Totem Studio

The roots of our practice were founded here in Christchurch in 1922 by W.H. Trengrove. Over the subsequent generations, what is now Totem Studio has become an integral part of the city’s architectural landscape. Our reputation in the Canterbury region is founded on enduring high-quality results produced throughout our extensive portfolio of residential, commercial, healthcare and educational work.

Our firms long history has been upheld by many great NZ architects, since its origins began in 1922 with W.H Trengrove founding the practice in Christchurch. In 1953 John Trengrove took over his father's firm and was joined by Keith Marshall.

The company became Trengrove, Trengrove & Marshall.

Upon Keith Marshall's retirement in 1976 Richard Blunt (who had worked for the company for many years) became a director and the company became Trengrove & Blunt Architects. John Trengrove's son William became a director in 1994 upon John's retirement. In 2005 Richard Blunt stepped down as director and William was joined by David McKay & Daryl Partridge

In 2019 William retired from the practice and Ian Cattoen-Gilbert came on board with David and Daryl.

Together we have now established our practice as Totem Studio Architects, a client-focused identity with a “unique to you” philosophy, that acknowledges our deep roots as a practice, our connection to our craft & to our landscape and our inclusive studio work environment. It under this banner head that we aim to further advance the architecture of NZ for another 100+ years to come .

Daryl Partridge
Architect, Director.
ANZIA, NZRAB

David McKay
Architect, Director.
NZIA NZRAB

Ian Cattoen-Gilbert
Architect, Director.
NZIA NZRAB

Gareth Hammond
Architectural Designer, Associate

Chris Paviell​
Architectural Technician

Duncan Armfield
Architectural Graduate

Sergio Caiazzo
Architectural Graduate

Nicole Machen
Architectural Technician

Barbara Gibson
Administrator

The team at Totem Studio have both the skill and experience to meet the needs of a diverse range of residential projects.

We have been heavily involved in Canterbury’s post-earthquake rebuilds and renovations, as well as new builds; large and small, rural and urban.

For many clients, a residential build is a once in a lifetime opportunity to make their mark and define a piece of the world. As a result the outcome of each residential project we undertake is as unique and bespoke as the client we work with.

Our “unique to you” mindset means that Totem will not dictate or overlay a signature style over the top of your home or lock you into a pre-set template, that works more efficiently for us than it does for you. Instead, we listen and ask questions and together we draw out the unique parameters which will define your corner of the world.

As architects, we know all too well that sculpting your home is a process, an evolution, and therefore any bespoke build by its very nature will have surprises, like bumps in an untraveled road.

Our team of registered architects and design professionals guide you through the process from our very first meeting to the day you open the door and beyond. We will even out those bumps, and ensure that the door you open on move-in day is the same door you dreamed of on day one.

​Specialising in...

• New Homes
• Alterations & Extensions
• Townhouses
• Multi-unit Residences
• Apartments
• Earthquake related works​

...and assisting you with

• Preliminary, Concept & Developed Design
• Architectural 3D Renders & Walkthroughs
• Interior Design, Kitchen & Residential joinery
• Resource & Building Consent, Guidance, & Documentation
• Project management, Contract Administration & Observation

Totem Studio Architects have delivered professional services to a wide array of commercial clients, in a number of different sectors. Including but not limited to…

• ​The public & private health care sectors
• Commercial research & development
• Office & light industrial developments
• Hospitality & Retail

In each and every project we aim to not only meet but build upon our clients own expectations and aspirations, offering value-added design innovation and management expertise that only a longstanding architectural practice can provide.

Through our almost 100 year history we well understand the realities and constraints of each particular commercial project. Working alongside our clients, Totem Studio will manage & lead your project and your vision through to built reality, in turn allowing you the freedom to best manage and lead your organisation.

In the very beginnings of a project, we set out to ensure clarity and confidence with the three critical aspects of - budget, brief, and timeline. The architects and design professionals of our practice possess the skills and expertise to lead a consultant team, & coordinate with outside parties, whilst managing a typically compact programme and monitor costs through the full length of the project. We constantly confer, confirm and update our clients so they are informed of developments at each and every stage.

In this way Totem Studio has, through our many years, developed a number of long term, multi-project client relationships which stand as testament to our ability to lead a project over its many particular hurdles to its timely completion and the great satisfaction of clients brief and budget.

A summary of some of the skills and services we can provide...

• Concept Design & Marketing Packages
• 3D renders, Walkthroughs & Visualisation
• Feasibility Studies & Brief Development
• Site Development and Multi-stage Master Planning
• Preliminary & Developed Design Packages
• Interior Design
• Construction Drawings and Specifications
• Procurement and Tender review
• Building & Resource Consent, Guidance & Documentation
• Building Information Modelling (BIM)
• Documenting & Managing Construction within or adjacent to an operational site
• Project management, Contract Administration & Site Observation