
Design Services
Clear, practical design services to help you plan, document and deliver your next building project.
From concepts to detailed drawings and consents, we help move your project from concept to construction
At Scott Ede Design, we provide architectural design and draughting services for residential and commercial projects across Central Otago.
Whether you are planning a new home, a renovation, a commercial fit-out, or need drawings for consent, we bring together creative thinking, practical knowledge, and clear documentation to help move your project forward.
We are based in Cromwell and work with clients across Queenstown, Wānaka, Central Otago and the wider region. Since 2011, our work has been shaped by hands-on construction experience, local knowledge, and a straightforward approach to design.
Our approach to your project
We understand that every project starts in a different place. Some clients come to us with a clear brief, while others are still working through ideas, requirements or site constraints. Our job is to guide the process, provide practical advice, and develop a design response that fits the project.
Because we combine design experience with hands-on construction knowledge, we keep a close eye on both the creative and practical side of the work. That means thoughtful design, clear communication and documentation that is grounded in how projects are actually built.
The design services we support you with

Architectural Design
Residential and commercial design from early concepts through to developed plans.

Draughting & Documentation
Clear drawings for design development, coordination and construction.

Consents & Approvals
Resource consent drawings and building consent documentation to help move projects forward.
Residential Design
We work with homeowners, builders and developers to design homes that are functional, well considered, and suited to the way people live.
This can include concept design, developed design, detailed drawings and documentation to support the next stage of the project.
From custom homes to multi-home developments, we aim to create designs that respond to the site, the brief and the practical realities of building. Our approach balances aesthetics with buildability, so the design works both on paper and on site.


Commercial Projects
We also work on commercial projects, bringing the same practical and design-led approach to spaces that need to function well for staff, customers and day-to-day operations.
Our construction background across residential and commercial work supports a clear, grounded design process from early ideas through to documentation.
Whether the project involves a new commercial building, alterations, or design input for an existing space, we focus on practical solutions, clear drawings and an outcome that supports the way the space will be used.
Where we work - local by design
We are based in Cromwell and work across Central Otago, Queenstown, Wānaka and the wider Otago region. Our projects range from homes and renovations to commercial work and development-related design support.
Draughting & Working Drawings
Clear, accurate draughting is a key part of getting any project off the ground.
We provide draughting services and prepare the drawings needed to communicate the design properly, coordinate with consultants, and support approvals and construction.
This service is useful for clients who already have a direction in mind but need professional documentation to move ahead.
It is also a core part of our wider architectural design service, helping turn ideas into detailed, buildable plans


Renovations & Alteration Projects
Renovation projects need careful thinking, especially when working with an existing home or building.
We help clients rework spaces, improve layout and functionality, and plan additions or upgrades that sit comfortably with the original structure.
Whether you are making targeted changes or planning a more substantial transformation, we can help develop a practical design approach that improves how the space works while supporting the consent and construction process.
Consent Documentation & Approvals
Most of the information councils need is already built into our detailed working drawings.
We package this into clear drawing sets and supporting documents to help with both resource consent (where required) and building consent.
Where a project is more complex, we can also work alongside planning consultants and other specialists to support your application.

Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to get a house designed in Central Otago?
We don’t use a one‑size‑fits‑all price because every project is different, but most architectural design fees in New Zealand are calculated as a percentage of the build cost, often in the 3–5% range, depending on scope and level of service. For your project, we’ll discuss the brief, site and budget, then give you an indication of fees before we begin.
When should I involve an architectural designer in my project?
The earlier you bring us in, the more we can help you make good decisions about layout, feasibility and consents. Many clients contact us when they first secure or consider a site, but we can also step in later to refine a concept, develop detailed drawings, or prepare consent documentation.
What services can you help with – design, draughting or consents?
We provide architectural design for residential, commercial and renovation projects, draughting and working drawings, and documentation to support resource consent (where required) and building consent applications. That means we can help you from early ideas through to detailed plans and council approvals.
