About Us
Idea Architecture is an architectural design company established in 2013. We provide our clients with innovative design solutions that are both functional and inspiring.
With a total of over 50 years' experience, our team is composed of creative, proactive and communicative individuals who share a passion for their work, and a readiness to nurture each project through to its conclusion.
Idea has completed over 300 projects from small baches to large high value homes & various commercial buildings. Our passion however lies with medium to high end residential work.
We get the most satisfaction helping our clients achieve their objective. It's a personal approach getting to understand them and creating buildings that support the way they live. It is important to us that our clients' experience is enjoyable and rewarding. We are committed to ensuring that they are informed and involved during all stages of their project. Whilst no two projects are the same, our promise is that we will treat every project as if it were our own.
Idea offer its clients the full services, from concept and master planning, 3d presentation models, through to documentation for Building Consent & construction.
We have an extensive network of consultants we work with to ensure a streamlined process from conception to project completion.
About the Directors
Peter Whale
Phone: 027 224 7863
Originally from the UK, Peter travelled and worked extensively throughout Europe before settling in Queenstown, New Zealand, in 1994. He moved to Tauranga in 2003, initially spending seven years as a Senior Associate and Head of Design at Ambienti Architects. Peter later joined Will Tatton Architecture as a Senior Designer, further enhancing his strong local reputation.
Then in 2013 Peter & Justin established Idea Architecture.
Peter has extensive knowledge across the architectural industry, including innovative design, master planning, and compelling marketing imagery. He has designed and been involved in an extensive range of Architectural projects including residential, apartments & commercial both internationally and locally. He is qualified with an LBP Design 3 license.
Justin Harding
Phone: 021 121 6895
Born and raised in Tauranga, Justin left New Zealand to start his career in Architecture at Dino Burattini & Associates Architects in Australia in the early 1990's. He then returned to Tauranga where he joined Will Tatton Architecture for 17 years. During this time he gained extensive local experience as Senior Designer and Production Manager for the Technician team.
Then in 2013 Justin and Peter established Idea Architecture.
Justin has comprehensive experience in every aspect of the architectural industry, on a wide variety of projects, from coastal baches & large residential homes to involvement in multi-level apartments & 60-level skyscrapers in Sydney. He is qualified with an LBP Design 2 license.
Testimonials
We used Justin at Idea architecture to design our family home. We provided him with a concept and scrapbook with our likes and dislikes. Justin was then able to design a practical, well flowing house which definitely has the wow factor.
He challenged us with design aspects which took us out of our comfort zone but listened to our ideas based off our lifestyle.
During construction, he was available for any technical input the builder required.
We would highly recommend Idea Architecture if you want a home you've dreamed of.
Adam BrayTrade Account Manager
When looking for a section to build our new home, we were lucky to find the perfect spot in Welcome Bay, semi-rural and with the most spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges, the City, the Mount, the sea and out to Mayor Island, and even a small patch of Native Bush and Farmland - PERFECT. All we needed now was the right Architect to turn our list of ideas into our Dream Home.
After looking around we found Idea Architecture and had a meeting with Pete, we had very good ideas of what we wanted.
Due to the section being on a 20 deg slope the house required a basement and needed to take full advantage of the views and the sun.
We got this in spades from Pete and Justin. Pete was very good to work with he took our ideas and added his.
We have a house with a cantilevered Lounge & Master Bedroom, floor to ceiling glass, and a concrete bridge connecting the living area to the rest of the house - spectacular. It is like living out in mid-air.
We found the whole experience to be an exceptional & exciting journey.
Thanks to Idea Architecture we now have our Dream Home.
John & Gail Derecourt
I have no doubt you will be impressed with Idea Architecture's design skills.
Being a family owned build company we are committed to aligning our business with like minded people. Justin and Peter at Idea Architecture share our values. They are true professionals who make design an enjoyable process. I have no doubt you will be impressed with Idea Architecture's service offering.
Peter Buck, Director - Thorne GroupTauranga
Idea Architecture is Harwood homes preferred architectural designers.
I work with Idea Architecture because we get excellent results with the visual appeal of each project, which provides our customers with the confidence and reassurance to build with Harwood Homes.
I find Justin and Peter professional and friendly in all of our dealings - working with them makes our job easier.
Dave Harwood - Harwood HomesTauranga
Idea Architecture designed our dream home in Mt Maunganui.
Harry and I had driven past this section with an old house in Mt Maunganui for at least two years and we would talk optimistically about how perfect the section would be for a big family home with the natural contour providing an opportunity for 360-degree views to the ocean and beyond from the upper floors of a multi-level home.
We thought we'd hit the jackpot when the property finally came up for sale and we were fortunate enough to now make our vision for the site a reality. We just had to find someone who could see its potential too and build a home which would satisfy both my need for comfort and space and my husband's need for precision and detail.
Peter, what a star! To be honest, it wasn't anything like we envisaged but it was so beautifully sublime it took my breath away as he had absolutely nailed it. Peter is exceptionally talented and a breeze to work with, attentive, listening, guiding and advising to ensure the house will be exactly what it deserves to be.
Peter and Justin at Idea Architecture - two guys in sync with their clients and as enthusiastic about the project as we are.
Errin and Harry SalisburyMt Maunganui
The finished home has been amazing to live in,
We were in the fortunate position of having worked with Justin and Peter through our Interior Design consultancy Urban Lounge, so it made the decision to use Idea Architecture for our new home very easy. Justin listened to our brief and understood our budget constraints from the beginning. He designed our new home straightaway, that was really to our liking without the need to spend hours re-designing. He maximised the views which was a priority whilst giving us everything on our wish list.
The finished home has been amazing to live in. Thanks guys for making what can sometimes be a difficult process really easy and enjoyable for us as a family.
Andy & Sally LinesTauranga
Working with Peter and Justin at Idea Architecture has always been straightforward and productive. As a geotechnical consultancy, we appreciate their strong understanding of geotechnical constraints, broader development challenges, and council requirements.
Their collaborative approach, clear communication, and practical design solutions make projects run smoothly. They are easy to work with, proactive in addressing potential issues, and bring a well-rounded perspective to every project. We highly recommend Idea Architecture for their professionalism and expertise.
Alex Dines, Senior Geotechnical EngineerGeo Plus
The architectural process was an exciting time and the design we were presented with was amazing. A few little tweaks later and the house came to life in 3D imaging on the computer screen.
Darryl & Avalon GuyTauranga
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