Sam Richards is an independent architectural designer who has run her own practice in Wellington for the past 16 years.

She specialises in new build, renovations and alteration designs, often working on villa restorations and extensions.

Sam creates light, warm, dry homes that can be used in a contemporary way while maintaining their unique character.
She maximises natural light and warmth through smart design, insulating and glazing, while opening previously dark, shuttered spaces up to the natural environment.

Sam’s design philosophy is simple: to touch the earth lightly by using environmentally responsible materials and practices, and to preserve the best of the past while making homes fit for the future.

Sam’s deep academic and practical understanding of the history of New Zealand architecture is a vital part of being able to design good contemporary alterations and extensions that work well with what is already present.

She sees her role as continuing to evolve the original architect’s design. Her work is not just for the current owners of a home, but for the generations to come.
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