Commercial Testimonials

"It was important to us that the staff felt involved, particularly in the consultation and design phases of the project and that the office reflected the values of Creative New Zealand.

We had a limited budget and a tight timeframe. Context exceeded our expectations by delivering the project below budget and within the time frame. The floor plans and particularly the 3D graphics used to show the proposed office layout were extremely useful in conveying the design ideas to staff.

Context Architects were able to give us everything that we had asked for and more. The ‘more’ was the additional seating area in the kitchen, the re-use of existing furniture, the green credentials of some of the materials used and the additional storage in the office and the library area.

Vicky was a pleasure to work with and the communication was great. The staff in the office have been positively raving about their new space and regularly receive admiring comments from visitors.

We would certainly recommend Context Architects and would use them for future projects."

Tanya Connor, Project Manager,
Creative New Zealand

“Westpac New Zealand appointed Context Architects as lead Architectural consultant for its nationwide network of 197 branches, Business Banking centres and 52,000m² of office space housing some 5,300 staff.

“Westpac have been very satisfied with the performance of Context Architects, who have shown to add significant value through –

• value management
• understanding the customer interface
• understanding the complexity of the banking platform
• achieving brand consistency across the network
• strong design
• fast consents
• project management
• professionalism

“Context Architects go the extra mile on projects. We recommend Context for any commercial or interiors projects where you are looking for an Architect who understands your key business drivers, sustainability and can deliver strong design, documentation and project management at a competitive rate.”

Murray Dobson, Head of Properties
Westpac New Zealand

“WALSH Trust provides a range of housing and support services for people who experience serious mental illness. We own a large 10 bedroom 1970s designed style hostel which we desperately needed to bring into the new millennium. While solid and functional, it was dated, had a cold institutional feel, and was not a popular choice for people – both clients and referrers. Our dilemma was where to start; indeed were our ambitions for the property possible!

“Not realising we might require the services of an architect we fortuitously by chance, made contact with staff from Context. Straight away we were getting a strong sense of the possibilities this property held – and in a very practical sense. Very soon we were considering drawings, a range of options and fittings – and most importantly budgets. Our project was underway.

“We engaged Context’s services as project managers. This was a great move on our part taking away much of the head-scratching, oversight and liaison with builders and council. All through, we were kept informed, staff were accessible, professional and responsive.

“We are now the proud owners of a six bedroom home that is functional with contemporary design and fittings, but most importantly is now warm and welcoming; an environment people enjoy being a part of. Our thanks to Context for their professional and friendly approach – and expertise. “

Rob Warriner, Chief Executive
WALSH Trust

“Westpac and Context are both about having good people and growing the right relationship to get the job done. Context continue to provide excellent design implementation for Westpac's 'community' branch expansion programme throughout New Zealand.  Performing in the face of challenging fast tracked projects and paying attention to practical cost effective details are two of Context’s strengths."

Andrew Tasker, Project Manager
Westpac (NZ) Investments Ltd

“We had the pleasure of working with Context Architects from the early stages and watched their company grow.  The reasons for this are clear to us. They understand the projects, provide clear well documented drawings, adopt practical solutions to meet the end users requirements, and provide assistance to us as contractors to work through unforeseen problems that are sometimes encountered on projects. Their staff are always friendly professionals, with expertise in control of the project in hand.  Working with Stephen and his crew has always been a pleasure and we hope we can continue to do so.”

Barry Plumpton, Managing Director
Focus Construction Interiors

We work with Context Architects a lot and right through our relationship Context have been very good to work with. We find that they are reliable and responsive, attending to issues quickly and thoroughly.

Context are innovative, and deliver a workable solution in a short space of time. They are also efficient with submissions to local authorities.

We have found Context Architects a pleasure to work with. They have a very pleasant, outgoing team and are always willing to help.”

Laurence Scarlett
Aspect Interiors

“We work closely with a range of Architects and Designers producing custom built furniture and joinery for client projects.  Working with Context Architects is a true design partnership and the outcome for clients is innovative furniture and joinery that adds to the brand experience and is uniquely theirs.

The Context team know that working in isolation is not good for a project, and that the best work comes out of a blending of their Architectural expertise with the expertise of suppliers such as ourselves. Context’s ability to assemble a team of sub trades that work well together is truly a strength, ultimately saving their clients valuable time and money.

We would highly recommend working with Context if you are looking for Architects who know how to work with other people to take a design right through to the final finished product.”

Mike Wilson, Managing Director
Bremich Cabinetmakers Limited

“We find Context Architects’ documentation pertinent, extremely clear, concise, thorough and comprehensive with little ambiguity. The standard of documentation we receive not only helps us to build the information that is conveyed accurately, but also ensures that at the time of pricing the client receives a clear and accurate cost that reflects the design.

Context Architects undertake the administration of a contract professionally, impartially and with integrity. All the staff are responsive. Furthermore Context Architects will deal with any issue that may arise on a project quickly and in a proactive manner.

The above statements may be read as rhetoric. However, I do not state this lightly and personally believe that these attributes are an increasing rarity.

Contracting and a tendering process can lend itself, by its sheer nature, to an us and them adversarial relationship between the client, their representatives and the contractor. However, we find that where Context Architects administer the project that our company is integrated into an established team. As a result of the approach Context Architects adopts our firm, in turn, becomes a member of the team that is working towards a common client goal.”

Rob Tulp  BArch, BAS, NZTC
Managing Director
Tulp & Walker Ltd

“I have worked with Steve and his team over a number of years on many Interiors and Construction Projects. Every job has been an enjoyable one due to the professional nature of Context Architects, their knowledge of the industry, and the end result of all their projects. I look forward to working with them for many years to come.”

Nick Whittaker, Contracts Manager
Focus Construction Interiors

“Having worked as a contractor on numerous Westpac Project we have always found them to have had excellent documentation, and a through and practical understanding of the project.  They are able to discuss problems to solve in an efficient manner and are a pleasure to work with.”

Mike Dixon, Senior Quantity Surveyor
Focus Construction Interiors