JAMES HUNTER ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

At James Hunter Architectural Design we help you to plan

today to build tomorrow.

PARTNERS
DJ Hewitt Builders has been building award-winning homes in Christchurch for over 25 years.
Grounded is a professional consulting engineering firm based In Christchurch.
Christchurch land surveying firm, Fox and Associates.
Survus Company. Your Canterbury owned and operated surveying and subdivision experts since 1957
Services

We love providing inspiring spaces for people to live.

James Hunter

Renovations & Additions

Do you love your home but find the layout no longer suits your family's needs? We specialise in home renovations and house extensions in Christchurch, creating spaces that evolve with you. We handle all architectural plans and council consents to make the process seamless.
James Hunter

New Builds

Creating a new home is a dream for many. We specialise in new build design across Christchurch and Canterbury, transforming your vision into functional architectural plans that are ready for construction. We make the process enjoyable and empowering.
James Hunter

Special Projects

We undertake bespoke architectural design concepts, from commercial property design and apartment complexes like Kilmore St, to significant heritage buildings and quirky small homes. Our architectural expertise ensures every type of project is brought to life expertly.
JAMES HUNTER ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

Entrust your residential or commercial property to our architectural design expertise.

JAMES HUNTER, DIRECTOR
Arthur's Pass, Canterbury

Arthur's Pass

2.2.26
Christchurch

Kilmore Street Flats

4.5.22
Christchurch

Westview Place

Sheffield, Selwyn District

Country Cottage

Mt Pleasant, Christchurch

Mt Pleasant Home

Bryndwr, Christchurch

Bryndwr Road

Styx Mill, Christchurch

Rivers Edge

Prices Valley, Banks Penuisula

Homestead

Kilmore Street, Christchurch

Apartments

WHO IS

Behind the scene.

James Hunter

DIRECTOR

About James

With over 30 years of residential and commercial architectural design experience across New Zealand and England, James Hunter brings a deep technical understanding to every project. Since establishing his practice in Christchurch, he has become a specialist in the local landscape, from hill-site challenges in Mt Pleasant to modern multi-unit developments in the CBD incorporating a variety of construction materials. James' focus is on practical, beautiful design that works for the way Cantabrians live.

Previously designed projects include: residential swimming pools, quirky bespoke small building designs, public spaces and private home historical buildings, home renovations, contemporary new home builds, leaky home renovation and house re-cladding.

JAMES HUNTER, ARCHITECTUAL DESIGNER

FAQ

What is the difference between an Architectural Designer and a Registered Architect?

In New Zealand, both professionals provide high-quality design. A registered architect belongs to the New Zealand Registered Architects Board. An Architectural Designer is a building design professional who is also typically a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP). As an Architectural Designer and Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP), James Hunter offers high-quality design, working drawings, and the council consent process with a focus on practical buildability and technical detail.

Do you handle building consents with the Christchurch City Council?

Yes. We manage the entire architectural documentation process, including navigating NZ Building Code requirements and managing building and resource consents with the Christchurch City Council, Selwyn, and Waimakariri district councils.

Do you specialise in hill-site designs in areas like Mt Pleasant or Sumner?

Absolutely. Designing for the Christchurch Port Hills requires specialised knowledge of geotechnical requirements and structural resilience. We have extensive experience managing the unique challenges of hill-site architecture.

Can you help with home renovations and extensions?

We specialise in both new builds and significant renovations. Whether you are looking to modernise a heritage villa or add a functional extension, we provide the architectural plans needed to transform your space.

How long does the architectural design process usually take?

The journey from initial concept to council-ready plans typically takes between 3 to 6 months, allowing for site analysis, design iterations, and detailed technical documentation.

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