Christchurch based Chaplin Crooks Architects Ltd are a small practice comprising a team of people dedicated to providing an excellent service and quality product for our clients. Our core business is in the residential sector specializing in hill homes, but have been involved in a wide variety of projects in recent years ranging from light commercial and industrial work through to multi-unit apartments.
We are a NZ Institute of Architects NZIA Practice and enjoy the benefits and support of our national professional body. We offer a range of services including assistance with site selection, concept designs, sketch plans, 3D computer models, contract documentation, joinery design, interior design, resource and building consent applications, tendering & negotiation with building contractors and on-site contract administration and observation of the building works.
The practice employs the latest ArchiCAD three-dimensional computer design software producing accurate, efficient documentation with the ability to create photo-realistic rendered images.
About The Practice Our Aims
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To provide a high standard of professional and personal service to all clients.
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To exceed expectations and ensure customers ambitions are fully realized.
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To create inherent value in the finished work.
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To challenge assumptions in a positive way and maintain an inventive and innovative approach to our work for an optimum outcome.
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To support and nurture all staff as we acquire new knowledge and develop skills in the practice of Architecture.
Our Philosophy
Context
To create architecture that responds to and has regard for both the natural and man-made environment in which it is placed.
Climate
Climate has a considerable and widespread effect on buildings and their occupants. Architecture should enhance the more agreeable and filter the less desirable aspects of climate.
Function
To carefully listen to and digest client aspirations and couple that with our own architectural and life experience in order to convert the vision into a practical, efficient, aesthetically pleasing and enduring architecture.
Registered Architect Fellow - New Zealand Institute of Architects NZIA / AERB Joint Special Examination 1995 NZ Certificate Architectural Draughting 1972
John started his own practice in 1976 as John Chaplin Design Ltd. specialising in residential hillside homes and alterations. The practice slowly grew and in 1996, on registration as an architect, changed the name to John Chaplin Architects Ltd. In 2001 the practice moved into new offices and in 2003 the new practice of Chaplin Crooks Architects was formed with Stephen Crooks as a partner.
John has had active involvement in both the ADNZ (National President 1995-1998), and more recently in the New Zealand Institute of Architects (committee member 1996 - 2010 and Branch Chairman 2004-2006). He is a past NZIA National Council member (2006-2009) and continues as a registration assessor for the new Registered Architects Board. He has been convenor of the NZIA Branch Practice Support Group since 2002. Last year John was elected as a board member of the Southern Chapter for the NZ Institute of Building (NZIOB). In 2007 John was elected a Fellow of the NZIA and was appointed as an assessor for the Licensed Building Practitioners scheme set up by the Department of Building and Housing. In 2010 he was also appointed as a member of the joint NZIA-NZRAB national visiting panel to the schools of architecture.
With over 30 years in his own practice designing over 500 new homes and alterations (as well as a variety of commercial and industrial projects), John brings an exceptional depth of experience to the practice and his clients. He has received numerous regional and national ADNZ design awards for his work and continually strives to maintain this level of design in his work. John has used his experience and design expertise as a consultant to several residential subdivisions in Christchurch, and is involved in the drafting of design guidelines and covenants.
John is passionate about the added value that good design brings to any project, of designing for the specific site conditions and the importance of maintaining the clients involvement throughout a project.
Registered Architect Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) University of Auckland 1997 Architect member - New Zealand Institute of Architects NZ Certificate Architectural Draughting 1989
Stephen has over 18 years experience including a variety of residential, retail, hospitality and commercial architecture, working in both Auckland and Christchurch. With a meticulous and thorough approach to his work, he is continually re-examining and looking for improvement.
Stephen is a firm believer that design should be client & site specific and consequently design outcomes will differ for each project. He aspires to create enduring and appropriate buildings that positively influence users on a daily basis. Sustainable design solutions that result in lower energy usage and increased comfort for building owners & occupants is high on his list of priorities. He finds the challenge of a difficult site, a lean budget and open-minded clients worthy ingredients for a rewarding commission.
Stephen has a particular interest in the work of acclaimed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright along with other mid 20th century modernist architects, both local and international.
Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) Victoria University of Wellington 2001 Architect member - New Zealand Institute of Architects
Registered Architect
Greg joined our practice in late 2001 following graduation from Victoria University with an honours degree in architecture. Right at the outset he proved to be an intelligent and hardworking staff member with a somewhat dry sense of humour.
After several years experience across a range of different projects in the office, Greg became a Registered Architect in 2007, and works with other team members currently building up experience towards the same goal.
In recent years Greg has spent time travelling through Japan and Europe visiting many amazing traditional and ancient buildings, and always has an extensive slideshow ready for the office on his return.
National Diploma in Architectural Technology CPIT 2007
Emily joined CCA in early 2006 as a Junior Draughtsperson while still studying to complete her National Diploma in Architectural Technology.
After finishing her studies, Emily left CCA in early 2007 on her 'OE' and returned in mid 2008.
With a natural talent and keen interest in art and design, Emily has gained a great knowledge of CAD, 3D modelling and presentation work since re-joining the CCA team. These interests are also proven through Emily's Interior Design work which she has successfully integrated into to the CCA skillset.
Emily is a creative, conscientious and efficient staff member and has proven to be a valuable member to the CCA team.
Architectural Graduate Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) Victoria University 2009 Recipient of Victoria Medal for Academic Excellence 2009
Bernard has recently completed his honours degree in Architecture at Victoria University in Wellington. He is now employed full time by our practice after working for several years during the semester breaks. Presently he is working towards the goal of registration. He is a talented Archicad draughting technician, and his graphical and presentation skills are very strong.
