We design spaces that elevate human relationships and prioritise function as well as form.
What We Do
HARK are experts in residential renovations, extensions, new builds and townhouse. We also have extensive experience in commercial work including in the education and community sector.
Our special interest lies in transforming existing houses into beautiful, highly functional modern spaces that serve the people that live in them while honouring the history of a home.
An intuitive sense for timeless design blends with our attention to detail and creative thinking.
We analyse sites and existing buildings and design projects that respect the environment and optimise sustainability at all stages of the process.
We value the ongoing relationships we build with our clients over a lifetime of living and working in inspiring spaces that foster wellness and connection.
Why We Do It
HARK was born in 2019 out of a desire to put people at the centre of all design decisions. The name acknowledges the sense of calling and vocational nature of architecture and also the Hark’s focus on listening and staying focused on what our clients want and need.
Modern architecture that solves problems, brings people together and supports wellbeing are the hallmarks of the HARK style.
Understanding our clients’ needs, budgets and aesthetic while making the design and build journey accessible and enjoyable underpins every design decision we make.
Our Team
We are an experienced team of architects and technicians who enjoy the hands-on, client-centred nature of working for a small studio with the flexibility to work on a wide range of projects across the Wellington region and NZ.
We collaborate with other consultants and have the agility to scale our team as required to ensure strong local knowledge no matter where we are working, and the capacity to design and oversee projects of any size.
Kate Harford - Studio Director / Registered Architect
Kate established HARK to honour her desire to work with clients in a way that made the often difficult journey of building or renovating a home more enjoyable and rewarding.
Graduating in 2007, Kate has since worked on a wide range of residential, commercial, education and community projects in previous practices.
While Kate’s background includes large commercial and education projects, her true passion lies in residential architecture because of its personal nature and ability to positively impact people’s lives in meaningful ways.
Surrounding herself with a small but experienced team enables Kate to maintain close contact and oversight with clients and projects from start to finish, fulfilling a sense of purpose to her architectural career while also ensuring her clients get a seamless design experience.
Ian Espanol - Architectural Technician
Ian is a technical expert in site analysis and documentation. After working as an architect in Manila, he moved to New Zealand in 2016 to embrace the lifestyle and continue his passion for design.
Ian’s love for the built environment started way back as a young child building things from sticks, boxes and of course lego.
Fast forward to the present day, and he has a wealth of experience in both residential and commercial architecture and believes good design is honest, enduring and brings delight to those who live and work in it without compromising the environment.
Willem van den Bergh - Architectural Designer
Willem is the rendering and presentation guru at HARK, bringing our projects to life digitally in 2D, 3D and Virtual Reality.
He believes that good architecture is about more than just aesthetics. It’s about how a space makes you feel. In his work, he’s driven to design homes that enhance people’s quality of life - physically, mentally and emotionally.
Natural light, spaces that promote wellbeing and design that encourages connection are all top of mind when considering a new design.
Architecture’s unique interplay between creativity and problem-solving has always been fascinating to Willem and ensured his passion for his work over time has continued to grow.
We believe the strong relationships we build with our clients, consultants and contractors underpins the success of what we do. Good design and outstanding architectural outcomes begins with communication so let’s connect. We’d love to learn about your project.
WORK IN PROGRESS
EASTBOURNE NEW HOUSE AND SWIMMING POOL
ISLAND BAY ALTERATIONS AND EXTENSION
CENTRAL OTAGO NEW BUILD IN COLLABORATION WITH S.A. STUDIO
KARORI VILLA ALTERATIONS/LANDSCAPING
PETONE TOWNHOUSES
CROMWELL WINERY BUILDING IN COLLABORATION WITH S.A. STUDIO
BERHAMPORE EXTENSION / ALTERATIONS
LOWER HUTT JOINERY SHOWROOM
GARAGE/WORKSHOP FEASIBILITY STUDY
KITCHEN AND BATHROOM PROJECTS
HERETAUNGA EXTENSION AND ALTERATIONS
EASTBOURNE KITCHEN AND ALTERATIONS
RECENTLY COMPLETED
KARORI ALTERATIONS / BASEMENT CONVERSION
PETONE VILLA RELOCATION & ALTERATIONS AND
PETONE NEW HOUSE + ACCESSIBLE FLAT
KARORI EXTENSION AND ALTERATIONS
LOWER HUTT TOWNHOUSE DEVELOPMENT
RE-CLAD, RE-ROOF AND THERMAL UPGRADE PROJECTS
AIRBNB DEVELOPMENT
HERETAUNGA MULTI-GENERATIONAL EXTENSION/DEVELOPMENT
COLLEGE STAFFROOM AND KITCHEN
PETONE EXTENSION/RENOVATION
CHRISTCHURCH EXTENSION, CARPORT AND ALTERATIONS
BOULCOTT DECK/PERGOLA AND ENTERTAINING SPACE
EASTBOURNE ALTERATIONS