Insights to build smarter and live better from our Home Design Evening panel

A panel of industry leaders

As the formalities began, the focus shifted to the stage, where three leading voices in New Zealand’s design and construction industry came together to share their hard-earned insights.

Hamish Muir, architect and director at Mason & Wales; Jeff Merrin, founder of Lume Design; and Richard Fantham, director of Radius Building. Guided by host Tom Webster, the discussion explored how to get the best results from your project. Where to invest, where to save and why early collaboration between professionals can transform both the process and the final outcome.

Design as problem-solving

Hamish opened the conversation by reframing what design truly means. Too often, it is seen as an indulgence or purely aesthetic pursuit, when in reality it is about solving problems before they become costly.

“Good design isn’t expensive... bad design is,” he reminded the audience. The role of the architect, he explained, is to test ideas on paper, identify weaknesses and coordinate disciplines so the final product is as functional as it is beautiful.

The value of early involvement

From the builder’s perspective, Richard emphasised the value of early involvement. Whether it’s identifying a more cost-effective foundation approach or recommending a roofing alternative that saved one client $70,000 without compromising on aesthetics. His examples underscored the point that decisions made early have the biggest impact on cost and quality.

Jeff, representing the interior design discipline, made a similar case for bringing designers in at the very beginning. Many clients, he noted, wait until late in the build to think about interiors, only to discover too late that certain design features, from flooring thickness to integrated blind recesses, have structural implications.

“It costs no more to bring us in early,” he explained, “but it saves you the expense and frustration of missed opportunities.”

What not to leave out

The panel also tackled the question of what homeowners believe they can skip but shouldn’t. Interior design, accurate site surveys, and a clear, well-tested brief all ranked highly.

Each, in their own way, plays a role in preventing delays, avoiding unnecessary expenses and ensuring the final home reflects the original vision.

Investing where it matters

When it came to budget priorities, the advice was refreshingly pragmatic. Hamish encouraged guests to invest in sound architectural fundamentals and keep forms simple, noting that efficiency in layout not only reduces cost but often results in a better living experience.

Jeff advocated for quality joinery and stonework in high-use spaces, while Richard suggested being strategic about where to use premium materials, focusing on the areas most visible or important to daily life and avoiding unnecessary expense in those that are seldom seen.

A collaborative path to better homes

While fees for architects, interior designers and builders can seem daunting at first, all three panellists stressed that their role is as much about saving money as it is about delivering exceptional results.

By avoiding costly mistakes, maximising return on investment and guiding homeowners through complex decisions, the right professionals ensure the process is as rewarding as the finished home.

The takeaway

As the discussion drew to a close, one message was clear... Building or renovating is a team effort.

The earlier you engage your team, and the more openly you share your budget, priorities, and aspirations, the better your outcome will be.

In the words of Hamish Muir, “the more information you have early on, from people who’ve been there before, the better your home will be. And the more likely you are to enjoy the process.”

Watch the full panel discussion here.