These annual rankings were last updated on June 13, 2025. Want to see your firm on next year’s list? Continue reading for more on how you can improve your studio’s ranking. New Zealand is a one-of-a-kind island in the Pacific, famous for its indigenous Maori architecture. The country has managed to preserve an array of historical aboriginal ruins, such as marae (meeting grounds) and wharenui (meeting houses), despite its European colonization during the 19th century. Apart from the country’s ancient ruins, New Zealand is also home to several notable architectural landmarks like the famous Sky Tower piercing the Auckland skyline to the organic forms of the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum in Wellington. Renowned architects like Sir Ian Athfield, whose works blend modernist principles with a deep respect for the natural landscape, have left an indelible mark on the country’s architectural legacy. Being home to a stunning tropical landscape, New Zealand architects have developed eco-friendly residential designs that harness the power of renewable energy as well as visionary urban developments prioritizing livability and connectivity. A notable example is Turanga Central Library in Christchurch, a project that exceeds all eco-friendly design standards and benchmark emissions. Finally, concepts like passive design are increasingly becoming standard practice in architectural circles. With so many architecture firms to choose from, it’s challenging for clients to identify the industry leaders that will be an ideal fit for their project needs. Fortunately, Architizer is able to provide guidance on the top design firms in New Zealand based on more than a decade of data and industry knowledge. How are these architecture firms ranked? The following ranking has been created according to key statistics that demonstrate each firm’s level of architectural excellence. The following metrics have been accumulated to establish each architecture firm’s ranking, in order of priority: The number of A+Awards won (2013 to 2025) The number of A+Awards finalists (2013 to 2025) The number of projects selected as “Project of the Day” (2009 to 2025) The number of projects selected as “Featured Project” (2009 to 2025) The number of projects uploaded to Architizer (2009 to 2025) Each of these metrics is explained in more detail at the foot of this article. This ranking list will be updated annually, taking into account new achievements of New Zealand architecture firms throughout the year. Without further ado, here are the 30 best architecture firms in New Zealand: 30. CoLab Architecture © CoLab Architecture Ltd CoLab Architecture is a small practice of two directors, Tobin Smith and Blair Paterson, based in Christchurch New Zealand. Tobin is a creative designer with a wealth of experience in the building industry. Blair is a registered architect and graduate from the University of Auckland. “We like architecture to be visually powerful, intellectually elegant, and above all timeless. For us, timeless design is achieved through simplicity and strength of concept — in other words, a single idea executed beautifully with a dedication to the details. We strive to create architecture that is conscious of local climate (hunker down in the winter and open up in summer) and the environment (scale and relationship to other buildings and the natural environment).” Some of CoLab Architecture’s most prominent projects include: Urban Cottage, Christchurch, New Zealand The following statistics helped CoLab Architecture Ltd achieve 30th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 1 29. Paul Whittaker © Paul Whittaker Paul Whittaker is an architecture firm based in New Zealand. Its work revolves around residential architecture. Some of Paul Whittaker’s most prominent projects include: Whittaker Cube, Kakanui, New Zealand The following statistics helped Paul Whittaker achieve 29th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 1 28. Space Division © Simon Devitt Photographer Space Division is a boutique architectural practice that aims to positively impact the lives and environment of its clients and their communities by purposefully producing quality space. We believe our name reflects both the essence of what we do, but also how we strive to do it – succinctly and simply. Our design process is inclusive and client focused with their desires, physical constraints, budgets, time frames, compliance and construction processes all carefully considered and incorporated into our designs. Space Division has successfully applied this approach to a broad range of project types within the field of architecture, ranging from commercial developments, urban infrastructure to baches, playhouses and residential homes. Space Divisions team is committed to delivering a very personal and complete service to each of their clients, at each stage of the process. To assist in achieving this Space Division collaborates with a range of trusted technical specialists, based on the specific needs of our client. Which ensures we stay focussed, passionate agile and easily scalable. Some of Space Division’s most prominent projects include: Stradwick House, Auckland, New Zealand The following statistics helped Space Division achieve 28th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 1 27. Sumich Chaplin Architects © Sumich Chaplin Architects Sumich Chaplin Architects undertake to provide creative, enduring architectural design based on a clear understanding and interpretation of a client’s brief. We work with an appreciation and respect for the surrounding landscape and environment. Some of Sumich Chaplin Architects’ most prominent projects include: Millbrook House, Arrowtown, New Zealand The following statistics helped Sumich Chaplin Architects achieve 27th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 1 26. Daniel Marshall Architects © Simon Devitt Photographer Daniel Marshall Architects (DMA) is an Auckland based practice who are passionate about designing high quality and award winning New Zealand architecture. Our work has been published in periodicals and books internationally as well as numerous digital publications. Daniel leads a core team of four individually accomplished designers who skillfully collaborate to resolve architectural projects from their conception through to their occupation. DMA believe architecture is a ‘generalist’ profession which engages with all components of an architectural project; during conceptual design, documentation and construction phases.  We pride ourselves on being able to holistically engage with a complex of architectural issues to arrive at a design solution equally appropriate to its context (site and surrounds) and the unique ways our clients prefer to live. Some of Daniel Marshall Architects’ most prominent projects include: Lucerne, Auckland, New Zealand House in Herne Bay, Herne Bay, Auckland, New Zealand The following statistics helped Daniel Marshall Architects achieve 26th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 2 25. AW Architects © AW Architects Creative studio based in Christchurch, New Zealand. AW-ARCH is committed to an inclusive culture where everyone is encouraged to share their perspectives – our partners, our colleagues and our clients. Our team comes from all over the globe, bringing with them a variety of experiences. We embrace the differences that shape people’s lives, including race, ethnicity, identity and ability. We come together around the drawing board, the monitor, and the lunch table, immersed in the free exchange of ideas and synthesizing the diverse viewpoints of creative people, which stimulates innovative design and makes our work possible. Mentorship is key to engagement within AW-ARCH, energizing our studio and feeding invention. It’s our social and professional responsibility and helps us develop and retain a dedicated team. This includes offering internships that introduce young people to our profession, as well as supporting opportunities for our people outside the office — teaching, volunteering and exploring. Some of AW Architects’ most prominent projects include: OCEAN VIEW TERRACE HOUSE, Christchurch, New Zealand 212 CASHEL STREET, Christchurch, New Zealand LAKE HOUSE, Queenstown, New Zealand RIVER HOUSE, Christchurch, New Zealand HE PUNA TAIMOANA, Christchurch, New Zealand The following statistics helped AW Architects achieve 25th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: A+Awards Finalist 1 Total Projects 9 24. Archimedia © Patrick Reynolds Archimedia is a New Zealand architecture practice with NZRAB and green star accredited staff, offering design services in the disciplines of architecture, interiors and ecology. Delivering architecture involves intervention in both natural eco-systems and the built environment — the context within which human beings live their lives. Archimedia uses the word “ecology” to extend the concept of sustainability to urban design and master planning and integrates this holistic strategy into every project. Archimedia prioritizes client project requirements, functionality, operational efficiency, feasibility and programme. Some of Archimedia’s most prominent projects include: Te Oro, Auckland, New Zealand Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, Auckland, New Zealand Hekerua Bay Residence, New Zealand Eye Institute , Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand University of Auckland Business School, Auckland, New Zealand The following statistics helped Archimedia achieve 24th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 25 23. MC Architecture Studio © MC Architecture Studio Ltd The studio’s work, questioning the boundary between art and architecture, provides engaging and innovative living space with the highest sustainability standard. Design solutions are tailored on client needs and site’s characteristics. Hence the final product will be unique and strongly related to the context and wider environment. On a specific-project basis, the studio, maintaining the leadership of the whole process, works in a network with local and international practices to achieve the best operational efficiency and local knowledge worldwide to accommodate the needs of a big scale project or specific requirements. Some of MC Architecture Studio’s most prominent projects include: Cass Bay House, Cass Bay, Lyttelton, New Zealand Ashburton Alteration, Ashburton, New Zealand restaurant/cafe, Ovindoli, Italy Private Residence, Christchurch, New Zealand Private Residence, Christchurch, New Zealand The following statistics helped MC Architecture Studio Ltd achieve 23rd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: Featured Projects 2 Total Projects 19 22. Architecture van Brandenburg © Architecture van Brandenburg Van Brandenburg is a design focused studio for architecture, landscape architecture, urbanism, and product design with studios in Queenstown and Dunedin, New Zealand. With global reach Van Brandenburg conducts themselves internationally, where the team of architects, designers and innovators create organic built form, inspired by nature, and captured by curvilinear design. Some of Architecture van Brandenburg’s most prominent projects include: Marisfrolg Fashion Campus, Shenzhen, China The following statistics helped Architecture van Brandenburg achieve 22nd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: A+Awards Winner 1 Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 1 21. MacKayCurtis © MacKayCurtis MacKay Curtis is a design led practice with a mission to create functional architecture of lasting beauty that enhances peoples lives. Some of MacKayCurtis’ most prominent projects include: Mawhitipana House, Auckland, New Zealand The following statistics helped MacKayCurtis achieve 21st place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: A+Awards Winner 1 Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 1 20. Gerrad Hall Architects © Gerrad Hall Architects We aspire to create houses that are a joyful sensory experience. Some of Gerrad Hall Architects’ most prominent projects include: Inland House, Mangawhai, New Zealand Herne Bay Villa Alteration, Auckland, New Zealand The following statistics helped Gerrad Hall Architects achieve 20th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: Featured Projects 2 Total Projects 2 19. Dorrington Atcheson Architects © Dorrington Atcheson Architects Dorrington Atcheson Architects was founded as Dorrington Architects & Associates was formed in 2010, resulting in a combined 20 years of experience in the New Zealand architectural market. We’re a boutique architecture firm working on a range of projects and budgets. We love our work, we pride ourselves on the work we do and we enjoy working with our clients to achieve a result that resolves their brief. The design process is a collaborative effort, working with the client, budget, site and brief, to find unique solutions that solve the project at hand. The style of our projects are determined by the site and the budget, with a leaning towards contemporary modernist design, utilizing a rich natural material palette, creating clean and tranquil spaces. Some of Dorrington Atcheson Architects’ most prominent projects include: Lynch Street Coopers Beach House, Coopers Beach, New Zealand Rutherford House, Tauranga Taupo, New Zealand Winsomere Cres Kathryn Wilson Shoebox, Auckland, New Zealand The following statistics helped Dorrington Atcheson Architects achieve 19th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: Featured Projects 2 Total Projects 14 18. Andrew Barre Lab © Marcela Grassi Andrew Barrie Lab is an architectural practice that undertakes a diverse range of projects. We make buildings, books, maps, classes, exhibitions and research. Some of Andrew Barre Lab’s most prominent projects include: Learning from Trees, Venice, Italy The following statistics helped Andrew Barre Lab achieve 18th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: A+Awards Finalist 2 Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 1 17. Warren and Mahoney © Simon Devitt Photographer Warren and Mahoney is an insight led multidisciplinary architectural practice with six locations functioning as a single office. Our clients and projects span New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Rim. The practice has over 190 people, comprising of specialists working across the disciplines of architecture, workplace, masterplanning, urban design and sustainable design. We draw from the wider group for skills and experience on every project, regardless of the location. Some of Warren and Mahoney’s most prominent projects include: MIT Manukau & Transport Interchange, Auckland, New Zealand Carlaw Park Student Accommodation, Auckland, New Zealand Pt Resolution Footbridge, Auckland, New Zealand Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch, New Zealand University of Auckland Recreation and Wellness Centre, Auckland, New Zealand The following statistics helped Warren and Mahoney achieve 17th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: Featured Projects 2 Total Projects 5 16. South Architects Limited © South Architects Limited Led by Craig South, our friendly professional team is dedicated to crafting for uniqueness and producing carefully considered architecture that will endure and be loved. At South Architects, every project has a unique story. This story starts and ends with our clients, whose values and aspirations fundamentally empower and inspire our whole design process. Working together with our clients is pivotal to how we operate and we share a passion for innovation in design. We invite you to meet us and explore what we can do for you. As you will discover, our client focussed process is thorough, robust and responsive. We see architecture as the culmination of a journey with you. Some of South Architects Limited’s most prominent projects include: Three Gables, Christchurch, New Zealand Concrete Copper Home, Christchurch, New Zealand Driftwood Home, Christchurch, New Zealand Half Gable Townhouses, Christchurch, New Zealand Kilmore Street, Christchurch, New Zealand The following statistics helped South Architects Limited achieve 16th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 6 15. Pac Studio © Pac Studio Pac Studio is an ideas-driven design office, committed to intellectual and artistic rigor and fueled by a strong commitment to realizing ideas in the world. We believe a thoughtful and inclusive approach to design, which puts people at the heart of any potential solution, is the key to compelling and positive architecture. Through our relationships with inter-related disciplines — furniture, art, landscape and academia — we can create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. We are open to unconventional propositions. We are architects and designers with substantial experience delivering highly awarded architectural projects on multiple scales. Some of Pac Studio’s most prominent projects include: Space Invader, Auckland, New Zealand Split House, Auckland, New Zealand Yolk House, Auckland, New Zealand Wanaka Crib, Wanaka, New Zealand Pahi House, Pahi, New Zealand The following statistics helped Pac Studio achieve 15th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 8 14. Jasmax © Jasmax Jasmax is one of New Zealand’s largest and longest established architecture and design practices. With over 250 staff nationwide, the practice has delivered some of the country’s most well known projects, from the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa to major infrastructure and masterplanning projects such as Auckland’s Britomart Station. From our four regional offices, the practice works with clients, stakeholders and communities across the following sectors: commercial, cultural and civic, education, infrastructure, health, hospitality, retail, residential, sports and recreation, and urban design. Environmentally sustainable design is part of everything we do, and we were proud to work with Ngāi Tūhoe to design one of New Zealand’s most advanced sustainable buildings, Te Uru Taumatua; which has been designed to the stringent criteria of the International Living Future Institute’s Living Building Challenge. Some of Jasmax’s most prominent projects include: The Surf Club at Muriwai, Muriwai, New Zealand Auckland University Mana Hauora Building, Auckland, New Zealand The Fonterra Centre, Auckland, New Zealand Auckland University of Technology Sir Paul Reeves Building , Auckland, New Zealand NZI Centre, Auckland, New Zealand The following statistics helped Jasmax achieve 14th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 21 13. Condon Scott Architects © Condon Scott Architects Condon Scott Architects is a boutique, award-winning NZIA registered architectural practice based in Wānaka, New Zealand. Since inception 35 years ago, Condon Scott Architects has been involved in a wide range of high end residential and commercial architectural projects throughout Queenstown, Wānaka, the Central Otago region and further afield. Director Barry Condon (ANZIA) and principal Sarah Scott (FNZIA) – both registered architects – work alongside a highly skilled architectural team to deliver a full design and construction management service. This spans from initial concept design right through to tender management and interior design. Condon Scott Architect’s approach is to view each commission as a bespoke and site specific project, capitalizing on the unique environmental conditions and natural surroundings that are so often evident in this beautiful part of the world. Some of Condon Scott Architects’ most prominent projects include: Sugi House, Wānaka, New Zealand Wanaka Catholic Church, Wanaka, New Zealand Mount Iron Barn, Wanaka, New Zealand Bendigo Terrace House, New Zealand Bargour Residence, Wanaka, New Zealand The following statistics helped Condon Scott Architects achieve 13th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 17 12. Glamuzina Paterson Architects © Glamuzina Paterson Architects Glamuzina Architects is an Auckland based practice established in 2014. We strive to produce architecture that is crafted, contextual and clever. Rather than seeking a particular outcome we value a design process that is rigorous and collaborative. When designing we look to the context of a project beyond just its immediate physical location to the social, political, historical and economic conditions of place. This results in architecture that is uniquely tailored to the context it sits within. We work on many different types of projects across a range of scales; from small interiors to large public buildings. Regardless of a project’s budget we always prefer to work smart, using a creative mix of materials, light and volume in preference to elaborate finishes or complex detailing. Some of Glamuzina Paterson Architects’ most prominent projects include: Lake Hawea Courtyard House, Otago, New Zealand Blackpool House, Auckland, New Zealand Brick Bay House, Auckland, New Zealand Giraffe House, Auckland, New Zealand Giraffe House, Auckland, New Zealand The following statistics helped Glamuzina Paterson Architects achieve 12th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 5 11. Cheshire Architects © Patrick Reynolds Cheshire Architects does special projects, irrespective of discipline, scale or type. The firm moves fluidly from luxury retreat to city master plan to basement cocktail den, shaping every aspect of an environment in pursuit of the extraordinary. Some of Cheshire Architects’ most prominent projects include: Rore kahu, Te Tii, New Zealand Eyrie, New Zealand Milse, Takanini, New Zealand The following statistics helped Cheshire Architects achieve 11th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 3 10. Patterson Associates © Patterson Associates Pattersons Associates Architects began its creative story with architect Andrew Patterson in 1986 whose early work on New Zealand’s unspoiled coasts, explores relationships between people and landscape to create a sense of belonging. The architecture studio started based on a very simple idea; if a building can feel like it naturally ‘belongs,’ or fits logically in a place, to an environment, a time and culture, then the people that inhabit the building will likely feel a sense of belonging there as well. This methodology connects theories of beauty, confidence, economy and comfort. In 2004 Davor Popadich and Andrew Mitchell joined the firm as directors, taking it to another level of creative exploration and helping it grow into an architecture studio with an international reputation. Some of Patterson Associates’ most prominent projects include: Seascape Retreat, Canterbury, New Zealand The Len Lye Centre, New Plymouth, New Zealand Country House in the City, Auckland, New Zealand Scrubby Bay House, Canterbury, New Zealand Parihoa House, Auckland, New Zealand The following statistics helped Patterson Associates achieve 10th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 5 9. Team Green Architects © Team Green Architects Established in 2013 by Sian Taylor and Mark Read, Team Green Architects is a young committed practice focused on designing energy efficient buildings. Some of Team Green Architects’ most prominent projects include: Dalefield Guest House, Queenstown, New Zealand Olive Grove House, Cromwell, New Zealand Hawthorn House, Queenstown, New Zealand Frankton House, Queenstown, New Zealand Contemporary Sleepout, Arthurs Point, New Zealand The following statistics helped Team Green Architects achieve 9th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 7 8. Creative Arch © Creative Arch Creative Arch is an award-winning, multi-disciplined architectural design practice, founded in 1998 by architectural designer and director Mark McLeay. The range of work at Creative Arch is as diverse as our clients, encompassing residential homes, alterations and renovations, coastal developments, sub-division developments, to commercial projects. The team at Creative Arch are an enthusiastic group of talented professional architects and architectural designers, with a depth of experience, from a range of different backgrounds and cultures. Creative Arch is a client-focused firm committed to providing excellence in service, culture and project outcomes. Some of Creative Arch’s most prominent projects include: Rothesay Bay House, North Shore, New Zealand Best Pacific Institute of Education, Auckland, New Zealand Sumar Holiday Home, Whangapoua, New Zealand Cook Holiday Home, Omaha, New Zealand Arkles Bay Residence, Whangaparaoa, New Zealand The following statistics helped Creative Arch achieve 8th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 18 7. Crosson Architects © Crosson Architects At Crosson Architects we are constantly striving to understand what is motivating the world around us. Some of Crosson Architects’ most prominent projects include: Hut on Sleds, Whangapoua, New Zealand Te Pae North Piha Surf Lifesaving Tower, Auckland, New Zealand Coromandel Bach, Coromandel, New Zealand Tutukaka House, Tutukaka, New Zealand St Heliers House, Saint Heliers, Auckland, New Zealand The following statistics helped Crosson Architects achieve 7th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: A+Awards Winner 1 A+Awards Finalist 2 Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 6 6. Bossley Architects © Bossley Architects Bossley Architects is an architectural and interior design practice with the express purpose of providing intense input into a deliberately limited number of projects. The practice is based on the belief that innovative yet practical design is essential for the production of good buildings, and that the best buildings spring from an open and enthusiastic collaboration between architect, client and consultants. We have designed a wide range of projects including commercial, institutional and residential, and have amassed special expertise in the field of art galleries and museums, residential and the restaurant/entertainment sector. Whilst being very much design focused, the practice has an overriding interest in the pragmatics and feasibility of construction. Some of Bossley Architects’ most prominent projects include: Ngā Hau Māngere -Old Māngere Bridge Replacement, Auckland, New Zealand Arruba, Waiuku, New Zealand Brown Vujcich House Voyager NZ Maritime Museum Omana Luxury Villas, Auckland, New Zealand The following statistics helped Bossley Architects achieve 6th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 21 5. Smith Architects © Simon Devitt Photographer Smith Architects is an award-winning international architectural practice creating beautiful human spaces that are unique, innovative and sustainable through creativity, refinement and care. Phil and Tiffany Smith established the practice in 2007. We have spent more than two decades striving to understand what makes some buildings more attractive than others, in the anticipation that it can help us design better buildings. Some of Smith Architects’ most prominent projects include: Kakapo Creek Children’s Garden, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, New Zealand New Shoots Children’s Centre, Kerikeri, Kerikeri, New Zealand Gaia (Earth) Forest Preschool, Manurewa, Auckland, New Zealand Chrysalis Childcare, Auckland, New Zealand House of Wonder, Cambridge, Cambridge, New Zealand The following statistics helped Smith Architects achieve 5th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 23 4. Monk Mackenzie © Monk Mackenzie Monk Mackenzie is an architecture and design firm based in New Zealand. Monk Mackenzie’s design portfolio includes a variety of architectural projects, such as transport and infrastructure, hospitality and sport, residential, cultural and more. Some of Monk Mackenzie’s most prominent projects include: X HOUSE, Queenstown, New Zealand TURANGANUI BRIDGE, Gisborne, New Zealand VIVEKANANDA BRIDGE EDITION Canada Street Bridge, Auckland, New Zealand The following statistics helped Monk Mackenzie achieve 4th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: A+Awards Winner 2 A+Awards Finalist 4 Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 17 3. Irving Smith Architects © Irving Smith Architects Irving Smith Jack (ISJ) has been developed as a niche architecture practice based in Nelson, but working in a variety of sensitive environments and contexts throughout New Zealand. ISJ demonstrates an ongoing commitment to innovative, sustainable and researched based design , backed up by national and international award and publication recognition, ongoing research with both the Universities of Canterbury and Auckland, and regular invitations to lecture on their work. Timber Awards include NZ’s highest residential, commercial and engineering timber designs. Key experience, ongoing research and work includes developing structural timber design solutions in the aftermath of the Canterbury earthquakes. Current projects include cultural, urban, civic and residential projects spread throughout New Zealand, and recently in the United States and France. Some of Irving Smith Architects’ most prominent projects include: SCION Innovation Hub – Te Whare Nui o Tuteata, Rotorua, New Zealand Mountain Range House, Brightwater, New Zealand Alexandra Tent House, Wellington, New Zealand Te Koputu a te Whanga a Toi : Whakatane Library & Exhibition Centre, Whakatane, New Zealand offSET Shed House, Gisborne, New Zealand The following statistics helped Irving Smith Architects achieve 3rd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: A+Awards Winner 2 A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 13 2. Fearon Hay Architects © Fearon Hay Architects Fearon Hay is a design-led studio undertaking a broad range of projects in diverse environments, the firm is engaged in projects on sites around the world. Tim Hay and Jeff Fearon founded the practice in 1993 as a way to enable their combined involvement in the design and delivery of each project. Together, they lead an international team of experienced professionals. The studio approached every project with a commitment to design excellence, a thoughtful consideration of site and place, and an inventive sense of creativity. Fearon Hay enjoys responding to a range of briefs: Commercial projects for office and workplace, complex heritage environments, public work within the urban realm or wider landscape, private dwellings and detailed bespoke work for hospitality and interior environments. Some of Fearon Hay Architects’ most prominent projects include: Bishop Hill The Camp, Tawharanui Peninsula, New Zealand Matagouri, Queenstown, New Zealand Alpine Terrace House, Queenstown, New Zealand Island Retreat, Auckland, New Zealand Bishop Selwyn Chapel, Auckland, New Zealand The following statistics helped Fearon Hay Architects achieve 2nd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: A+Awards Winner 2 A+Awards Finalist 3 Featured Projects 8 Total Projects 17 1. RTA Studio © RTA Studio Richard Naish founded RTA Studio in 1999 after a successful career with top practices in London and Auckland. We are a practice that focuses on delivering exceptional design with a considered and personal service. Our work aims to make a lasting contribution to the urban and natural context by challenging, provoking and delighting. Our studio is constantly working within the realms of public, commercial and urban design as well as sensitive residential projects. We are committed to a sustainable built environment and are at the forefront developing carbon neutral buildings. RTA Studio has received more than 100 New Zealand and international awards, including Home of The Year, a World Architecture Festival category win and the New Zealand Architecture Medal. Some of RTA Studio’s most prominent projects include: SCION Innovation Hub – Te Whare Nui o Tuteata, Rotorua, New Zealand OBJECTSPACE, Auckland, New Zealand C3 House, New Zealand Freemans Bay School, Freemans Bay, Auckland, New Zealand ARROWTOWN HOUSE, Arrowtown, New Zealand Featured image: E-Type House by RTA Studio, Auckland, New Zealand The following statistics helped RTA Studio achieve 1st place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in New Zealand: A+Awards Winner 2 A+Awards Finalist 6 Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 16 Why Should I Trust Architizer’s Ranking? With more than 30,000 architecture firms and over 130,000 projects within its database, Architizer is proud to host the world’s largest online community of architects and building product manufacturers. Its celebrated A+Awards program is also the largest celebration of architecture and building products, with more than 400 jurors and hundreds of thousands of public votes helping to recognize the world’s best architecture each year. Architizer also powers firm directories for a number of AIA (American Institute of Architects) Chapters nationwide, including the official directory of architecture firms for AIA New York. An example of a project page on Architizer with Project Award Badges highlighted A Guide to Project Awards The blue “+” badge denotes that a project has won a prestigious A+Award as described above. Hovering over the badge reveals details of the award, including award category, year, and whether the project won the jury or popular choice award. The orange Project of the Day and yellow Featured Project badges are awarded by Architizer’s Editorial team, and are selected based on a number of factors. The following factors increase a project’s likelihood of being featured or awarded Project of the Day status: Project completed within the last 3 years A well written, concise project description of at least 3 paragraphs Architectural design with a high level of both functional and aesthetic value High quality, in focus photographs At least 8 photographs of both the interior and exterior of the building Inclusion of architectural drawings and renderings Inclusion of construction photographs There are 7 Projects of the Day each week and a further 31 Featured Projects. Each Project of the Day is published on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Stories, while each Featured Project is published on Facebook. Each Project of the Day also features in Architizer’s Weekly Projects Newsletter and shared with 170,000 subscribers.     We’re constantly look for the world’s best architects to join our community. If you would like to understand more about this ranking list and learn how your firm can achieve a presence on it, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at editorial@architizer.com. The post 30 Best Architecture and Design Firms in New Zealand appeared first on Journal.

This edition of the Venice Biennale includes 65 national pavilions, 11 collateral events, and over 750 participants in the international exhibition curated by Italian architect and engineer Carlo Ratti. Entitled Intelligens: Natural Artificial Collective, its stated aim is to make Venice a ‘living laboratory’. But Ratti’s exhibition in the Arsenale has been hit by mixed reviews. The AJ’s Rob Wilson described it as ‘a bit of a confusing mess’, while other media outlets have called the robot-heavy exhibit of future-facing building-focused solutions to the climate crisis a ‘tech-bro fever dream’ and a ‘mind-boggling rollercoaster’ to mention a few. It is a distinct shift away from the biennale of two years ago twhen Ghanaian-Scottish architect Lesley Lokko curated the main exhibitions, including 89 participants – of which more than half were from Africa or the African diaspora – in a convincing reset of the architectural conversation.Advertisement This year’s National Pavilions and collateral exhibits, by contrast, have tackled the largest themes in architecture and the world right now in a less constrained way than the main exhibitions. The exhibits are radical and work as a useful gauge for understanding what’s important in each country: decarbonisation, climate resilience, the reconstruction of Gaza, and an issue more prevalent in politics closer to home: gender wars. What's not to miss in the Giardini? British Pavilion (photography: Chris Lane) UK Pavilion The British Pavilion this year, which won a special mention from the Venetian jury, is housing a show by a British-Kenyan collab titled GBR – Geology of Britannic Repair. In it, the curators explore the links between colonialism, the built environment and geological extraction. Focusing on the Rift Valley, which runs from east Africa to the Middle East, including Palestine, the exhibition was curated by the Nairobi-based studio cave_bureau, UK-based curator, writer and Farrell Centre director Owen Hopkins and Queen Mary University professor Kathryn Yusoff. The pavilion’s façade is cloaked by a beaded veil of agricultural waste briquettes and clay and glass beads, produced in Kenya and India, echoing both Maasai practices and beads once made on Venice’s Murano, as currency for the exchange of metals, minerals and slaves. The pavilion’s six gallery spaces include multisensory installations such as the Earth Compass, a series of celestial maps connecting London and Nairobi; the Rift Room, tracing one of humans’ earliest migration routes; and the Shimoni Slave Cave, featuring a large-scale bronze cast of a valley cave historically used as a holding pen for enslaved people.Advertisement The show also includes Objects of Repair, a project by design-led research group Palestine Regeneration Team (PART), looking at how salvaged materials could help rebuild war-torn Gaza, the only exhibit anywhere in the Biennale that tackled the reconstruction of Gaza face-on – doing so impressively, both politically and sensitively. Read more here. Danish Pavilion (photography: Hampus Berndtson) Demark Pavilion A firm favourite by most this year, the Danish exhibition Build of Site, curated by Søren Pihlmann of Pihlmann Architects, transforms the pavilion, which requires renovation anyway, into both a renovation site and archive of materials. Clever, simple and very methodical, the building is being both renewed while at the same time showcasing innovative methods to reuse surplus materials uncovered during the construction process – as an alternative to using new resources to build a temporary exhibition. The renovation of the 1950s Peter Koch-designed section of the pavilion began in December 2024 and will be completed following the biennale, having been suspended for its duration. On display are archetypal elements including podiums, ramps, benches and tables – all constructed from the surplus materials unearthed during the renovation, such as wood, limestone, concrete, stone, sand, silt and clay. Belgian Pavilion (photography: Michiel De Cleene) Belgium Pavilion If you need a relaxing break from the intensity of the biennale, then the oldest national pavilion in the Giardini is the one for you. Belgium’s Building Biospheres: A New Alliance between Nature and Architecture brings ‘plant intelligence’ to the fore. Commissioned by the Flanders Architecture Institute and curated by landscape architect Bas Smets and neurobiologist Stefano Mancuso, the exhibit investigates how the natural ‘intelligence’ of plants can be used to produce an indoor climate – elevating the role of landscape design and calling for it to no longer serve as a backdrop for architecture. Inside, more than 200 plants occupy the central area beneath the skylight, becoming the pavilion’s centrepiece, with the rear space visualising ‘real-time’ data on the prototype’s climate control performance. Spanish Pavilion (photography: Luca Capuano) Spain Pavilion One for the pure architecture lovers out there, models (32!), installations, photographs and timber structures fill the Spanish Pavilion in abundance. Neatly curated by architects Roi Salgueiro Barrio and Manuel Bouzas Barcala, Internalities shows a series of existing and research projects that have contributed to decarbonising construction in Spain. The outcome? An extensive collection of work exploring the use of very local and very specific regenerative and low-carbon construction and materials – including stone, wood and soil. The joy of this pavilion comes from the 16 beautiful timber frames constructed from wood from communal forests in Galicia. Polish Pavilion (photography: Luca Capuano) Poland Pavilion Poland’s pavilion was like Marmite this year. Some loved its playful approach while others found it silly. Lares and Penates, taking its name from ancient Roman deities of protection, has been curated by Aleksandra Kędziorek and looks at what it means and takes to have a sense of security in architecture. Speaking to many different anxieties, it refers to the unspoken assumption of treating architecture as a safe haven against the elements, catastrophes and wars – showcasing and elevating the mundane solutions and signage derived from building, fire and health regulations. The highlight? An ornate niche decorated with tiles and stones just for … a fire extinguisher. Dutch Pavilion (photography: Cristiano Corte) Netherlands Pavilion Punchy and straight to the point, SIDELINED: A Space to Rethink Togetherness takes sports as a lens for looking at how spatial design can both reveal and disrupt the often-exclusionary dynamics of everyday environments. Within the pavilion, the exhibit looks beyond the large-scale arena of the stadium and gymnasium to investigate the more localised and intimate context of the sports bar, as well as three alternative sports – a site of both social production and identity formation – as a metaphor for uniting diverse communities. The pavilion-turned-sports bar, designed by Koos Breen and Jeannette Slütter and inspired by Asger Jorn’s three-sided sports field, is a space for fluidity and experimentation where binary oppositions, social hierarchies and cultural values are contested and reshaped – complete with jerseys and football scarfs (currently a must-have fashion item) worn by players in the alternative Anonymous Allyship aligning the walls. Read Derin Fadina’s review for the AJ here. Performance inside the Nordic Countries Pavilion (photography: Venla Helenius) Nordic Countries Pavilion Probably the most impactful national pavilion this year (and with the best tote bag by far), the Nordic Countries have presented an installation with performance work. Curated by Kaisa Karvinen, Industry Muscle: Five Scores for Architecture continues Finnish artist Teo Ala-Ruona’s work on trans embodiment and ecology by considering the trans body as a lens through which to examine modern architecture and the built environment. The three-day exhibition opening featured a two-hour performance each day with Ala-Ruona and his troupe crawling, climbing and writhing around the space, creating a bodily dialogue with the installations and pavilion building itself, which was designed by celebrated Modernist architect Sverre Fehn. The American pavilion next door, loudly (country music!) turns its back on what’s going on in its own country by just celebrating the apathetical porch, making the Nordic Countries seem even more relevant in this crucial time. Read Derin Fadina’s review for the AJ here. German Pavilion (photography: Luca Capuano) Germany Pavilion An exhibit certainly grabbing the issue of climate change by its neck is the German contribution, Stresstest. Curated by Nicola Borgmann, Elisabeth Endres, Gabriele G Kiefer and Daniele Santucci, the pavilion has turned climate change into a literal physical and psychological experience for visitors by creating contrasting ‘stress’ and ‘de-stress’ rooms. In the dark stress room, a large metal sculpture creates a cramped and hot space using heating mats hung from the ceiling and powered by PVs. Opposite is a calmer space demonstrating strategies that could be used to reduce the heat of cities, and between the two spaces is a film focusing on the impacts of cities becoming hotter. If this doesn’t highlight the urgency of the situation, I’m not sure what will. Best bits of the Arsenale outside the main exhibitions Bahrain Pavilion (photography: Andrea Avezzù) Bahrain Pavilion Overall winner of this year’s Golden Lion for best national participation, Bahrain’s pavilion in the historic Artiglierie of the Arsenale is a proposal for living and working through heat conditions. Heatwave, curated by architect Andrea Faraguna, reimagines public space design by exploring passive cooling strategies rooted in the Arab country’s climate, as well as cultural context. A geothermal well and solar chimney are connected through a thermo-hygrometric axis that links underground conditions with the air outside. The inhabitable space that hosts visitors is thus compressed and defined by its earth-covered floor and suspended ceiling, and is surrounded by memorable sandbags, highlighting its scalability for particularly hot construction sites in the Gulf where a huge amount of construction is taking place. In the Arsenale’s exhibition space, where excavation wasn’t feasible, this system has been adapted into mechanical ventilation, bringing in air from the canal side and channelling it through ductwork to create a microclimate. Slovenian Pavilion (photography: Andrea Avezzù) Slovenia Pavilion The AJ’s Rob Wilson’s top pavilion tip this year provides an enjoyable take on the theme of the main exhibition, highlighting how the tacit knowledge and on-site techniques and skills of construction workers and craftspeople are still the key constituent in architectural production despite all the heat and light about robotics, prefabrication, artificial intelligence and 3D printing. Master Builders, curated by Ana Kosi and Ognen Arsov and organised by the Museum of Architecture and Design (MAO) in Ljubljana, presents a series of ‘totems’ –accumulative sculpture-like structures that are formed of conglomerations of differently worked materials, finishes and building elements. These are stacked up into crazy tower forms, which showcase various on-site construction skills and techniques, their construction documented in accompanying films. Uzbekistan Pavilion (photography: Luca Capuano) Uzbekistan Pavilion Uzbekistan’s contribution explores the Soviet era solar furnace and Modernist legacy. Architecture studio GRACE, led by curators Ekaterina Golovatyuk and Giacomo Cantoni have curated A Matter of Radiance. The focus is the Sun Institute of Material Science – originally known as the Sun Heliocomplex – an incredible large-scale scientific structure built in 1987 on a natural, seismic-free foundation near Tashkent and one of only two that study material behaviour under extreme temperatures. The exhibition examines the solar oven’s site’s historical and contemporary significance while reflecting on its scientific legacy and influence moving beyond just national borders. Applied Arts Pavilion (photography: Andrea Avezzù) V&A Applied Arts Pavilion Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R) is having a moment. The US-based practice, in collaboration with V&A chief curator Brendan Cormier, has curated On Storage, which aptly explores global storage architectures in a pavilion that strongly links to the V&A’s recent opening of Storehouse, its new (and free) collections archive in east London. Featured is a six-channel (and screen) film entitled Boxed: The Mild Boredom of Order, directed by the practice itself and following a toothbrush, as a metaphor for an everyday consumer product, on its journey through different forms of storage across the globe – from warehouse to distribution centre to baggage handlers down to the compact space of a suitcase. Also on display are large-format photographs of V&A East Storehouse, DS+R’s original architectural model and sketchbook and behind-the-scenes photography of Storehouse at work, taken by emerging east London-based photographers. Canal Café (photography: Marco Zorzanello) Canal café Golden Lion for the best participation in the actual exhibition went to Canal Café, an intervention designed by V&A East Storehouse’s architect DS+R with Natural Systems Utilities, SODAI, Aaron Betsky and Davide Oldani. Serving up canal-water espresso, the installation is a demonstration of how Venice itself can be a laboratory to understand how to live on the water in a time of water scarcity. The structure, located on the edge of the Arsenale’s building complex, draws water from its lagoon before filtering it onsite via a hybrid of natural and artificial methods, including a mini wetland with grasses. The project was recognised for its persistence, having started almost 20 years ago, just showing how water scarcity, contamination and flooding are still major concerns both globally and, more locally, in the tourist-heavy city of Venice. And what else? Holy See Pavilion (photography: Andrea Avezzù) The Holy See Much like the Danish Pavilion, the Pavilion of the Holy See is also taking on an approach of renewal this year. Over the next six months, Opera Aperta will breathe new life into the Santa Maria Ausiliatrice Complex in the Castello district of Venice. Founded as a hospice for pilgrims in 1171, the building later became the oldest hospital and was converted into school in the 18th century. In 2001, the City of Venice allocated it for cultural use and for the next four years it will be managed by the Dicastery for Culture and Education of the Holy See to oversee its restoration. Curated by architect, curator and researcher Marina Otero Verzier and artistic director of Fondaco Italia, Giovanna Zabotti, the complex has been turned into a constant ‘living laboratory’ of collective repair – and received a special mention in the biennale awards. The restoration works, open from Tuesday to Friday, are being carried out by local artisans and specialised restorers with expertise in recovering stone, marble, terracotta, mural and canvas painting, stucco, wood and metal artworks. The beauty, however, lies in the photogenic fabrics, lit by a warm yellow glow, hanging from the walls within, gently wrapping the building’s surfaces, leaving openings that allow movement and offer glimpses of the ongoing restoration. Mobile scaffolding, used to support the works, also doubles up as furniture, providing space for equipment and subdividing the interior. Togo Pavilion (photography: Andrea Avezzù) Togo Pavilion The Republic of Togo has presented its first pavilion ever at the biennale this year with the project Considering Togo’s Architectural Heritage, which sits intriguingly at the back of a second-hand furniture shop. The inaugural pavilion is curated by Lomé and Berlin-based Studio NEiDA and is in Venice’s Squero Castello. Exploring Togo’s architectural narratives from the early 20th century, and key ongoing restoration efforts, it documents key examples of the west African country’s heritage, highlighting both traditional and more modern building techniques – from Nôk cave dwellings to Afro-Brazilian architecture developed by freed slaves to post-independence Modernist buildings. Some buildings showcased are in disrepair, despite most of the modern structures remaining in use today, including Hotel de la Paix and the Bourse du Travail, suggestive of a future of repair and celebration. Estonian Pavilion (photography: Joosep Kivimäe) Estonia Pavilion Another firm favourite this year is the Estonian exhibition on Riva dei Sette Martiri on the waterfront between Corso Garibaldi and the Giardini.  The Guardian’s Olly Wainwright said that outside the Giardini, it packed ‘the most powerful punch of all.’ Simple and effective, Let Me Warm You, curated by trio of architects Keiti Lige, Elina Liiva and Helena Männa, asks whether current insulation-driven renovations are merely a ‘checkbox’ to meet European energy targets or ‘a real chance’ to enhance the spatial and social quality of mass housing. The façade of the historic Venetian palazzetto in which it is housed is clad with fibre-cement insulation panels in the same process used in Estonia itself for its mass housing – a powerful visual statement showcasing a problematic disregard for the character and potential of typical habitable spaces. Inside, the ground floor is wrapped in plastic and exhibits how the dynamics between different stakeholders influence spatial solutions, including named stickers to encourage discussion among your peers. Venice Procuratie (photography: Mike Merkenschlager) SMAC (San Marco Art Centre) Timed to open to the public at the same time as the biennale, SMAC is a new permanent arts institution in Piazza San Marco, on the second floor of the Procuratie, which is owned by Generali. The exhibition space, open to the public for the first time in 500 years, comprises 16 galleries arranged along a continuous corridor stretching over 80m, recently restored by David Chipperfield Architects. Visitors can expect access through a private courtyard leading on to a monumental staircase and experience a typically sensitive Chipperfield restoration, which has revived the building’s original details: walls covered in a light grey Venetian marmorino made from crushed marble and floors of white terrazzo. During the summer, its inaugural programme features two solo exhibitions dedicated to Australian modern architect Harry Seidler and Korean landscape designer Jung Youngsun. Holcim's installation (photography: Celestia Studio) Holcim x Elemental Concrete manufacturer Holcim makes an appearance for a third time at Venice, this time partnering with Chilean Pritzker Prize-winning Alejandro Aravena’s practice Elemental – curator of the 2016 biennale – to launch a resilient housing prototype that follows on from the Norman Foster-designed Essential Homes Project. The ‘carbon-neutral’ structure incorporates Holcim’s range of low-carbon concrete ECOPact and is on display as part of the Time Space Existence exhibition organised by the European Cultural Centre in their gardens. It also applies Holcim’s ‘biochar’ technology for the first time, a concrete mix with 100 per cent recycled aggregates, in a full-scale Basic Services Unit. This follows an incremental design approach, which could entail fast and efficient construction via the provision of only essential housing components, and via self-build. The Next Earth at Palazzo Diedo (photography: Joan Porcel) The Next Earth At Palazzo Diedo’s incredible dedicated Berggruen Arts and Culture space, MIT’s department of architecture and think tank Antikythera (apparently taking its name from the first-known computer) have come together to create the exhibition The Next Earth: Computation, Crisis, Cosmology, which questions how philosophy and architecture must and can respond to various planet-wide crises. Antikythera’s The Noocene: Computation and Cosmology from Antikythera to AI looks at the evolution of ‘planetary computation’ as an ‘accidental’ megastructure through which systems, from the molecular to atmospheric scales, become both comprehensible and composable. What is actually on display is an architectural scale video monolith and short films on AI, astronomy and artificial life, as well as selected artefacts. MIT’s Climate Work: Un/Worlding the Planet features 37 works-in-progress, each looking at material supply chains, energy expenditure, modes of practice and deep-time perspectives. Take from it what you will. The 19th International Venice Architecture Biennale remains open until Sunday, 23 November 2025.

Kenmore Pavilion / CARDSave this picture!© Andy MacphersonHouses, Sustainability•Brisbane City, Australia Architects: CARD Area Area of this architecture project Area:  90 m² Photographs Photographs:Andy MacphersonMore SpecsLess Specs Save this picture! Text description provided by the architects. The core philosophy of this project was to do more with less through revitalizing a 1960s workers' cottage through smart, cost-effective design. Rather than replacing, the approach focused on reuse, breathing new life into the existing structure.Save this picture!Save this picture!By embracing Brisbane's favourable climate, the design introduces a weather-protected outdoor space that seamlessly extends the home's footprint. This newly integrated pavilion creates a flexible living zone for cooking, socialising, and relaxing, while framing curated views of the surrounding landscape.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The project is situated in the leafy suburb of Kenmore, Brisbane, renowned for its mid-century modernist architecture and lush natural surroundings. Drawing inspiration from Queensland's architectural heritage, the design of the pavilion references the quintessential deck through its overall proportions and timber detailing. The use of natural timber ensures the structure blends effortlessly with the surrounding landscape, reinforcing its identity as an extension of the garden and an inviting, functional outdoor space.Save this picture!The project was part of a bigger renovation which encouraged a direct connection to the garden, shifting the living areas to the north and the bedrooms to the south, clearly delineated by a continuous wall of joinery. This wall contains the kitchen, fireplace, bookshelves, entry nook, and services, with flush, hidden doors that conceal access to the bedrooms and hallway.Save this picture!With these renovations and the new outdoor pavilion, a dark and introverted house has been converted into a functional, light-filled, and social building. A flexible and adaptable space - the pavilion can be used for a range of activities, from outdoor dining, socializing, and cooking in the garden.Save this picture!Sustainability Initiatives Our vision centers around reducing environmental impact by retaining and working with the original post-war structure, which has solid bones. Existing materials were reused and retained where possible, such as the terracotta floor of the pavilion, which was retained from the original house. Other examples include parts of the tiling that were salvaged from leftover projects, and the western red cedar soffits were taken from leftover stock from a nearby development. The garden beds were made from salvaged beams from the original pergola The planter was made from salvaged brick from the paths around the original house The chicken coop was made from reclaimed cedar and old wall framing. The pergola was built from Kwila and Spotted Gum - purposefully chosen for their sustainability credentials. The project included the installation of a new 6.6 kW solar system (20 panels) installed on the roof. Save this picture! Project gallerySee allShow less About this officeCARDOffice••• Published on June 05, 2025Cite: "Kenmore Pavilion / CARD" 05 Jun 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1030800/kenmore-pavilion-card&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save世界上最受欢迎的建筑网站现已推出你的母语版本!想浏览ArchDaily中国吗?是否 You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

If you’re in the homebuying market, you’ve probably come to realize that the grass is always greener in the listing description—both literally and figuratively. Real estate agents sometimes get creative with Photoshop edits on listing photos, often brightening up the grass and editing out unsightly objects, like a neighbor’s clunker car or wires cluttering a bedroom. They also use some descriptive language that can be, well, deceptive. Adjectives like cozy and charming may evoke good feelings in potential buyers, but they’re high on the list of frequently used adjectives that probably don’t mean what you think they do. Photos and descriptions give you a teaser, but nothing beats an in-person tour for catching any potential sneaky details. Still, there are certain phrases to keep an eye out for as you're browsing for your next dream home online. Below, we're rounding up 10 common words or phrases often found in real estate listings should raise red flags, according to real estate pros. Related Stories“Charming”DreamPictures//Getty ImagesOr, similarly, unique. “Often, this means the property has some quirks that might not appeal to everyone,” real estate expert Yawar Charlie, director of the luxury estates division at Aaron Kirman Group, says. “It could be anything from a funky floor plan to unconventional finishes.” Think about resale value and whether any of these quirks might be a dealbreaker for future buyers, should you choose to sell“Cozy”Cozy is most likely a code word for lacking square footage, Charlie says. “When they call it cozy, they’re hinting that it might be a bit cramped,” he says. “Check for square footage and layout specifics.”“Home Being Sold As Is”"As is" is perhaps one of the biggest red flags in real estate. “It often signals that the property may have significant issues the seller is trying to offload,” says Nikki Bernstein, a global real estate advisor with Engel & Völkers Scottsdale.According to Bernstein, an "as is" condition indicates that the seller is likely emotionally detached and unwilling to negotiate on price or concessions. It also suggests they may be withholding information, indicating there could be hidden problems waiting to be uncovered during inspection, she says. “As is might as well be a warning: ‘Buyer beware,’” Bernstein says. “Fixer Upper”Mableen//Getty ImagesIf you’ve got a design-build background or are looking for homes that are worth renovating, a property advertised as a fixer-upper might make for a fun challenge. But this phrase usually means the property has seen better days and needs some TLC, which is not what most buyers are looking for. Charlie's advice? Bring a contractor or a handyman to the home inspection with you. “You’re not just checking for cosmetic issues; you want to get the lowdown on structural problems, electrical updates, and plumbing repairs,” Charlie says. “A fixer-upper can quickly turn into a money pit.”If you choose to pursue a home that needs a fair amount of love, make sure you’ve got the right loan, Virginia Realtor and real estate broker Michelle Brown cautions. For example, a FHA 203K loan lets buyers roll home improvement costs into their mortgage.“Investors’ Dream”This phrase typically signals the property is in poor condition but priced low for potential profit through renovations or redevelopment, Brown says. This is another instance where you’ll want to have a contractor with you to get a full picture of all the repairs that may be needed.“Make This Home Your Own”This phrase signals the home is likely outdated and in need of cosmetic updates at the very least, New Jersey Realtor Larry Devardo says. Listings that advertise “potential” or say “home has endless possibilities” are also indicators that repairs and updates are needed, he says. “Great Bones”DreamPictures//Getty ImagesOn the upside, “great bones” means the home is structurally sound with strong infrastructure, Maryland Realtor Ellie Hitt says. On the downside, it likely needs a lot of cosmetic updates to bring it up to date with modern conveniences and aesthetics.“Needs TLC”Often, when a home requires cosmetic work, “TLC” is noted, indicating the property needs someone who is willing to put in a little bit of elbow grease, agent Karen Kostiw of Coldwell Banker Warburg says. You may be thinking of new carpet, updated cabinets, and a few other touch-ups, but in some cases, TLC could actually mean the property requires a gut renovation.“Motivated Seller”Translation: The seller is eager to sell, possibly due to financial issues, a pending foreclosure, or a property that has been on the market for a while, says Jeffrey Borham, owner of Tampa Bay, Florida Team Borham. “This could be an opportunity for negotiation,” he adds. “However, investigate why the seller is motivated; there could be hidden issues that have deterred other buyers.”Similarly, “priced to sell” could mean a whole host of things, ranging from the property needs some work or the seller wants to start a bidding war, New York City Broker Sean Adu-Gyamfi of Coldwell Banker Warburg says.“Hot Listing”Some agents advertise “hot listings” on the MLS to create urgency, even if there are no other offers, Misty Spittler, a licensed public insurance adjuster and certified roof inspector, says. Don’t feel pressured, though. She recently had a client bid $20,000 over asking on a listing advertised as hot. Spittler’s inspection found $30,000 of necessary repairs, so the client was able to renegotiate.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Miley Cyrus has gone from Disney darling to music industry icon in a matter of two decades, and fans have watched in awe as the 32-year-old fine-tuned her sound in that time. Her anticipated ninth album, Something Beautiful, drops Friday, May 30, and rumor has it that the singer is considering getting back on tour. But where does Cyrus go when she needs to decompress? We’re breaking down her real estate portfolio below.Related StoriesA Starter Home in Studio City Courtesy of Google MapsCyrus bought her first property following the success of her third album, Can’t Be Tamed, in 2011. The five-bedroom, seven-bathroom ranch home was a $3.9 million investment and a strategic move, as the home is located in Studio City, just two miles outside Toluca Lake, where her family resided. Cyrus still owns the gated 4,948 square foot property that boasts modern design details, such as skylights and floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors. There are also relaxation-coded amenities: a saltwater pool, an at-home spa, and a yoga room on-site. A Horse Farm in Hidden HillsCourtsey of Google MapsYou can take the girl out of Tennessee, but you can’t take Tennessee out of the girl. Cyrus grew up on a farm in Nashville, and in 2015, the rising star bought a 5.5-acre horse ranch in Hidden Hills. Was the purchase a nod to her country roots? We like to think so. Cyrus bought the property for about $5.5 million. It boasted 6,000 square feet of living space and a one-acre riding ring. The main house featured five bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, and a 1,000-bottle wine cellar, while its outdoor amenities included a pool, spa, fireplace, built-in barbeque, fruit and vegetable garden, plus a vineyard. A Mid-century Home in MalibuCourtsey of Google MapsCyrus’s hit song Malibu is an ode to the home she and Liam Hemsworth shared in the beachy city. Cyrus bought the 1,385 square-foot two-story humble abode for $2.5 million in 2016 and built a rainbow-colored recording studio on the property. It was surrounded by trees and tropical plants alike, giving it a private feel from the exterior, and an open floor plan for easy socializing indoors. Highlighted features of the home include high ceilings, glass doors leading out to the backyard, and a private balcony off the primary bedroom. Outdoor amenities were modest compared to Cyrus’s other properties and included a jacuzzi, gazebo, and two-car garage. A Farmhouse Ranch in TennesseeCourtsey of Google MapsIn 2017, Cyrus put down roots in her home state of Tennessee. The singer spent $5.8 million on the 33.5-acre property, which featured a 7,000 square-foot ranch-style main house, complete with a wrap-around porch, lofted ceilings, multiple fireplaces, and reclaimed wood flooring.A Mansion in Hidden HillsCourtsey of Team SorrentinoFollowing her split from Hemsworth in January 2020, Cyrus moved into a six-bedroom, six-bathroom mansion in Hidden Hills, paying roughly $5 million for her bachelorette pad. The artist teamed up with her mother and interior designer, Trish Cyrus, as well as designer Mat Sanders, to make the space feel more “Miley.” The finishing touches included a leopard-printed glam room, a psychedelic-themed music studio, and a Gucci tiger-wallpapered powder room. The premises also boast a lagoon-inspired swimming pool and an outdoor kitchen. A Manor in MalibuCourtsey of Google MapsCyrus made her return to Malibu in 2022 with her most expensive real estate purchase to date: a $7.9 million six-bedroom, six-and-a-half-bathroom mansion. The home was originally built in 1999 but has undergone renovations in recent years. The interior is refreshed with white paint and hardwood flooring, stone tile, a formal dining room, and a spacious living room complete with a fireplace and an adjacent billiard room. Outdoor entertainment includes a patio and a heated pool.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

You Can Now Visit the Small House Where Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë Were Born The newly renovated Brontë Birthplace in Bradford, England, was the three sisters’ home until 1820, when the family moved to a nearby parsonage The Brontë children were born near this fireplace, pictured mid-renovation. Matt Gibbons / Brontë Birthplace In the early 19th century, three sisters were born in a small house in northern England: Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë. Each one would grow up to become a pivotal figure in English literature, with Charlotte writing Jane Eyre (1847), Emily writing Wuthering Heights (1847) and Anne writing The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1848). Now, that house in Bradford, England, where they were born has been restored and reopened to the public as a museum—and soon-to-be hotel. On May 15, Queen Camilla visited the village of Thornton to open the Brontë Birthplace in an official ceremony. After a year and a half of fundraising and renovations, the house is now a functioning educational center. Come July, its bedrooms will also be open to overnight guests, according to the Guardian’s David Barnett. The Brontë Birthplace pictured in 2008 Tim Green via Wikimedia Commons under CC BY 2.0 “This house is no longer just a place of literary history,” says Katharine Barnett, chair of the Brontë Birthplace, in a statement from the museum. “It is a living, breathing space filled with creativity, education and community pride.” The novelists’ parents were Patrick and Maria Brontë, an Irish clergyman and a Cornish gentlewoman who married in 1812. They had two daughters, Maria and Elizabeth, before moving to the Thornton house in 1815. Charlotte was born in 1816, Emily in 1818 and Anne in 1820. A brother, Branwell, was also born in 1817. When Anne was just three months old, Patrick was appointed the reverend of a nearby church, and the family moved to the Haworth parsonage. The two eldest children died soon after, but the younger four children survived. As they grew older, they also thrived as playmates, inventing “invented imaginary worlds together and [writing] about them in tiny books,” per the Brontë Parsonage Museum. Queen Camilla and Christa Ackroyd touring the Brontë Birthplace on May 15, 2025 Matt Gibbons / Brontë Birthplace By the mid-19th century, the three sisters were publishing novels under the pseudonyms Currer, Ellis and Acton Bell. Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights would become two of the most renowned books ever written in English. After the family left the sisters’ birthplace, the building was repurposed several times. It has served as a butcher’s shop and a cafe, which shuttered during the pandemic, according to the Guardian. With the building up for grabs, a group of advocates—including journalist Christa Ackroyd and Brontë relative Nigel West—raised the £650,000 (more than $700,000) needed to purchase and renovate it. Every four years, the United Kingdom chooses a “City of Culture,” and this year’s selection is Bradford. Camilla opened the Brontë Birthplace as part of her honorary visit to the chosen city. A crowd gathered to welcome her. As Tom Golesworthy, a resident of Leeds who attended the opening ceremony, tells the Telegraph & Argus’ Brad Deas, “It makes you proud to be British.”The Haworth parsonage already attracts nearly one million visitors each year, per the Guardian. The Brontë Birthplace team hopes that those visitors will now add the Thornton house, which is only six miles away, to their itineraries. When the Brontës lived in the home, all six children likely slept in the house’s largest upstairs bedroom, while their parents slept next door, reports the Guardian. Both rooms, as well as a third that was added to the house later, will be available for overnight stays. “This will be the only place in the world where you can sleep in the same room that the Brontës slept in,” West tells the Guardian. Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday.

Rocky Mountain region interior designers, architects, builders, and landscape architects have a bounty of inspiration right outside their doors. Accordingly, their work reflects the beauty of the natural world. The region’s design and construction talents have the ability to bring the surrounding landscape into projects of all types, from modern mountain homes to urban apartments and town houses. If you’re ready to start a project, these AD-approved Rocky Mountain region interior designers, architects, builders, and landscape architects should be your first call.On the listInterior DesignersAshley Scheidel Design StudioAshley Scheidel Design Studio let the natural beauty of the materials take center stage in a Denver home’s tranquil bedroom. Photo by Jess Blackwell PhotographySustainability is a driving force in interiors by Ashley Scheidel Design Studio. The Denver-based interior architecture and design firm specializes in new construction and renovations. Whether they are helping clients reimagine their existing spaces or building new ones from scratch, Scheidel and her team focus on creating timeless environments that balance livability and easygoing elegance. The client’s personal style also drives the design, but natural materials such as warm woods and rugged stone feature prominently in the firm’s portfolio.Beaumier InteriorsIn a renovated midcentury brick ranch home in Denver, Beaumier Interiors balanced warmth and restraint through the use of soft textures, sculptural forms, and quiet tones. The resulting space feels both grounded and welcoming. Photo by Jess BlackwellAfter earning her stripes working for several leading firms in Chicago, designer Ashley Beaumier brought her signature organic modern style to the Denver area, where she founded her eponymous firm. Beaumier Interiors crafts polished interiors, which are layered with natural materials, including striking stone, pale linens, and warm woods. The full-service firm works with clients on projects of all sizes, including large renovations and new constructions, and guides each project from start to finish, ensuring a cohesive look throughout the entire home.Elizabeth Stanley DesignCurated vintage furnishings and lighting by Elizabeth Stanley Design softens the concrete architectural rigor of this austere Austin home. Photo by Shade DeggesFor nearly 20 years, contemporary and minimalist houses have been transformed into welcoming, character-filled homes at the hands of designer Elizabeth Stanley and her eponymous firm. The Aspen, Colorado–based studio focuses on bringing its clients’ personal style to the fore as it guides them through the design process. The resulting tranquil spaces balance functionality and aesthetics and incorporate statement furnishings, natural materials, graphic art, and rich textures.Donna Mondi Interior DesignIn a Michigan living room by Donna Mondi Interior Design, sculptural seating and a floating concrete fireplace strike a confident balance between softness and strength. Cascading fiber art adds an unexpected edge. Photo by Dustin Halleck; Styled by Darwin FitzKnown for her ability to mix traditional and modern design into soulful spaces, designer Donna Mondi has been transforming everything from city penthouses to country estates to desert retreats for almost 25 years. With offices in Denver and Chicago, Donna Mondi Interior Design works on high-end projects across the country, including renovations, new construction, and furnishings. The firm specializes in crafting architecturally driven designs that expertly balance luxury and comfort.Dream Homes Inc.In a Denver home, Dream Homes Inc. moved and redesigned the fireplace with a chevron-patterned Italian granite surround. Photo by David Patterson PhotographySpecializing in large-scale renovations, Denver-based Dream Homes Inc. has been transforming homes in the Rocky Mountain region and nationwide since 1999. Led by founder Joyce Clegg, the interior architecture and design firm is known for its expertly planned and personality-filled residences. Dream Homes oversees every aspect of the construction process, and also works on kitchen and bath remodels. Notably, accessibility and aging is at the forefront of its place design.Duet Design GroupIn a historic Denver neighborhood, Duet Design created a cozy family home in a 1937 Tudor. The original architecture’s charm is elevated with inherited art, classic and modern pieces, and vintage finds. Photo by David PattersonWhether designing an updated log cabin, a historic Tudor home, or a contemporary Mexican beach retreat, Denver-based Duet Design Group has an uncanny ability to bring the beauty of a home’s natural surroundings indoors. Led by founder and principal Devon Tobin, the firm works with clients on residential projects, including renovations and new construction, as well as commercial spaces. While the firm is known for its collaborative process, clients can also expect every logistical detail to be taken care of for a stress-free experience.Jede InteriorsBeauty and functionality meet in this polished Orem, Utah, kitchen designed by Jede Interiors. Photo by Camilia LundNeutral hues and natural materials contribute to the calming, timeless homes created by Orem, Utah–based Jede Interiors. Led by principal designer Jen Dean, the firm is known for its fresh take on traditional style, combining comfortable furnishings with vintage pieces that add patina and history. Jede Interiors works to make every space feel authentic to the clients who live in it—it services those based locally and across the country.Bowen Design StudioThe Red Rocks of Southern Utah were the inspiration for the dining area’s cabinet color, adding a playful yet sophisticated design element. Photo by Lacey Alexander PhotographyBuilding a new home can bring a daunting number of decisions, which is where Bowen Design Studio comes in. Led by designer Hailey Brodale, the Saint George, Utah–based firm specializes in helping clients make their custom homes feel truly personal. Whether it’s devising an organic desert retreat or a dramatic mountain home, Bowen Design Studio takes a hands-on approach throughout the construction process, making sure that the end result is exactly what the client envisioned.Lund Haus StudioFor a mountain home, Lund Haus Studio incorporated thoughtful organization solutions to enhance functionality and ease of living, as well as textures and materials inspired by the raw beauty of nature. Photo by Rebekah WestoverSalt Lake City, Utah–based Lund Haus Studio designs joyful homes that truly work. The firm focuses on functionality, adding creative storage solutions and crafting layouts optimized for family life. Principal designer and professional organizer Sam Lund draws on her background in psychology as she works with clients, helping them express their needs and visions for their homes, and the team boasts extensive experience with construction, allowing the firm to expertly manage projects from start to finish.Eider InteriorsA book-matched stone fireplace is a focal point in the living area of an Eider Interiors–designed contemporary home overlooking the Salt Lake City Valley. Photo by Christina Zolotaia PhotographyA clients’ story is at the heart of every space that Bluffdale, Utah–based Eider Interiors creates. Led by founder and principal designer Mallory Bouchard, the residential and commercial design studio is known for its contemporary interiors that balance modern details with elements of warmth and texture. Eider Interiors works on a wide range of projects, from a modern Miami apartment to a nature-inspired desert escape to a luxurious RV.The FlairhunterHigh on the ski runs of Park City, this custom bunk room was designed by The Flairhunter to comfortably accommodate adults and/or kids. Crafted from reclaimed barn wood, it features pops of color in the bedding and accessories to add an element of freshness and fun. Photo by Doug Burke; Styling by Jen PaulInterior design firm The Flairhunter isn’t afraid to make a statement, incorporating bold colors, unique elements, and eye-catching artwork. Founder Stephanie Hunt leads a team of ten across the firm’s outposts in Salt Lake City and Southern California, and the firm works on projects throughout the United States and globally. The Flairhunter balances custom furnishings with vintage pieces and adds energy and personality by mixing colors, patterns, and materials.DwellifyCheckered floors, butcher block countertops, and vintage finishes revived the kitchen of this 100-year-old home updated by Dwellify. Photo by Katie Griffith PhotographyDwellify streamlines the remodeling process, letting homeowners easily choose a design that fits their personal aesthetic and budget constraints. The company’s technology helps clients visualize their future spaces, and the process also includes virtual meetings with designers and Design Boxes of physical samples. The Salt Lake City–based company works remotely with clients across the country, pairing them with a remodel coordinator and a network of carefully vetted pros to help get the job done.Studio EckströmStudio Eckström revives the living room of a 1927 Spanish Colonial Revival in Omaha. Photo by Daniel Johnson PhotographyDesigners Mark and Mikal Eckstrom bring a sense of whimsy and fun to the interiors they create with their Omaha, Nebraska–based firm, Studio Eckström. Unique details abound in the firm’s projects, from fanciful ironwork to bold wall treatments to unexpected color palettes, and the team isn’t afraid to push clients out of their comfort zones. Studio Eckström relies on a trusted roster of artisans, gallerists, and dealers to help them make each home one of a kind.Trove HomesDrawing inspiration from the breathtaking lake views, Trove Home’s design for a Lake Quivira kitchen features a custom curved island leg—an homage to the natural, flowing beauty of the water. Photo by Nate Sheets PhotographyWith a portfolio full of dramatic before and afters, it’s obvious that Kansas City, Kansas–based firm Trove Homes knows how to completely reinvent a home to fit its clients’ personal styles. Co-owners Jessica and Nate White lead clients through every decision, ensuring that the finished space balances livability and sophistication. Whether tackling a renovation or starting from the ground up with a new build, the firm works in an array of aesthetics, from traditional to coastal.Emily Tucker DesignEmily Tucker Design updated a historic Denver Tudor for a young family, maintaining the history of the home while giving the furnishings a more youthful feel. Photo by David LauerBased in Boulder, Colorado, Emily Tucker Design is a full-service firm helping clients across the country create personalized and highly curated residences. Tucker and her team work in a variety of styles, from modern mountain homes to historical residences, adding unexpected touches, including bold color palettes, playful patterns, and dazzling art. The firm prides itself on designing livable spaces, so it’s no wonder it has become a go-to for families looking for stylish yet durable interiors. Emily Tucker Design works on projects of a variety of scopes, including gut renovations, full home design, and new construction.Nadia Watts Interior DesignNadia Watts Interior Design created a bold dining room in a Denver home. Katie Ridder’s Pagoda wallpaper inspired the room’s unexpected color palette. Photo by Emily Minton RedfieldDesigner Nadia Watts founded her eponymous Denver design firm in 2009, and since then she’s become known for her artful—and often colorful—approach to interiors. The great, great granddaughter of Louis Comfort Tiffany and a former assistant to a curator at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Watts has a special appreciation for the decorative arts and is able to give her client’s collections of art and furnishings the showcase they deserve. In addition to working with clients across the country, Watts recently launched a fabric collection with Kravet and designed a jewel-inspired space for the 2024 Kips Bay Palm Beach Showhouse.Inside StoriesA custom fireplace with walnut panels is the focal point of an Aspen home by Inside Stories. A piece by artist Trevor Kiernander is on display alongside swivel chairs by A. Rudin and a leather ottoman by Lee Industries. Photo by Eric LuceroDenver’s Inside Stories combines the capabilities of a large design firm with the hands-on approach of a smaller studio, giving clients the best of both worlds. Led by designer Miranda Cullen, the company tackles projects of all scopes, from paint consultations to complete redesigns, as well as commercial and hospitality designs. For clients looking for white-glove service, Inside Stories has a Residential X team that handles luxury projects like new builds and full-home renovations. Cullen and her team aren’t afraid of making bold moves in their designs, which showcase a mix of styles from midcentury-modern to rustic.Kristin Dittmar DesignKristin Dittmar Design devised a warm and moody primary bathroom for a home in Aspen. Herringbone marble tile lines the floor, while the vanity showcases warm walnut accents. Photo courtesy of Kristin Dittmar DesignEarthy elements and streamlined details blend beautifully in the work of Aspen’s Kristin Dittmar Design. The firm brings its signature mountain modern style to homes across the country, showcasing the natural beauty of each location with rugged stonework, warm wood accents, and perfectly framed views. Whether they’re designing a retreat in the Rockies or modernizing a 19th-century Victorian, Dittmar and her team are hands-on during each phase of a project, making sure that every space shows exacting attention to detail.Susannah Holmberg StudiosFor the foyer of a Chicago carriage house, Susannah Holmberg Studios used wallpaper, art, and color to create a layered entryway. Ryan McDonald. Stylist: Kimberly SwedeliusWhether it’s in a desert retreat or a storied Tudor house, Salt Lake City’s Susannah Holmberg Studios knows how to set a mood. The firm’s stylish spaces balance beauty and livability, and showcase the client’s personality with unique color palettes, curated art, and iconic design pieces. While they specialize in full-home renovations and new construction, Holmerg and her team work on residential and commercial projects across the country, tailoring the designs to each client, as well as the geographic and architectural settings.Margarita BravoFor a whole-home project in Denver’s LoHi district, Bravo drew inspiration from her client’s adventurous spirit and love of unique design, incorporating a mix of colors, patterns, and textures to create a sophisticated and dynamic space. Photo courtesy of Margarita BravoDesigner Margarita Bravo’s projects are as far-flung as her inspirations. Her eponymous firm is headquartered in Denver and has outposts in Miami, Montecito, Aspen, and Barcelona. Bringing in influences from European and Latin American design, Bravo masterfully mixes natural elements, streamlined furnishings, metallic accents, and delightful patterns in her projects, which range from mountain homes to beachfront condos. The designer is also behind Sorella Furniture, which she created with her sister Maria, and MB Home Collection.Ashley Campbell Interior DesignAshley Campbell Interior Design turned the lower level of a new build in Denver into a party-ready space with a wet bar and a custom concrete coffee table. Photo by Meagan Larsen PhotographyDenver designer Ashley Campbell puts a contemporary twist on mountain style, contrasting natural elements with streamlined furnishings, a crisp black-and-white palette, and minimalist lighting and fireplaces. These sophisticated spaces serve as striking backdrops for her clients’ collections of art and artifacts, and Campbell balances contemporary elements with plenty of texture to bring in a sense of warmth. The firm uses the latest technology to realize its designs, giving clients the full picture of the team’s creative vision.ArchitectsCharles Cunniffe Architects & InteriorsIn the great room of an Aspen, Colorado, home, Charles Cunniffe Architects perfectly framed the mountain views in a seating area. Photo by Aaron LeitzScenic views are treated like works of art in the homes designed by Charles Cunniffe Architects & Interiors. The Aspen, Colorado–based firm has been creating residential, commercial, and institutional structures for over 40 years. They bring a dedication to sustainability and innovation to each project, incorporating innovative materials and energy-efficient systems for spaces that enhance their occupant’s well-being. A project’s context is a driving force in the creative process, and CCA expertly incorporates nature into the design.CLB ArchitectsSituated in the heart of Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, Montana, CLB Architects’ Basecamp residence rises into the dense fir and pine trees, offering a close connection to the natural environment. Photo by Kevin ScottNature isn’t just an inspiration for the work of CLB Architects, it’s an integral part of each design. The cross-disciplinary design studio, which has offices in Jackson, Wyoming, and Bozeman, Montana, takes a site-specific approach and lets the surroundings inform each detail. The firm works on projects across the country and internationally, each rooted in context, whether it’s a ski-in, ski-out mountain retreat or an Upper East Side apartment.Forum Phi Architecture and Interior DesignBlending seamlessly with its surroundings, this home by Forum Phi Architecture + Interior Design pairs rustic textures with modern lines—capturing the spirit of the landscape through thoughtful design. Photo by Dallas & Harris PhotographyForum Phi Architecture and Interior Design brings architecture, interior design, and land planning together under one roof, allowing the team to work collaboratively with clients on all aspects of a project. The resulting structures showcase the beauty of the natural world. With offices in Aspen, Denver, and Carbondale, the team works on residential, commercial, and institutional projects in a wide range of locations and styles, from rustic ranches to historic renovations to modern mountain retreats.CCY ArchitectsClad in stone, wood, steel, and glass, a home by CCY Architects nestles quietly within the natural surroundings of Aspen, Colorado, creating a rugged and durable contemporary interpretation of alpine architecture. Photo by Draper WhiteThe American West and its striking landscapes inspire CCY Architects’ regional modernism. The Colorado architecture and design firm seeks to develop a deep connection to nature and community through its work—whether its residential, commercial, or institutional—and makes sustainability a priority. Cross-disciplinary collaboration is at the heart of the firm’s process, and the team immerses itself in the site, ensuring that the final design is rooted in place.Vera Iconica ArchitectureVera Iconica Architecture was inspired by the Japanese concept of ma, or “the space between,” when designing this Shooting Star sanctuary at the base of the Jackson Hole Resort. A series of small view courtyards are carved out of the massing, giving moments for pause and reflection offset with views of woods, streams, and the majestic Tetons. Photo by Blok StudiosFor Vera Iconica Architecture, architecture and wellness go hand in hand. The firm’s evidence-based approach prioritizes the health and well-being of a client, resulting in spaces that feel restorative and connected to nature. The team finds inspiration in the landscape of the West, incorporating natural materials and sustainable building practices. With offices in Jackson, Wyoming; Denver, Colorado; and Park City, Utah, Vera Iconica Architecture designs globally, working on residential and hospitality projects from Hong Kong to South Dakota to Peru.Landscape ArchitectsStudio CampoStudio Campo devised a three-acre farm and homestead in Portland, Oregon, with stylist Emily Henderson. The property is complete with a seating area, plunge pool, raised beds, and a greenhouse workout facility. Photo by Kaitlin GreenLandscape architecture firm Studio Campo creates outdoor spaces that enhance the ecosystem and the lives of those who enjoy them. Led by founding principal Cali Pfaff, the firm has a naturalistic style and a focus on both placemaking and biodiversity, highlighting native species in its work. Based in Denver and Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Studio Campo works on a wide range of landscape projects, including gardens, public spaces, farms, and habitats.BuildersVitruvius BuiltVitruvius Built collaborated with designer Barclay Butera on a sophisticated Deer Valley mountain retreat that blends rustic charm with modern elegance. Photo by Cristina ZolotaiaFounded by Charles Ochello, Park City, Utah–based Vitruvius Built specializes in luxury construction, realizing even the most ambitious designs. The homes, located across the country, feature the highest quality materials and amenities such speakeasy-style golf suites, entertainment floors, and cozy bunk rooms. From a contemporary A-frame style residence to a mountain retreat made for entertaining, the homes in the firm’s portfolio showcase its ability to harness the latest technology to craft personal sanctuaries.Cadre General ContractorsEast Coast meets Colorado in this home constructed by Cadre General Contractors that blends traditional sophistication with a rich, Western aesthetic. Photo courtesy of Cadre General ContractorsCadre General Contractors has been building custom homes in Colorado for nearly 30 years and its decades of experience shows in its extensive portfolio. The contracting firm works in a wide range of styles from traditional to contemporary, collaborating closely with architects and designers to bring the overall vision to life. Cadre prides itself on its ability to execute ambitious designs while maintaining an exacting attention to detail and quality.The Jackson Home CompanyWithin a newly constructed home by The Jackson Home Company, the expansive great room, with its vaulted ceilings, exposed steel beams, and grand stone fireplace, is framed by floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing breathtaking views of the Teton Range. Photo by David AgnelloThe Jackson Home Company channels the rugged beauty of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, into striking mountain homes. In 2019, Brooklyn Home Company founders Bill Caleo, Lyndsay Caleo Karol, and Fitzhugh Karol expanded west to Wyoming, and since then the division has designed and built over 20 luxury single-family homes, including a 6,414-square-foot ski-in/ski-out home in Teton Village and an artful retreat nestled beside an Aspen grove. The firm prioritizes sustainability in its homes, incorporating elements like green roofs and locally sourced materials.APPLY NOWGrow your business with the AD PRO DirectoryArrowAre you looking for an interior decorator or designer to hire for your next project? Wherever you are, visit the AD PRO Directory to browse our list of AD-approved designers and find your match for a design consultation.

Pavilion of Estonia Let Me Warm You Biennale Architettura 2025 / Keiti Lige + Elina Liiva + Helena MännaSave this picture!© Joosep KivimäePavilion•Venezia, Italy Architects: Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2025 Photographs Photographs:Joosep KivimäeMore SpecsLess Specs Save this picture! Text description provided by the architects. The Ministry of Culture of Estonia presents the installation and exhibition "Let me warm you" www.letmewarmyou.com curated by architects Keiti Lige, Elina Liiva, and Helena Männa, the Pavilion of Estonia at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia (May 10th - November 23rd, 2025). The Pavilion explores whether current insulation-driven renovations are merely a compliance measure to meet European energy targets or if they can serve as an opportunity to enhance the spatial and social quality of mass housing districts. To highlight this issue, the Estonian Pavilion will cover the facade of a Venetian building with insulation panels, the same practice used in Estonia for mass housing. The palazzetto is located in Riva dei Sette Martiri 1611 in the waterfront between Corso Garibaldi and the Giardini, within the Castello neighborhood (Address: Riva dei Sette Martiri 1611, Castello, Venice). On the ground floor of the same building, a room, wrapped in plastic film, will host an exhibition showing how social dynamics within different stakeholders have an effect on spatial solutions.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!"With this project, we question whether insulation is just a bureaucratic checkbox for meeting EU targets or a real chance to tackle social and spatial challenges. It exposes the clash between bold global ambitions and the everyday realities of people navigating collective decisions." — assert curators Keiti Lige, Elina Liiva, and Helena Männa. In order to cope with climate change, one half of the world is installing ever-thicker insulation layers, while the other half is using increasingly powerful cooling systems. As Europe races toward its transition to climate neutrality by 2050, Estonia has an ambitious goal, pledging to upgrade all the apartment buildings pre-2000 to at least energy efficiency class C. This sweeping renovation effort is part of a larger European movement to modernize aging housing stock in response to the climate crisis. However, insulation should not be treated as a mere quick fix, a 'bandage,' but rather a meaningful upgrade in quality of life. Given the high costs and long-term impact of these renovations, the real challenge is finding a balance between ambitious climate policies and the everyday needs of the people who live in these spaces.Save this picture!Installations - The installation, mounted directly onto the existing building's façade, will use the same materials and design elements typically found in Estonian renovations. Set against the ornate architecture of Venice, this stark contrast serves as a powerful visual statement. In Estonia, Soviet-era apartment block renovations often proceed with little to no architectural input, reinforcing a problematic disregard for the character and potential of these spaces. By juxtaposing a fiber cement-clad façade with Venice's rich historic fabric, the installation aims to spark a dialogue between inhabitants and architects about the cities and spaces we aspire to live in.Save this picture!Save this picture!Exhibition - On the ground floor of the palazzetto, an exhibition will delve into the social forces shaping renovation decisions. In Estonia, where most apartment buildings are privately owned, renovation choices are often driven by financial constraints, leaving little room for spatial improvements beyond insulation. The exhibition space (an existing apartment) itself will be wrapped in plastic film, symbolizing the relentless push for renovation while exposing how technical fixes often overshadow the deeper connections and real needs people have with their homes. At its centre, a model of a Soviet-era housing block brings human interactions to the forefront, using theatrical dialogues and exaggerated spatial outcomes to depict how different relationships and interactions have their impact on space. By shining a light on the complexities of collective living and renovation decisions, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the tension between policy-driven energy goals and the lived realities of those affected by them. The exhibition is accompanied by a catalogue that captures the tragicomedy of an apartment building in six scenes. Based on real people's stories, it explores themes ranging from the fear of change to the revitalization of the neighborhood.Save this picture!The Biennale Architettura 2025 is curated by architect Carlo Ratti under the theme "Intelligens. Naturale. Artificiale. Collettiva.", and will be about the built environment as one of the largest contributors to atmospheric emissions, placing architecture among the main culprits in the degradation of our planet. As the climate crisis accelerates, architects must offer solutions, substantial and non-cosmetic, effective, and quick to achieve. In this sense, the Estonian exhibition responds to Ratti's call for pavilions: "This year's head theme offers good ground to discuss what happens to architecture when the Architect is excluded from the process. Renovation processes that are planned by residents themselves according to their best knowledge provide a good example of how collective intelligence, or lack of it, affects our spatial environment. The Estonian Pavilion gives the message that the architectural quality of the living environment should not be overlooked in renovation processes," explains Johanna Jõekalda, advisor on architecture and design at the Ministry of Culture of Estonia, Commissioner of the Estonian Pavilion. With "Let me warm you", visitors to the Biennale Architettura 2025 will actively engage with the pavilion and the building. By rethinking renovation strategies, Estonia could set an example for Europe: transforming outdated housing not just for energy efficiency, but for a more sustainable and livable future.Save this picture! Project gallerySee allShow less Project locationAddress:Venezia, ItalyLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeKeiti LigeOffice•••Elina LiivaOffice•••Helena MännaOffice••• MaterialsWoodPlasticMaterials and TagsPublished on May 27, 2025Cite: "Pavilion of Estonia Let Me Warm You Biennale Architettura 2025 / Keiti Lige + Elina Liiva + Helena Männa" 27 May 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1030040/pavilion-of-estonia-let-me-warm-you-biennale-architettura-2025-keiti-lige-plus-elina-liiva-plus-helena-manna&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save世界上最受欢迎的建筑网站现已推出你的母语版本!想浏览ArchDaily中国吗?是否 You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Update [Sun 25th May 2025, 5am]: Level-5 has shared an “important notice" regarding the Switch and also the Xbox version of Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time - mentioning how scheduling adjustments for the update rollout are “expected to be delayed”. These issues are scheduled to be resolved in the Version 1.2.1 update, “planned for release around May 29”. In the meantime, here are the following issues popping up for Switch and Xbox, along with "other planned fixes" for the game:Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube814kWatch on YouTube Important Notice (22nd May 2025) Switch & Xbox: In quests for Crafting Lives, some Recipes may be hard to find in the Recipe Menu, making it feel like progression is not possible. Workaround If you can’t locate the required Recipe for a quest, go to the “Quests” tab on the Recipe Menu and scroll down to find it. Switch: While inside a Treasure Grove or a shrine in Ginormosia, if a player edits and saves Stickers/Emotes/Quick Texts in the Greetings tab of the Options and then restarts the game immediately afterward, a progression-blocking bug may occur. Workaround There are several workarounds for this issue. If the bug occurs inside a Treasure Grove: Select "Give Up" on the Weird Pad to exit the Treasure Grove. This will allow you to continue playing the game. If the bug occurs inside a shrine in Ginormosia outside of Chapter 2, "Head towards Skelegon": Select "Teleportation Gate" on the Weird Pad to leave the shrine and continue playing. If the bug occurs in a shrine on Ginormosia during Chapter 2, "Head towards Skelegon":This issue is scheduled to be fixed in version 1.2.1, planned for release around May 29. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience. Switch & Xbox: During the Main Story Chapter 6, "Go to the Cave of Trials," if you travel to Ginormosia and watch the event scene which plays after clearing multiple shrine minigames, you may become unable to enter the Cave of Trials, preventing progression. Workaround If you have the Story Quest selected, the upper right of the screen will display "Go to the Cave of Trials." While this message is shown, please avoid triggering the event scene that plays after clearing multiple shrine minigames on Ginormosia. Switch & Xbox: If a player triggers the Guild Office expansion event scene while carrying a Guild Office Relocation Kit, and uses the kit afterward, two Guild Offices will appear. Workaround If you are carrying a Guild Office Relocation Kit, please avoid triggering the Guild Office expansion event scene that occurs when recruiting new companions. There are also some other planned fixes: Other Planned Fixes Switch & Xbox: Fixing an issue where players are unable to draw their weapon during the first battle tutorial, preventing progression. Adjusting the UI in the "Life Challenges" tab of the Quests Menu to make it clearer that a Life can be selected. Adding a new feature called "Instant Help" to support players as they progress through their adventure. Fixing an issue where the "!" icon on the Quests Menu would not disappear. Adjusting multiplayer so that progress can be made on accepted quests even during multiplayer sessions. Switch: Fixing an issue occurring on certain cutscenes, where pausing the game while the "Auto" setting is enabled causes all inputs except for "Skip" to become unresponsive. Fixing an issue that prevents the acquisition of certain Recipes as quest completion rewards, in case the Tailor or Artist Novice Challenges were skipped. Original Story: [Sun 18th May, 2025 02:55 BST]: Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time arrives on the Switch next week and ahead of release Level-5 is rolling out an early access update on select platforms, bumping the game up to Version 1.1.1. This will be slightly different on the Switch front - with Version 1.1.0 apparently reflecting "some of the contents of this update" on 22nd May (JST). The version that reflects "most" of the content will be released in the future as Version 1.2.0. "For the Nintendo Switch version, "ver.1.1.0", which reflects some of the contents of this update, will be released on Thursday, May 22nd (JST). The version that reflects most of the contents will be released in the future as "ver.1.2.0"." Here's a translation of the full patch notes from Level-5's official website: Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time (Early Access Update) - Version 1.1.1 Feature additions/adjustments Adding a signature function to crafted items ●You can add a sign to equipment you create (weapons, shields, life tools, armor). There are various designs for signs, so you can set the sign you want to use by examining the workbench and selecting "Choose Sign." Added "Control Settings" to the options menu ●A menu has been added to the options that allows you to change button assignments for some actions. Added the ability to move to the Life Master ●A function has been added to the lives screen that allows you to move to the master position of each life. *This will become effective after clearing the "Apprentice Trial" for each life. Adjusted so that the companions selected in the production settings are remembered. ●When crafting an item at a workbench, the state of the companion selected on the crafting settings screen will be saved and will be displayed in the selected state the next time you craft an item. Adjusting the number of items that can be made in one production ●The maximum number of items that can be made in one production run for the recipes for "Plants," "Fences," and "Streetlights" has been increased. Organized the information about skills displayed on the equipment screen ●The content of skills displayed in the details window on the right side of the equipment screen has been reorganized. When Life is Focused - Adjusted to display only unique skills When an item is focused - Adjusted so that only equipement skills are displayedBase UI Adjustments ●Adjusted the icon display of vegetables in fields. ●Names are now displayed on placed buildings. Made crafting area objects easier to grab Made it easier to grab objects in the crafting area. Adjusted the clear condition text for the Gachadan Tree In the Gacha Dungeon Tree, when the clear condition is to "obtain a Fruit of Time," we have adjusted the text to make it easier to understand which target will drop the Fruit of Time. Map screen adjustments ●Icons have been added to the map screen/minimap to make it easier to see exits and ascending and descending levels within dungeons. Adjustment of recording prohibited areas ●Adjusted the prohibited areas for recording on the main unit. Add guides/adjust content ●The following additions/adjustments have been made to the in-game "Guide". 【addition】 "sign" Explanation of signatures that can be included in crafted items Support for production by peers Explanation of the support provided by companion NPCs in the production mini-game 『Eye & Hair Catalog』 Explanation of the "catalog" that allows you to add eyes and hairstyles [Adjustment] Coliseum Quest Adding retirement explanation "Phantom Fellows" Added explanation regarding experience distribution How to grow vegetables Added instructions on sowing and watering "Tension Techniques for Combat Life" / "Tension Techniques for Gathering Life"The same guide for combat and gathering life has been split into separate guides. Balance Changes Main story related parameter adjustments ●The parameters of enemies and gatherable items that appear in the main story have been adjusted to make the story more enjoyable to play. ●To make the storyline more enjoyable, we have adjusted the parameters required for recipes that need to be created in the main story. Area Challenge related parameter adjustments ●The conditions for achieving a gold ranking in the Legendary Challenge have been relaxed. ●The conditions for achieving a gold rating in delivery challenges have been relaxed. Bug Fixes ●Fixed an issue where players would not be guided correctly to destinations in the Main Story, Life Trials, and Requests from Everyone. ●Fixed an issue that prevented progress from occurring if you were incapacitated in battle between the start of the game and reaching Tokinone Village. ●Fixed an issue that caused progression to be impossible if the number of items received in the Life Guild receiving box exceeded the limit. ●Fixed a bug regarding obtaining items in Chapter 5 of the main story. ●Fixed a bug that occurred with obtaining items at the Mujin Sales Office. ●Fixed an issue where the parameters of equipment obtained from some treasure chests were incorrect. *After applying this patch, the parameters will be automatically corrected. Fixed an issue on the Baka Dekkana continent where following NPCs/enemies were not moving correctly relative to the terrain. ●Fixed an issue where phantom character status did not change depending on area rank. ●Fixed an issue where experience points were not distributed when obtaining an experience orb or clearing the crafting mini-game if a phantom character was in the party. Fixed an issue where skipping the Tailor and Artist Apprentice Trials would result in players not being able to obtain some of the recipes that should be obtained upon completing the trials. *After applying this patch, recipes that were not available will be automatically granted if the conditions are met. ●Fixed an issue where appearing NPCs would remain hidden when skipping the Apprentice Trial in some lives. Fixed an issue where the target would not be registered in the Pokédex when requesting gathering from a companion NPC and completing the task. ●Fixed an issue that caused the game to become uncontrollable when requesting production and attempting to produce an item that was at the maximum quantity when no companion was selected. Fixed an issue where objects could not be placed on the third level of the ground at bases. ●Fixed an issue that prevented the base message board quest "Get the highest rating in the gallery" from being completed. ●Fixed an issue in the Gachadan Tree where items buried in the Aging Altar could not be digged up. Fixed an issue where the age of a gifted aged weapon would not be displayed to the recipient. Fixed an issue where players would be unable to progress if they edited a stamp/emote/free template in the "Greetings" tab of options in the Gachadan Tree/Baka Dekkana Continent Shrine and then immediately restarted the game after saving. *We are working to recover save data that will be unable to progress after applying this patch. Fixed unintended behavior that occurred in the menu when performing renovations. ●Fixed an issue that caused buttons to become unusable after the tutorial ended depending on when the tutorial occurred. ●Fixed an issue in some event scenes where pausing the scene while it was set to "Auto" would result in no operations being accepted other than skipping. Fixed a bug that occurred in some quests. ●Fixed an issue where Trip's pinning effect did not target the correct targets when playing cooperatively with Trip (2P Family Play). ●Various bugs in multiplayer have been fixed. ●Some Japanese text and translated text have been corrected. ●Other minor bugs have been fixed. Earlier this week, the Japanese publication Famitsu awarded Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time 36 out of 40. The game's local release will kick off on 21st May, with the early access period beginning on 18th May for select platforms. A fantasy score? Will you be getting this game when it arrives on Switch next week? Let us know in the comments. [source fantasylife.jp] Related Games See Also Share:0 4 Liam is a news writer and reviewer across Hookshot Media. He's been writing about games for more than 15 years and is a lifelong fan of many iconic video game characters. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment... 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