We are an award-winning design practice focused on environmentally responsible residential architecture.
We are committed to creating context-responsive homes, weaving people and places into a cohesive fabric.

 
 

design philosophy

Arkhé noun
The Greek word refers to "beginning", "origin", "source of action", and "first principle".
In Ancient Greek philosophy, Aristotle referred to arche as the principle of a thing.

We are specialised in sustainable bespoke architecture, working closely with clients to translate their needs into a cohesive design response, enhancing quality of life and positively contributing to the built environment.

We believe housing is a universal right and that access to well-designed homes is essential to the quality of life and social cohesion. For us, this ethos directly informs our practice: we design homes with the end-user needs at the forefront.
We work with clients with all budgets. We believe good design is possible with dedicated attention to the human dimension and its relationship with the environment.

 
 

awards

Arkhé is an award-winning practice, with our work recognised by Architectural Designers New Zealand ADNZ awards and The Designers Institute of New Zealand in multiple categories.

2024 Best Awards Residential Finalist

2024 ADNZ National Finalist - Residential New Home up to 150m2

2024 ADNZ Bay of Plenty and Waikato Winner - Residential New Home up to 150m2

2023 ADNZ Bay of Plenty Regional Winner - Residential New Home 150-300m2

2023 ADNZ Bay of Plenty Regional Winner - Residential Interiors

2023 ADNZ Bay of Plenty Regional Highly-commended - Residential New Home up to 150m2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Testimonials

“Arkhe have been incredible to work with. They really listened and understood who we were and what we love. From a meeting getting to understand us and how we live Diego went away and designed the most incredible home for us ... and for our site. His strengths, aside from having amazing vision and being a creative unique designer, was his ability to respect and truly listen to us and his support through, what at times was, a stressful build. Diego was there right to the end, available to answer contractor queries and help solve issues as they arose. He is very much part of this beautiful home and we have no hesitation in recommending Arkhe”
— Kevin and Clare - Kokako Heights House
Just wanted to say a sincere thanks to Arkhe for designing our new home. They listened carefully to what we were after and added their design knowledge and experience to create a home that brings us joy every day.
We love the different spaces they designed for our family to live, work and be able to host large gatherings in. Full credit to Diego for his creativity - we never tire of the angled entrance, the natural light, the curved brick wall and the window seat that gets all day sun.
Fair to say we’re beyond happy with the results. Look forward to working with you again in the future and highly recommend.
— Diane Berghan & Josh Hepi - Toronia Court House
For a long time, I lived this house in my head. When my husband and I met Diego and Marcus, there was no doubt they were the architects to extract our ideas and design a house that would realise the dream. Diego’s passion for expression through originality in his designs, acute desire for visual beauty in simplicity, and his library of knowledge regarding different era architecture around the world; has been realised in this project we now call “home.”
It was a pleasure to work with architects who were actively involved in helping solve problems or issues with some of our many requests. Some changes easy and some rather major! It was never a problem. I also want to mention their extensive knowledge of product, what to use and where to use, was particularly helpful, as this was our first build in New Zealand.
Once the design was complete, we appointed a building company, and the two parties worked tirelessly together to take the digital images and build the physical reality. When you begin the journey of building your own home, we have learnt that you need to be ready for the unexpected. To avoid the overblown budgets, returned plans from council, warnings, regarding certain features; you need a solid team of knowledgeable, patient, and available people. Arkhé never let us down.
We are thrilled with the results and have no hesitancy in recommending them to anyone who desires something extraordinary or something beautifully simple.
Jane and David Eddy August 2021
— Jane and David - Palm Springs House
Arkhé was recommended to us and has exceeded all expectations. Amazing to deal with and a true talent. We are very appreciative of all they efforts and expertise.
— Andrea & David - Te Puna Shed
Arkhé team designed such a beautiful house for us. They took the brief and ran with it, delivering us a beautiful watercolour sketch that far exceeded our expectations. They had to take into consideration Extreme High Wind zones, epic views and wanting separate wings. The Arkhé team had some really clever and innovative ideas that really blew our mind and have made our house so unique. Every step of the process has been a breeze and its been a pleasure working with the Arkhé team, a team who were as excited about the project as us. I will recommend Arkhé again and again because our experience was so exceptional.
— Jess & Kerian
We engaged Arkhé to help us with the design of a holiday home. Being a builder myself, I had my own ideas of what I wanted, however, wanted Arkhé team to be creative and use their own ideas. Only giving they limited information, what they came back with far exceeded our expectations and original designs we had sketched up. I would not hesitate to recommend Arkhé to anyone and will be sure to use them in the future myself.
— Nick Turner-Wright
Arkhé has done a fantastic job bringing our 2 bedroom 1950s bach up to the modern era. Much the same footprint however making better use of existing space plus the addition of very large decks on either side has made an enormous difference to the living space. With all new fittings and cladding it’s just like a brand new home. Nice little touches here and there as well make it all work so much better. Arkhé’s customer service has been fantastic and we were impressed by the tight time frame in which he completed the job. Arkhé comes with our highest recommendation.
— Ian Lucas

 
 
 

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+64 27 544 3011

hello@arkhe.co.nz

2/5 Reynolds Place, Papamoa Beach 3118

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