS DOUBLE REAL ESTATE OFFICE FIT-OUT

“The interior design has been handled intelligently, giving the interior presence and strength. Colors are natural ‘earthy-green’, subdued to contrast dynamic spaces. Designed furniture is simple and practical. Staff and clients move easily through the office. The open-plan workspaces are exposed, and potential clients can see real estate agents “in action”.

The central “café”, a focal point of the open plan office with plants and river pebbles gives a relaxed feeling to the entire interior.”

Mr. Blear Double
Business Owner

“DaVoR has been a tutor in the 4th year Architectural Design units which I have coordinated over the last five years. Over this time DaVoR has been incredibly dedicated to his work as a tutor which has been evident through the high calibre of student work produced from his teaching. DaVoR is always engaged in the unit, he has contributed to the unit by giving lectures regarding his professional work as an architect and sharing his real-world knowledge and experience with all the students in the unit.

DaVoR encourages an exploratory learning environment where students have the opportunity to be innovative in their design process. In my absence, recently DaVoR has taken over the unit coordination of subject Architectural Design 7 for the remainder of the semester. He was an ideal candidate to do this job and I completely trust him with this unit I have carefully developed. I know DaVoR takes this additional responsibility on with pride and professionalism. He has years of experience in a range of units throughout the course and is one of the most dedicated sessional staff members we have.

Because DaVoR has been a part of several different units within the Architecture course he is a valuable part of the School of Design community and understands a range of pedagogical approaches.

DaVoR’s architectural practices have been internationally acknowledged and promoted, we are only so fortunate to have his expertise as part of our teaching team.”

Dr. Glenda Amayo Caldwell – PhD
Associate Professor (Architecture)
School of Architecture & Build Environment
Faculty of Engineering | Queensland University of Technology (QUT) – Brisbane