John Mills Architects
About us
JMA has been operating in Wellington, New Zealand since 1990.
It has a distinctive aesthetic that seeks to combine our passion for materials and colour with a desire to create uniquely tailored architecture for the individual or specific organisation. The studio has completed projects around New Zealand, including Auckland and Nelson.
The team endeavours to create architecture that speaks of its sites and surroundings, with grace, poetry and personality – unencumbered by blind conformity and dictates of transient fashion. JMA works together with clients and builders to craft beautiful forms and engaging spaces that make the heart leap and the soul sing.
Practicality and comfort are so fundamental to quality building, form and space. The heart should leap, the eyes should widen and the soul should sing. This is the aim of architecture.
Team
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JOHN MILLSFounder / Architect “Everyday life is where the important things happen.” John established JMA in 1990, with an intent to produce quality, unique New Zealand architecture. From residential work, he has developed the practice into a wide-ranging entity that still predominantly creates enduring design-driven homes and alterations. Aside from ensuring that every project is designed and managed to the last detail, John is a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Architects, has been a convenor and member of local NZIA and other national awards juries, and is a visiting lecturer and tutor at the VUW School of Architecture. John believes the story begins and ends with the client. By understanding who they are and what they value, John is committed to creating spaces that will work for the client as well today as they do in twenty years time. |
MARK MARINOVICHDesigner / Draftsman Mark joined JMA in 2003, bringing fifteen years experience in a wide range of commercial and residential architectural projects. He has a strong background in commercial, healthcare and government sectors, having previously worked as a designer for Worley Consultants where he was involved in numerous projects throughout New Zealand. Marks’ specialist skills include working-drawing documentation, specification writing, interior design and project management. His pragmatic approach to architecture enables him to co-ordinate with a diverse range of consultants, integrate client needs and deliver projects to a deadline and within budget. |
Process
We welcome potential clients to our Garrett Street studio for an initial meeting. This is a free and non-obligatory way for you to meet our team and discuss the aspects of your project that will determine how it will evolve.
Gather as much information about your project as you can, in terms of location, special features and any existing structures. Start thinking about what you would like to achieve (we’re talking wildest expectations here), and give us a call!
- Initial meeting & brief delivery
- Information gathering & site analysis
- Concept design
- Developed design
- Consents & working drawing
- Tendering
- Cconstruction
- Completion & feedback
Scope of Services
A successful building hinges on much more than a creative solution. It requires the collaboration of an enthusiastic client and a supportive architect who are both prepared to listen and to question!
Architecture requires good communication and open relationships to achieve a successful result: one that engages with the site and environment, while still expressing the individuality of the client. We’re here to respond to your needs and ideas – and to exceed your expectations. At John Mills Architects we are not only responsible for the design, we prefer to be involved throughout the construction of the finished project. The process can be roughly broken down into the eight following phases below.
Our role includes liaising with builders, engineers and other consultants, administering the contract and observing construction….and we will also assist on the essential elements of joinery design, energy efficiency, appliance selection, furnishings, colours (we have won the Dulux award for best NZ residential interior three times), right through to landscaping.
Testimonials
TUI HOME
We had a great site with a 270 degree vista, located in the hills of Melrose in the eastern suburbs of Wellington. But one of us was a stripped-back modernist, while the other was a woody, whimsical romantic. What to do? We interviewed several architects without gelling…. but in-depth conversations with John Mills resulted in a design that reconciled our mutual desires.
TEMPLETON HOME
We’d known John from twenty years ago, when he arranged the colours and designs for the interior of our restaurant in Wellington (Serrano’s). In the years since, we’d seen more of his great work pop up. It was an easy decision to trust John with conceptualising our extension dreams. We loved the way he approached our thinking and helped with the visualisation of our ideas.
ATHFIELD RENOVATION
Going into the renovation and extension of our Ian Athfield home, we knew we wanted to respect what was built in the past but we also wanted to make the house ours – not a pastiche of what Athfield designed at the time. John walked us through this process sensitively and helped coach us through the whole experience. We particularly enjoyed how he took time to get to know us, how we like to live, and the things we like to do and have in our lives.
EPUNI ST HOME
Working with John is like collaborating with your best friend who knows everything about you, what you like and what you don’t. He will nudge you in the right direction if you seem to be getting too far away from exquisite taste. Your best friend loves to spend time with you, is kind, and always wants the best outcome for you, right? That’s John.
Get in touch
Business details
- Category:
- Architects
- Verified ArchiPro member since:
- 2015