Architectural Designers in Christchurch
Designing homes which do not cost the earth.
Backcountry Studio is an Architectural practice specializing in sustainable residential design for projects ranging in scale from minor alterations to new builds. We also offer a variety of additional services, including architectural draughting.
Our focus is on providing people with quality, healthy and functional homes, which do not cost the earth. We are committed to minimising environmental impacts associated with the building by recommending natural materials, low carbon solutions and minimising waste where possible.
We are always looking to collaborate with other like-minded people, so if this sounds like you, please feel free to contact us.
Our services
Architectural Design
$135.00/hour +GST
- Collaborative approach
- 2 Custom Design options
- Sustainable Solutions
- Management of consultants
- Building & Resource consent application
We listen, give advice, and deliver simple, cost-effective designs that will meet your unique brief. We cover all the stages from concept to Building Consent
Draughting
$90.00/hour +GST
- Fast turn around
- Quality drawings
- Attention to detail
With our extensive knowledge of the NZ standards and building code, we can provide quality draughting and detailing services for your project.
Testimonials
“Working with Nico of Backcountry Studio has been a great experience. I can’t fault his work and commitment to getting us the result we wanted. We were able to get exemption from building consent due to the thorough application that Nico put together. There was open communication throughout and Nico was flexible with timelines when we needed to pause the process. Thank you Nico”
Vinessa & Andrew – Linwood
Garage conversion
“We had the pleasure of working with Nico and Ira at Backcountry Studio, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their help in bringing our dream build to life. From the start, Nico’s communication was exceptional—clear, timely, and always thoughtful. He showed incredible patience throughout the process and impressed us with his high-level knowledge and professionalism. His work ethic is unmatched, and it’s clear he truly cares about the quality of his work and the people he works with.
Ira also played a key role, creating a beautiful sketch of our home that helped us truly visualize the final product. Their creative insight and collaborative approach made the entire experience enjoyable and stress-free.
The pricing was also very reasonable, especially given the level of expertise and care we received. Our house is finally under construction, and we can’t wait to see it all come together. We highly recommend Nico & Ira —they’re an absolute pleasure to work with”
Lauren & Dan – West Eyreton
New detached dwelling
“Backcountry Studio is a superb find for anyone looking for creative solutions to any renovation project. Communication is on point; fast and efficient. Nothing was a problem and nothing overlooked. We are very happy with the result and have no hesitation in recommending Backcountry Studio.”
Jane & John – West Melton
New ensuite
“Nico was excellent to work with – he listened to what we wanted, provided quality suggestions and advice, and managed all Council inquiries as part of the consenting process.
Highly recommend Nico and Backcountry Studio for any of your design/draughting works.
Thanks Nico for all of your work, the workshop is now (finally) complete, and exactly how we envisaged!”
Charlotte & Neil – Mt Pleasant
New garage
“Couldn’t be happier. Very prompt and clear with requirements and constraints. Quick communication and incredibly thorough result. Highly recommend!”
Sonia & Bryan – Leithfield
New ensuite
“Nico and Ira were wonderful to work with. They provided quality suggestions and advice to us about our build, and they also went above and beyond to manage a tricky consenting process. Information from them was always timely, clear and friendly, and we were made to feel important and valued throughout the process. We were very satisfied with their service and professionalism and we highly recommend Backcountry Studio.“
Jess & James – Halswell
New sleepout
“Very happy, prompt, friendly, and efficient. Would not hesitate to use again.”
Grant – Linwood
Deck enclosure
“Couldn’t be happier with the service from Nico at Backcountry studio. I felt he went above and beyond in creating the ideal house design and has always been quick to reply to queries and sort out any issues with council. Highly rated and recommended.”
Michael & Lucy – Spreydon
New detached dwelling
“Prompt efficient service and provided exactly what we needed.”
Sara & Dave – Tai tapu
Woolshed conversion
“I have been working with Nico and Ira for many years now. They are an absolute treat to work with! Knowledgeable, experienced and professional. They respect the client’s vision and add value with their own ideas. They always meet their deadlines. They know what they’re talking about. They are one of the best architects in the Canterbury area! Highly recommend Backcountry Studio!”
Parth – Tauranga
House Renovation
“Nico was very swift and efficient with documentation turn around for our bathroom renovations. Great communication and very easy to deal with. Ideal for our purposes. Highly recommend.“
Simon & Amee – Strowan
Internal alteration
“Thankyou for your work at Purau. I am very pleased with results and presentation of my new bathroom, it was nice to meet you.”
Glenis – Purau
New ensuite
“Nico has been fantastic to deal with throughout our design process. Great attention to detail and he was able to handle the more complex areas of our design. We appreciated the ideas he had for keeping the house within budget. Nico was always friendly and very prompt with any questions we had.“
Dan & Maria – Cracroft
New detached dwelling
“I was absolutely thrilled with the work provided by Nico and Ira at Backcountry Studio. While I felt confident in their experience, expertise and communication from the beginning, they executed the consent documentation for a recent project beyond my expectations. They produced a drawing set and specification which was comprehensive, well set out and the attention to detail was excellent. I look forward to collaborating again soon.”
Rochelle – Parklands
Architectural drafting
“Very prompt and clear with requirements and constraints. Quick communication and incredibly thorough result. Highly recommend!”
Kirstin & Brad – Casebrook
Sleepout alteration
BACKCOUNTRY STUDIO 