Seeds of Change: NZ Gardener Feature

Nick Oscilowski — Tue, 05 May 2026 01:15:05 +0000

“In front of an old villa in Whanganui, a wildflower garden flourishes where a large area of concrete had been removed and the existing lawn levelled.”

We were stoked to have writer Phil Thomsen from New Zealand Gardener (Kaingaki Māra) magazine stop by the Black Pine studio towards the end of summer for a chat and to take some photos of our wildflower garden for their April 2026 print edition.

ICYMI: towards the end of 2025 we decided to transform our front lawn by experimenting with a re-wilding project, and the results have been well beyond what we anticipated; you can read the background here, or just check out the before/after comparison here.

As this is being written — in May 2026, on the cusp of winter and with the garden still remarkably abundant with colour and life — the number of people who stop on the street for a look, smell, and to snap a picture continues to surprise us. But, as is alluded to in the article, that’s the value of public beauty: it costs very little, but spreads so much joy.

When you have people take the time to knock on the door to say “thank you” for doing something positive and for brightening up their day, that’s quite an emotional thing. There’s no doubt this experiment has brought us closer to the community, and we’re grateful for all the beautiful people the garden has helped us connect with.

The article picks up on this with an indirect reference to the Living Building Challenge and Black Pine’s broader ethos in which “their team believes architecture doesn’t stop at the walls of the house or business. Rather, it spills onto the surrounding landscape, shaping how we live, breathe, and connect with both nature and each other.”

We reckon that sums it up nicely.

We don’t know what the lawn will look like in six months or a year’s time, but hopefully we’ve literally sown the seeds of something that will keep growing and spreading and have lasting benefits; we’ve certainly collected and given away enough bags of seeds to create some epic gardens across the city!

FAQs: Hiring an architect

Nick Oscilowski — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:37:03 +0000

Hiring an architect can feel like a big step, but understanding what architects do and how the process works makes the journey much clearer. In this FAQ guide, we break down the essentials of working with an architect — from when to get in touch, what the design process looks like, and how fees work, to navigating council consents and knowing what to expect at your first meeting.

Whether you’re planning a renovation, a new build, or simply exploring ideas, this article will help you understand how an architect adds value at every stage and ensures your project is beautifully designed, well‑coordinated, and built to last.

What does an architect actually do?

We help turn your ideas into real, lasting places. That means designing spaces that work beautifully, feel great to be in, and stand the test of time. We also guide you through the whole process – from early sketches to council approvals to construction.

When should I get in touch with an architect?

The earlier, the better. Even if your ideas are still forming, we can help shape them into something solid. Starting together means fewer surprises and a smoother journey.

What’s the process like?

Every project is different, but most follow a rhythm:

We begin with a conversation to understand your goals
Then we move into concept design
Followed by detailed drawings and council documentation
And finally, we can help oversee the build itself

We guide you through each step, and make sure you know what’s coming next.

How much does it cost to work with an architect?

It depends on the scope and complexity of your project. We’ll always be upfront about fees, and we tailor our approach to suit your budget. After you’ve completed a Discovery Review and we’ve followed up with an initial chat, we’ll provide a clear proposal so you know exactly what to expect.

Will I need council consent?

Most building projects in New Zealand do need some form of council approval. We’re highly experienced in filing consents with different councils across the country, so we understand the consent process and can take care of the paperwork and liaise with council so you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Is it worth hiring an architect for a renovation or small build?

We think all projects – even small ones – benefit from good design. The skills and experience an architect brings means you’re able to make the most of your space, choose appropriate materials, improve energy performance, identify potential problem areas, and — crucially — avoid costly mistakes.

How involved will I be in the design?

Very! The project is your story, your space, your legacy. We’ll ask questions, listen closely, and collaborate with you throughout, but it’s your ideas and values that will shape everything we do.

What should I bring to our first meeting?

Bring your hopes, your questions, and anything that inspires you: photos, sketches, writing, poetry, models – anything that captures your story! If you have site info or existing plans, that’s helpful too. But mostly, just come ready to talk about what matters to you.

How long will the whole process take?

It varies. Some projects move quickly, others take time (especially if consents or construction are complex). We’ll give you a realistic timeline early on, communicate clearly throughout, and keep things moving as smoothly as possible.

Can you help during construction too?

If you’d like us to. We can stay involved throughout the build, helping ensure everything is done properly and true to the design. We’re here to support you, solve problems, and keep things on track.

Got more questions?

Get in touch

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