Vee Hair by Design
By Imagine Architecture
Project Description:
After viewing and investigating numerous properties with the client the tenancy at 9 Arko Place was selected. The building is located at the end of a cul-de-sac just off a main road. The building is part of a larger complex and is surrounded by a variety of commercial, industrial & retail structures. The 71m2 space was a typical drab office with standard surface mounted fluorescent lights, cable trunking everywhere and the dreariest vertical blinds. Positives for the space were its location, abundant car parking and simple structural make-up.
The concept mooted is that this salon is a destination rather than another shop among many. The owner is a multi-award winning hair stylist with a vision to create a place where her clients can escape the world and receive superior level service in a relaxing, sophisticated environment. The new salon needed to be a great place for the customers to be and a rewarding environment to Vee team to work. To achieve this major overhaul of the spaces and décor was required whilst at the same time successfully adhering to a tight budget and timeframe.
In addition to the design and décor the commission also involved working closely with the owner to develop the logo and branding. This allowed the opportunity to fully connect the design with the brand and have all aspects of the business respond to each other harmoniously rather than one dictating to the other.
Design Features and Creative Solution:
The plan solution revolves around the relationship of spaces to each other. The salon had to function just as well on quieter days as it would at hectic capacity. The cutting & styling stations were placed back to back in the middle of the room and then angled to optimise the actual working space for each stylist whilst allowing the chosen stations to be on display in their own right. The shampoo stations are positioned discreetly which also worked well with the existing plumbing arrangements.
The key planning idea was to deconstruct the hallway by punching view shafts through the wall via a combination of walk-through openings and look-through shelving. This departure from the traditional hallway configuration achieved a number of desired outcomes such as greater sense of space, excellent transition between zones and importantly the ability to monitor the operation of the salon anywhere in the building whilst still maintaining clarity and order. The site lines through these openings were carefully considered to achieve the desired result.
Developing the Vee brand using a black, gold & cream theme was enabled predominantly using paint and wallpaper. The black striped wallpaper was an excellent foil for the wall logo and custom designed lacquered MDF shelves. The cream walls create the calmness and the gold timber trim the bling. The hard wearing vinyl plank flooring bridges the black tone whilst providing a near bulletproof functional surface. Other key design elements included the energy efficient LED lighting, reception counter and waiting furniture.
Colours & Materials:
Wall & Ceiling paint: Resene Quarter Solitaire Y94 014 081
Accent trim paint: Resene Metallics – Gold Dust M69 066 078
Wallpaper: Resene Simply Silks II NS24916
Flooring: Karndean Opus – WP308 Carbo Wood
Products used in
Vee Hair by Design
Professionals used in
Vee Hair by Design
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Imagine Architecture
About the
Professional
Imagine Architecture (formerly Imagine Building Design) is a multi-award-winning architectural design practice established in 2002, specialising in residential and commercial design. With over two decades of experience and more than 1,000 commissions completed, we pride ourselves on delivering high-performance, innovative, and sustainable designs that positively impact lives.
Our journey began in a humble shoebox home office, evolved into historic premises at the Kings Building in New Plymouth, and later to a sleek downtown studio. Now, we have returned to a more personal approach with small studio setups: Tony Biesiek operates out of a studio suite in in Tauranga, while Steven Dixon leads our New Plymouth studio. This agile setup allows us to better serve clients across New Zealand and beyond, with projects extending to Australia and Italy.
At Imagine Architecture, our mission is simple yet profound: “Changing lives through great architecture & design.” We aim to create beautiful, functional spaces that harmonise aesthetics, energy efficiency, and comfort while fostering a deeper connection to the environment. To achieve this, we integrate Passive House principles, with Tony Biesiek’s certification as a Passive House Designer ensuring our designs meet and exceed the highest standards of energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and thermal performance. This approach guarantees healthier, more comfortable spaces that consume significantly less energy while reducing environmental impact.
In addition to Passive House design, we embrace biophilic design principles, emphasising the integration of natural elements into our projects. We believe buildings should enhance occupants’ physical and mental well-being by fostering connections with nature, whether through natural light, ventilation, materials, or spatial relationships. Our commitment to sustainability aligns with Pritzker Prize-winning architect Glenn Murcutt’s philosophy of “touching the earth lightly.” We design in harmony with the land, crafting structures that respect and respond to their natural surroundings.
Our projects, regardless of size or budget, are rooted in a commitment to quality and performance. Meeting minimum building code standards is not our goal—exceeding them is. Whether designing a new architectural home, a commercial space, or a bespoke renovation, we focus on maximising functionality, environmental interaction, and energy efficiency without compromising on design excellence.
Our practice thrives on relationships. Many of our commissions come through referrals, reflecting our focus on creating strong connections with clients. Clear, open communication, combined with exceptional service and innovative design solutions, ensures we meet aesthetic, functional, and financial requirements while exceeding expectations.
Imagine Architecture operates on the belief that better choices lead to better buildings. We embrace cutting-edge high-performance technology and sustainable practices to deliver spaces that inspire, endure, and adapt to the changing needs of clients and the environment. From Bay of Plenty and Taranaki to international locations, geography is no barrier to architectural excellence.
If you are seeking innovative, energy-efficient, and environmentally conscious design paired with technical expertise and superior communication, Imagine Architecture is the experienced team to bring your vision to life. Together, we can create spaces that not only look extraordinary but also improve lives and respect the planet.
- Year founded2002
- ArchiPro Member since2015
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