About Us

We are a team of down-to-earth, highly motivated designers, whose passion lies in the satisfaction of seeing our clients’ architectural dreams and visions become reality.

No two projects are the same, nor any two clients; at DK Architecture, we tailor our design process to the unique challenges of each project, working hand-in-hand with each of our clients throughout the entire process.

As designers, we are the first cog in the very important process and a good designer is key to any successful building project. We take pride in this role and aim to maximise our briefs and always exceed expectations. We work with the client’s wish list, budget and timeframe, and translates them; transforming their dreams to reality. The more thought invested in the planning phase the smoother any project will run. Professional advice from the right designer will make for ‘smooth sailing’ and elevate the design from good to great.

We believe communication is key and with a collaborative approach, we work hard to create an enjoyable experience from the initial concept stage right through to project completion. We spend the required time to investigate all possibilities, considering the spaces internally, externally and as a whole, constantly pushing the boundaries, to create the best possible, functional and beautifully designed buildings.

MEET THE TEAM

Darryl Sutton
Director / Architectural Designer
NDArch.Tech/Dip.AD
LBP Design 1 – BP116247
P: 03 455 1281
M: 027 424 4339
Susan Gaby
Architectural Technician
NDArch.Tech/Dip.AD
P: 03 455 1281
Audrey Ross
Architectural Designer
Bachelor of Design
B.Des LBP Des1 – BP133142
P: 03 455 1281
M: 021 022 93373
Abby Neill
Architectural Designer
MArch(Prof), BAS
P: 03 455 1281
Ben Masterton
Architectural Technician
NDArch.Tech
P: 03 455 1281

The Process

Step 01

Preliminary/Concept
  • Obtain / discuss clients brief, key outcomes & objectives
  • Confirm adequacy of the budget
  • Site measure/obtain all information/consult key consultants
  • Document existing
  • Develop concepts, refine and discuss/present to the client
  • Develop as required into confirm confirmed
  • As suitable for planning applications to be lodged / budget elemental estimates to be obtained

Step 02

Developed Design
  • Develop confirmed concept, including plan documentation, 3d illustrations and specifications
  • Liaise with key consultants main contractor as required
  • Regular contact with the client as key intervals to ensure key outcomes & objectives are maximised
  • Organise/obtain budget elemental estimates to ensure project budget remains on target

Step 03

Building Consent / Construction Documentation
  • Finalise all required documentation & confirm with client / main contractor
  • Prepare and submit application to local authority and answer RFI’s as required
  • Obtain approved application, issue to client / main contractor

Step 04

Construction Observation
  • Update documentation to include changes and conditions from Building Consent
  • Make periodic site visits
  • Review shop drawings, material samples and contractor submissions
  • Respond to requests for information or clarification by client and contractor
  • Arrange and attend site meetings, keep and distribute minutes

Testimonials

Trevor Day

Lachlan Ave Apartments

New Home
“We have employed Darryl on various projects over the past few years and have found him excellent to work with. He is punctual, accurate and has a great eye for detail and design. He has maximised the design results for each of our projects, working together with us and our contractors to ensure the best possible outcomes.”
Brian and Glenda Sargeant

Sargeant House

New Home
“We recently undertook a major demolition/renovation of a house that we will be moving into. We employed the services of DK Architecture (Darryl Sutton) to initially advise us on our options and opportunities as regards possible new layout possibilities. The advice Darryl gave us proved to be invaluable and totally practical in all respects. This advice was presented to us in a very unbiased manner and gave us much to consider based on the advice Darryl gave us. Once we finally decided on a final design Darryl prepared draft plans that simply “blew us away” as he came up with a design that totally addressed our brief in all respects. Darryl has since prepared all documentation necessary for Local Authority Building Consent. This was presented to the Dunedin City Council in a very comprehensive manner and the Consent has been duly approved with minimal requests for further information. Since consent approval Darryl has continued to be very readily available to consult with our main builder in a very cooperative manner which has been very much appreciated by all concerned. In conclusion, we have found Darryl to be extremely easy to work with in a totally professional manner and we would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending him.”
Rich & Juanita Kneale

Kneale House

New Home
“I wanted to thank you personally for your professional architectural services and share with any potential clients the fantastic experience that was designing and having built our home with DK Architecture. From our initial meetings, through to full design completion, the process was smooth, streamlined and stress-free. You and your team were always friendly, accomodating and understanding or our needs . Furthermore, the consenting process and construction of our home was  seamless thanks to perfectly detailed drawings, precise measurements and specifications and outstanding technical precision. Despite having predominantly worked from different cities, communication was always effortless and your Interpretation of our requests and descriptions always delivered on brief in a timely and accurate manner The design, plans and specifications that you delivered have ultimately resulted in an amazing experience and beautifully designed home which is exactly on brief. Please feel free to use me as a reference for any potential clients. It would be our pleasure to  speak with, meet in person or show them through our home. Thank you again Darryl and the team at DK. Happy DK house owner.”
Greg Souness

Souness Home

New Home
“Darryl and his team made the design and consenting process for our project so easy. He was able to walk in and very quickly make suggestions for how the space could be better utilised. He worked with us (and our wish list!) to come up with a design that we’re really excited about. It was all sorted, with consent issued in no time.”
Sunita and Jim Ribbons

Manchester Place

New Home
“As we reach the end of the road (or more accurately a new beginning) on Manchester Place, Sunita and I wanted to reach and thank you. Working with you and your team was a delight. The way you explained things patiently and simply was enormously helpful. We are overjoyed with the house and we obviously could not have done anything close to this good without your skill, hard work and creativity.”
Ian Shirtliff

Residential, Re-Clad

Residential
Thanks for your friendly professional work that you have completed and in a timely manner. I would freely recommend you to anyone looking for an approachable yet professional architecture service.