Our Story
Studio 26 Architects Ltd is the current form of a local practice established 30 years ago, and still led, by Registered Architect Gary Pidd. Gary is joined by our experienced and dedicated team of technical and support superstars.
Our relaxed and approachable manner combined with professional expertise delivers an exceptional design experience. We listen, consider, and extend your perceptions of design getting buy-in from everyone to ensure the best results. Our unique designs, whether for a residential home, commercial or community project, are tailored to reflect your individual needs delivering a space you are proud to call your own.
Based in Napier/Hastings, and living locally, we have a strong connection and commitment to our Hawke's Bay region, including utilising local high-quality contractors and consultants. We are also experienced at delivering projects in East Coast, Gisborne and wider North Island locations.
Setting and taming budgets is challenging. Our longstanding experience ensures designs are fully considered with the right level of detail providing accurate budget forecasts early on, and giving builders the information they need to price your project accurately.
With our combined experience in residential home design, commercial, and community projects of all shapes and sizes we are used to working with large client groups as well as individual homeowners.
We all want the same thing - an easy process that delivers beautifully crafted, uniquely tailored designs within budget. Let's enjoy the journey together!
Our People
Gary Pidd
DIRECTOR AND REGISTERED ARCHITECT – BBSC, B.ARCH, ANZIA, AERB
With over 30 years' of experience in the industry, Gary is well established in delivering innovative and cost-effective solutions in all facets of Architecture. He is particularly experienced with education, residential home design, and commercial projects of all sizes. His approachable and relaxed, yet professional manner benefits clients and contractors by enabling fast and free-flowing communication vital to any project's success. Gary knows budget is all-important and ensures the right level of detail is obtained to provide accurate budget forecasts during the early stages. Always on the lookout for ways to improve the design process, Gary is the driving force behind our technological innovations within the practice and our projects.
Luke McCarthy
SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL TECHNICIAN
Luke has worked in the industry alongside Gary since 2001. He is highly experienced with the technical elements of Architectural Design including 3D modelling using ArchiCAD. Renowned for his attention to detail, Luke is an indispensable member of our design team and is very experienced with a wide range of projects including residential home design, education, and commercial. Luke enjoys time with his young family and, when he gets time, enjoys mountain biking.
Caleb Heard
SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL TECHNICIAN – DIP DESIGN TECH, LBP Level 2
Caleb has been with us since 2010, albeit with a year break working in Palmerston North. He has gained significant experience in the practical side of Architectural Design which complements his Diploma in Design Technology from the Eastern Institute of Technology. Quick and eager to learn, Caleb has become extremely proficient using our 3D CAD modelling system and is now focusing on further developing his natural design skills. With his growing experience in residential home design and commercial projects Caleb has established himself as a highly valued member of our team. Outside of work, Caleb enjoys time with his growing family, football, and hunting.
Max Chrétien
ARCHITECTURAL TECHNICIAN – BACHERLOR of ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES
Max joined our team in early 2024 having completed a Bachelor of Architectural Studies at Ara Institute in Canterbury supplemented with two years' experience as an Architectural Technician. Keen and interested in technology and graphic design, Max enjoys the process of architectural imagery and the benefits it provides clients. Max enjoys high-level football, playing at an inter-regional level for Napier City Rovers and having attained a Master of Arts in Sports Management at University of San Francisco where he also played Division 1 College football.
Selena Martin
ARCHITECTURAL GRADUATE
Having joined our team in 2021 Selena is an experienced Architectural Graduate who has worked 4+ years on residential, commercial, and industrial projects in the Wellington region. Selena is highly motivated to work towards becoming a Registered Architect and has enjoyed developing her skills working with the team on a range of different projects to provide architectural solutions that contribute to a better quality of life in and around our buildings. Originally from Napier, Selena enjoys playing squash and mountain biking. Selena is currently gaining further experience in the UK.
Heather Kelland
OFFICE MANAGER
Prior to starting work in the building industry Heather worked for 10 years in the Banking industry and has a Diploma in Business Studies. Heather has been our invaluable Office Manager for over 15 years and handles our accounts, office procedures, and assists with administering projects. Heather is known to enjoy experiencing the wonderful offerings of our local wineries.
Contact us today to discuss your next project!
Phone: (+64) 06 844 0223
Email: info@studio26architects.co.nz
Address: 26 Guppy Road, Greenmeadows, Napier 4112 , New Zealand
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