Residential architecture from concept through consent
Fenwick & Vale is a four-person studio in Christchurch. We design new builds and renovations for people who want a home that works for the next thirty years, not just the next open home.
A three-bedroom home cantilevered over a Sumner cliff edge, designed to capture the full arc of Pegasus Bay. Poured concrete and weathered cedar, with a central courtyard that shields the living spaces from the nor'wester.
Build cost: $1.2M · Consent: 14 weeks · Builder: Naylor Love
An 1898 bay villa in Merivale, earthquake-strengthened and extended with a rear pavilion. The original front rooms were restored; the new kitchen and living space open onto a north-facing garden with a mature oak.
Build cost: $680K · Heritage consent · Builder: Jim Galey Construction
A two-bedroom retreat on a steep harbour-side site accessed by a timber boardwalk. Plywood interior, standing-seam roof and a sleeping loft over the main living space with harbour views from every room.
Build cost: $520K · Restricted disc. consent · Builder: Brosnan Construction
Every project follows the same five phases. We quote a fixed fee for each phase, so you always know what the next step costs before you commit to it.
| Includes | Concept Only | Full Service | Design & Build |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site visit & briefing | Included | Included | Included |
| Concept design (2–3 options) | Included | Included | Included |
| Developed design & drawings | — | Included | Included |
| Building consent lodgement | — | Included | Included |
| Construction observation | — | Included | Included |
| Builder selection & tender | — | — | Included |
| Contract administration | — | — | Included |
| Fixed-price build guarantee | — | — | Included |
| Typical fee (% of build cost) | 3–4% | 8–12% | 14–16% |
| Best for | Exploring an idea before committing | Most residential projects | Turnkey delivery, fixed budget |
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"Fenwick & Vale's Sumner house is the kind of confident, quiet architecture that Christchurch needs more of."November 2024
"The Merivale villa project is a masterclass in old-meets-new, respectful of heritage while unapologetically modern at the rear."March 2024
"A thoughtful, community-minded practice that proves good design doesn't have to mean a big budget."August 2023
An initial meeting is free and takes about an hour. We will visit the site, listen to what you need and tell you honestly whether we are the right fit. If we are, we quote the briefing phase as a fixed fee — typically $2,500 to $4,000 — so you know the cost before any design work begins.
Fenwick & Vale Architecture
Studio 3, 42 High Street
Christchurch Central, 8011
Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. By appointment.