Projects
Profile
Tony has been involved in the building industry since 1993, owning his own architecture practice since 2002. He is a Professional Member of ADNZ and has previously served as a Director and Chair of its National Board. His business is based in New Plymouth.
His practice, Imagine Architecture, is a multi award winning architectural firm which is driven by the notion of “Changing people’s lives though great architecture & design”. This is delivered via:
- Energy efficiency
- Sustainability and efficiency
- Aesthetics / architectural appeal
- Function and use of space
- Quality of environment, both air and light
- Value through quality design
This is applied across all their projects irrespective of size or budget. Their belief is that there is an opportunity with every project to make better choices and better decisions to improve the quality of the space experienced by its occupants. Merely meeting minimum building code requirements is not enough. Exceeding minimums is the key to better buildings whether they be new architectural homes or commercial structures. Optimum performance ahead of minimum compliance every time!
Outside of architecture his life revolves around his partner Jackie and their children. Tony plays club cricket and recently competed in the NZ Masters cricket competition winning the gold medal.
Specialties
Awards
- 2022 INTERNATIONAL: BUILD Review - Construction & Engineering Awards - Best Commercial Redevelopment Project (New Zealand): 95 on Vivian &
Architecture Firm of the Year - New Zealand - 2021 INTERNATIONAL: BUILD Review - Construction & Engineering Awards - Best New Urban Home Project (New Zealand): Butler+Osman & Architecture Firm of the Year - New Zealand
- 2020 INTERNATIONAL: BUILD Review - Architecture Awards - Best Sustainable Architecture Design Practice - New Zealand
- 2019 INTERNATIONAL: BUILD Review - Architecture Awards -
Best Residential Architecture Design Practice - New Zealand & Best Rural Residential Design Project (New Zealand) - Paddock 35 - 2018 ADNZ – National Architecture Awards
- Finalist – House for Brent & Jazz - New House 150m2 - 300m2
- Finalist – Papawhero Drive - Resene Colour Award - 2018 ADNZ – Architecture Awards - Taranaki/Wanganui/Manawatu
- 1st place – House for Brent & Jazz - New House 150m2 - 300m2
- 1st place – Papawhero Drive - Resene Colour Award
- Highly Commended – Northcott Residence - New House Interiors
- Commended - Paddock 35 - New House over 300m2
Client Reviews
Our introduction to Imagine Building Design was by watching a new house being built in Inglewood. We remarked that if ever we were to build a new house that was the type and design we would want. Twelve months later we were in that very position and so contacted Tony.
From the outset we were impressed by Tony's quick appreciation of our requirements for our new home and his eagerness to share our vision. His enthusiasm, dedication and attention to detail was brilliant. As owner builders we formed a very close relationship with Tony and his team. He was only ever a phone call or visit away from the project's start to finish. Tony has an extreme passion for his work, which is evident in the creation of our home.
The house has exceeded our expectations and we look forward to living and enjoying it for a very long time. We feel we received superb value for money and would have absolute faith in recommending Tony and his team at IMAGINE BUILDING DESIGN to share a vision and create a home for anyone.
Brent and Deborah Smith