Turning Your Vision Into Thoughtful, Functional Design
At Alan Craig Design, we provide professional architectural design services across Kapiti and Horowhenua, NZ. Based near Levin, we work with homeowners and small-scale commercial clients to create practical, original designs that reflect individual needs, site conditions, and budget considerations. With decades of industry experience and Licensed Building Practitioner (Design 2) accreditation, we offer confidence, technical expertise, and personalised service from concept through to completion. Whether you’re building new, renovating, or extending, we guide you through the entire design and consent process with clarity and care.
Our Services
New Home Design
From compact single-storey homes to expansive double-storey residences, we design homes tailored to your lifestyle, location, and long-term goals. Every design balances functionality, aesthetics, and buildability.
Additions & Alterations
Need more space? We design seamless additions and alterations that enhance your existing home while maintaining structural integrity and visual harmony.
Renovations
Reimagine your current space with carefully considered renovations. From kitchen and bathroom reconfigurations to garages, decks, and outdoor living areas, we improve how your home works and feels.
Innovative & Alternative Builds
We have experience with unique construction systems including EarthShip concepts, SIPS (Structurally Insulated Panels), and polystyrene block wall systems, offering creative yet practical solutions.
Light Commercial Projects
We also undertake domestic-scale light commercial work, providing compliant, efficient designs suited to small business and community needs.
Resource & Building Consents
From detailed working drawings to managing council submissions, we prepare accurate documentation to support resource and building consent approvals.
Why Choose Alan Craig Design
Decades of Industry Experience
With a career beginning in 1975 and experience on major projects including Wellington Airport Terminal and Wellington Regional Hospital developments, you benefit from deep technical knowledge and proven expertise.
Licensed & Professional
As an LBP (Design 2) and Professional Member of ADNZ, your project is handled with professionalism, regulatory understanding, and industry credibility.
Personalised Service
You work directly with an experienced designer who listens carefully, refines your ideas, and ensures your vision remains central to the outcome.
Complete Design Support
From initial advice and concept development to consent documentation and contract observation, we provide a comprehensive service under one roof.
Our Approach
Every successful project begins with listening. We take time to understand your goals, lifestyle needs, and budget expectations before translating them into a clear design brief. Throughout the process, we suggest thoughtful refinements to layout, materials, and detailing to improve functionality and enhance the final result. Clear communication, careful documentation, and realistic planning are key to delivering a smooth building experience.
Testimonials
We employed Alan from late 2014 through 2015 to undertake the planning and design work required for an outstanding code of compliance certificate on our garages. Alan’s work included design and specifications for remedial and new works involving several consents.
I can recommend Alan with confidence. Throughout his work he demonstrated calm and assured professionalism. He was able to work with the Wellington City Council as well as engineering and building professionals to bring about a successful conclusion to this project.
Allan also recommended a choice of competent builders to undertake the works.
Any remedial or building work involves a high degree of concern to the building owner(s). Alan provided a level of confidence that issues could be dealt with in a sensible and cost-effective manner. His process experience, knowledge and contacts were all greatly appreciated to lessen the stress of this project.
I am happy for Alan to submit this reference to prospective clients and suppliers.
-Ross V.
Swimming pool and Spa Design
On behalf of both Anne and myself I would just like to thank you for the very professional manner in which you provided your services for the design and supervision of our new pool and spa.
You not only interpreted our ideas accurately but brought real added value via your constructive suggestions and attention to detail. This was also evidenced by how smoothly the job went through the LA approval process and on site.
Needless to say we are extremely pleased at how it has all turned out and your regular reports and photographs were much appreciated. Should you ever want to use us as a reference I would have no problem in providing a strong recommendation, either in writing or verbal. I am more than happy for someone to telephone me if they wish.
Thank you again for all your help
-Alex W.
We have engaged Alan on two separate occasions for two major renovations. Throughout both projects what stood out was his attention to every detail to ensure the plans and specification were comprehensive. This made the consenting process straight forward, resulted in very few questions from the Council and enabled the Builder to price the work accurately. For any issues that arose during the build Alan responded promptly with great suggestions and revised drawings. Upon 9ompletion of the projects obtaining the Code Compliance Certificate was straight forward so occurred in a timely fashion.
Alan's budgetary estimates for his work were accurate and he only charged for work completed if it was under his estimate.
I would strongly recommend Alan to any client looking for a thorough, cost effective service as well as being a great guy to work with.
-David S.
Alan designed our new house in Waikanae Beach. He was excellent to deal with, with prompt communication, and he was always open to making changes where we wanted them made, while also highlighting any changes that might cause problems, and suggesting alternatives. The drawings produced were thorough and highly detailed, and Alan was always prepared to talk through specific design elements with a clear idea about construction techniques and limitations.
He has good working relationships with council and engineers which is crucial to getting a good outcome.
Alan arranged resource and building consents with council on our behalf, and also handled tenders from builders, making the process relatively stress-free.
-Jonathan M.
We recently approached Alan Craig about designing a combined residential dwelling and horticulture packing facility. Alan met with us on site to hear our design ideas and request that he see the designs through the consent approval process.
Alan promptly developed an agreement document setting out his services and associated fees. Once agreed, his design work remained on scheduled and within budget. He carefully kept us informed of progress and any issues that needed our input. We found him to be very pleasant and professional in all his dealings.
In summary, it was an absolute pleasure to work with him. We highly recommend him.
-Randall & Nelly B.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas do you service?
We work throughout Kapiti and Horowhenua, including areas from Palmerston North to Wellington and surrounding districts.
Do you handle council consents?
Yes. We prepare the necessary drawings and documentation for both resource and building consents and manage submissions to the relevant authorities.
When should I contact a designer?
Ideally, as early as possible — even before purchasing land. Early involvement helps identify site constraints, council requirements, and design opportunities.
Can you work with my builder?
Absolutely. We collaborate closely with your chosen builder and can assist during tender and construction phases.
Do you only design new homes?
We design new homes, additions, alterations, renovations, outdoor spaces, and small-scale commercial projects.
What is an LBP Design 2 qualification?
LBP stands for Licensed Building Practitioner. Design 2 licensing allows us to design residential buildings up to a defined complexity level in accordance with building regulations.
Let’s Bring Your Ideas to Life
If you’re planning a new home, renovation, or development project in Kapiti or Horowhenua, Alan Craig Design offers the experience, creativity, and technical expertise to guide your project from concept to completion. Contact us today to start the conversation.