Leading international architectural practice Sumich Chaplin Architects strives to exceed expectations, both in design and functionality.
Established for over 35 years, New Zealand-based architecture practice Sumich Chaplin Architects has created a strong reputation for completing innovative, high quality architectural solutions.
Image: Central Otago House Source: Sumich Chaplin ArchitectsWith a team of 12 architectural staff led by three directors, Lawrence Sumich, Matt Chaplin, and Sam Baxter, the practice has completed numerous projects, both in New Zealand and Internationally.
Their portfolio encompasses contemporary and traditional structures as well as alterations, and been recognised with numerous design awards from the New Zealand Institute of Architects.
LUXURY LIST WEEKEND spoke to Lawrence and the team at Sumich Chaplin about their work.
Image: Closeburn House Source: Sumich ChaplinWhy architecture?
Though our education we were all naturally stronger at communicating through drawing and art, so architecture naturally progressed from there.
How do you describe Sumich Chaplin’s design aesthetic?
Enduring quality design, with a sense of luxury and understanding of what clients desire in high end homes. Our design aesthetic has developed from the ability to make luxury scale homes feel intimate from the carefully considered planning with strong heritage of symmetry and proportion.
Image: Alan Pye Cottage, Huka Lodge Source: Sumich ChaplinEach house is geographically considered and highly detailed in materials to achieve a naturally lit and modern, soft contemporary feel. We work in collaboration with our team of interior designers and landscape architects, who contribute in the design process by bringing in their own ideas, keeping us ahead with the latest finishes and materials.
Lawrence, how did your work in California influence your designs?
After working in New Zealand to gain my registration as an architect I worked on residential properties of a modest scale. Working in California on high end projects, I became aware of the scale and size for upper end American Homes.
With more generous budgets I soon became aware of luxury finish and space expectations of luxury homes in America. This valuable experience enhanced my capabilities of understanding high end housing for clients all around the world.
Image: Speargrass House Source: Sumich ChaplinSumich Chaplin ‘strives to exceed expectations’ providing 'creative, enduring architectural design' with attention to detail a high priority, this includes a dedicated team to build a scale model of every design.
We design as a team of three directors with one director taking charge and responsibility for the presentation of the project. Although we use the computer generated 3d images, building a scaled cardboard model helps the client to instantly visualise the buildings end result.
Image: Matakauri Owners Cottage Source: Sumich ChaplinWhat purpose does an exact model serve?
The model becomes a tangible item which the clients appear to react with understanding immediately. The clients often take the model to site and can experience the sun penetration into the building.
Additionally to the client engagement with the model, they form a critical part of our internal design evaluation and critique, as you quickly find yourself focused on the part of the architecture to require refinement. This is unlike computer models which are often viewed and presented from specific camera focal points and favourable, the physical model reads to true to the eye.
Image: Pauanui House Concept Sketch Source: Sumich ChaplinWhat is the feedback from clients and do they get to keep it?
The models have always been well received by our clients. They are used as a working medium throughout the design, detail documentation and procurement process. Clients do not keep the models as we use them as a stimulus in the office and as a design reference for future clients.
Sumich Chaplin has been consistently recognised nationally and internationally with awards from NZIA Awards over multiple years and internationally with HIA House of The Year for ’Stonebrook’ in Australia.
Image: Stonebrook Source: Sumich ChaplinWhich award has meant the most?
We are very proud of all the awards the practice has received.
Why?
They are a recognition from our peers that the hard work and energy from our clients and design team is respected.
Source: Sumich ChaplinWhat advice would you give a new client wishing to build or renovate?
Establishment of an elaborate architectural brief is the most important element to achieving a successful outcome. From understanding expectations, budget and style, the alignment at this initial stage is critical.
For overseas commissions, how does Sumich Chaplin manage the distance and time difference?
Our systems have been refined from our work throughout New Zealand, so working internationally has been a natural progression. With modern technology and the ease of domestic and international travel, this has only strengthened the ability of our practice to service a wider geography. Most of our architectural service is completely within our Auckland studio, so when working aboard we collaborate with local consultants to ensure the geographical location is not a factor.
Image: Glanville House Source: Sumich ChaplinWhat is the most interesting brief you’ve been given by a client?
The first chance to use texture concrete and commercial materials in a soft contemporary style home. This became Glanville House and Spring Street House.
What advice would you give to a newly graduated Architect or someone thinking about Architecture as a career?
Architecture is a business, and to be able to creative and successful in architecture you need to have a strong business mentality to support your creativity.
Image: Pauanui House Source: Sumich ChaplinWhere do you live now, and where would you live if you could live anywhere in the world?
Auckland… For Lawrence, Bryon Bay and Croatia; for Matt it’s Southern Italy; and for Sam Sydney.
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