Question 1

Who are First Light Studio?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What does First Light Studio specialise in?

Accepted Answer

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 certifiers.

Question 3

Where is First Light Studio based and where do they work?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Is First Light Studio a registered architecture practice in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

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 a Bronze Member of the Passive House Institute of New Zealand and a Superhome Movement supporter.

Question 5

What awards has First Light Studio won?

Accepted Answer

First Light Studio has won multiple NZIA National and Local Architecture Awards (2017–2024), 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.

Question 6

What is a passive house and does First Light Studio design them?

Accepted Answer

A passive house (Passivhaus) is a rigorous international building standard that results in ultra-low energy buildings which require little energy for heating or cooling. First Light Studio are experts in Passivhaus principles and design, and are certified Homestar designers and certifiers. They work in partnership with eHaus, New Zealand's largest builder of passive homes.

Question 7

How do I start a project with First Light Studio?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Does First Light Studio do home renovations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. First Light Studio has extensive experience in residential renovations and alterations across New Zealand, from modest upgrades to significant whole-home transformations. Their design approach treats each renovation as a unique project tailored to the site and the client's lifestyle.

Question 9

Can First Light Studio design a bach or holiday home?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

What is Homestar and is First Light Studio certified?

Accepted Answer

Homestar is New Zealand's national rating tool for the health, warmth, and efficiency of homes. First Light Studio are certified Homestar designers and certifiers, meaning they can design, assess, and certify homes to achieve a Homestar rating — giving clients independent verification of their home's performance.

We are First Light Studio.

An award-winning Wellington-based Architecture and Interiors practice specialising in residential design, including new homes, renovations, and multi-unit housing.

We represent the next generation of architects and designers who truly care about our living and built environments, and the people they serve. We’re using design to solve problems and drive change - big and small - for families, businesses and communities.

As specialists in high-performance housing & sustainable architecture, we excel in projects of various scales, ranging from architectural homes, renovations, passive homes, and holiday houses (baches) to multi-unit townhouse/apartment development and master planning for urban design.

First Light Studio has built a national reputation for sustainable, high-performance design. Led by directors Eli Nuttall, Ben Jagersma, Nick Officer, and Guy Marriage, the practice has received more than 25 NZIA Architecture Awards since opening in 2012.

We are based in Wellington, and Nelson and work throughout New Zealand, including the Kāpiti Coast, Auckland, Nelson, Christchurch, and Queenstown.

Talk to us about your next project.