Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about working with First Light Studio.

Modern houses with large glass windows and wooden siding, fenced yard, and landscaped garden, with a hillside covered in trees and grass in the background.

Cardrona Abodo Alpine Village
Cardrona Valley, New Zealand

First Light Studio is a Wellington-based architecture and interiors practice specialising in sustainable design, passive house architecture, and high-performance homes. We work with clients throughout New Zealand — from first-time home builders to experienced developers. If you can't find the answer below, contact First Light Studio — we'd love to hear about your project.

We have further FAQ’s answered on our services pages. Links to each of these can be found below:

New build FAQ
Renovation FAQ
multi-unit FAQ
Interior FAQ
Commercial FAQ
Passive House FAQ

  • First Light Studio is an award-winning sustainable architecture and interiors practice based in Wellington, New Zealand. Founded by architects with a shared passion for high-performance, environmentally responsible design, the studio has won multiple NZIA National Architecture Awards and operates nationwide across New Zealand.

  • First Light Studio specialises in sustainable residential architecture, passive house (Passivhaus) design, high-performance housing, home renovations, interior design, multi-unit townhouse and apartment developments, and master planning. They are certified Homestar Designers and Assessors.

  • First Light Studio is based at Level 1, 1 Ghuznee Street, Wellington, New Zealand. They operate a nationwide practice and have delivered projects in Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton, Taupo, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, the Hutt Valley, Kāpiti, Nelson, Christchurch, Queenstown, and Dunedin, as well as internationally.

  • Yes. First Light Studio is a registered practice with the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) and its architects are registered with the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB). The studio is also an Associate Member of the Passive House Institute of New Zealand and a Superhome Movement supporter.

  • First Light Studio has won NZIA Architecture Awards every year since 2017, including National Architecture Awards in 2013, 2021 and 2024, Master Builders House of the Year awards including National Category Winner and Top 100 placements, the 2023 Master Builders Commercial Property Awards Gold for Heritage and Restoration, and placed 3rd overall at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon with the Meridian First Light House.

  • You can contact First Light Studio by phone at (04) 385-3789, by email at info@firstlightstudio.co.nz, or via the enquiry form at firstlightstudio.co.nz/contact. The studio offers a complete end-to-end architectural service from initial briefing through design, consents, contractor procurement, and site observation.

  • Yes. First Light Studio has designed numerous holiday homes and baches throughout New Zealand, including the award-winning Te Horo Beach House on the Kāpiti Coast, Pukatea Beach House, and the Karitane Crib in Otago. They bring the same commitment to sustainability and site-responsive design to all project types.

A modern house exterior with a brick and wood facade, a small landscaped yard with minimalist plants, and a sunset sky with pink clouds.

Peka Peka Beach House
Kāpiti Coast, New Zealand

Construction site on a hillside overlooking a body of water with mountains in the background. The structure is in framing stage with pink lumber and has stairs, fencing, and construction equipment around.

Luwte- Construction Views
Wellington, New Zealand