MRA Limited

12/04/2026

Visited this late 1980s MRA deign on a steep narrow slope in a cul de sac off Hinemoa Street .
Art Deco which was featured in that period for the TV Series gloss .
Went on to do another three houses for the family .

22/01/2026

Sharing this article for thoughts.

Yes, we have heard the comment about ‘lines on a piece of paper’ in our practice. And we are certainly not alone. I’ve often wondered where you start to respond and explain what goes into those lines, the experience, knowledge, test of ideas, conveying a vision ….

In truth CAD does not replace handrawn ‘lines’ functions. They remain critical to the development of an idea. They have value.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/benji-connell-6681871a5_i-dont-trust-drawings-that-behave-too-well-activity-7417838145993564161-nR0e?utm_medium=ios_app&rcm=ACoAAAOWks4B7w-uZnReJgfZUsTVcsbfG8L-SZI&utm_source=social_share_send&utm_campaign=facebook

I don’t trust drawings that behave too well. The ones that line up, behave, resolve themselves politely into answers. They already know what they are before the pencil touches the page. Nothing happens there. What interests me is the moment before certainty. The half formed line. The mark that mis...

30/11/2025

Innovation new business

New Taupo Business Launch -
Designing Moves

I'm Wendy, and today I'm launching Designing Moves - a downsizing service that's a little different from anything else in Taupo.
The idea: Bring architectural thinking to downsizing moves.

Bring architectural experience (Mark Rantin Architecture), we combine spatial planning expertise with practical move logistics. Translation? You'll know exactly what fits in your new home BEFORE moving day - no guessing, no stress, no unwanted surprises.

Why we started this:
After helping our own family members navigate downsizing and retirement village moves, we saw how overwhelming it can be. The emotions, the decisions, the logistics - it's a lot.
We kept thinking: "There's got to be a better way."
So we created one.
What we do:
✨ Create dimensioned floor plans for your new space�✨ Help you manage sorting belongings using our simple 4-Stream System�✨ Work at YOUR pace (no pressure, ever)�✨ Support you AND your family through the process�✨ Make this transition actually feel... positive!
Who we help:
People moving to retirement villages, adult children & families helping parents, or anyone ready for a more manageable Taupo lifestyle.

Here's the thing:
Downsizing is a major life transition. You deserve support, not stress. Our planning process ensures you feel confident every step of the way - and love your new space even more than you imagined.
Call us BEFORE you start packing! 📦
🧡 I offer FREE, 1 hour no-obligation consultations for Taupo locals. DM me or comment below - let's chat about your move.

Follow along for weekly downsizing tips, local resources, and practical advice from our 4-Stream System!

How you can help. Please follow my page and share my posts. Nga mihi

Designing Moves Taupo�Bringing architectural thinking to your downsizing move

19/10/2025

https://open.substack.com/pub/modernminimalism/p/where-to-start-decluttering?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email

Do you have a move on the horizon?

Have you heard about our design relocation service Designing Moves?

This service is designed to assist down-size movers with market presentation of your existing larger home and creation of a beautiful new and functional living spaces with a selection of your favourite (and necessary) things. We will take you from getting sorted to planning your new home with our managed 4-stream system at your own pace and providing you with a furniture layout plan for your new home.

The process to decide which items are making the move and then to thoughtfully handle the surplus can be challenging. We can help. Contact us at [email protected] or check our website mra.net.nz for details.

For those wanting to get started themselves here is an excellent first step from Elle Penner (Modern Minimalism) with an introduction to declutterring your existing home.

My favorite easy wins that build momentum

01/06/2025

Mystery Home .Could this be a 1970s
Claude Megson design.?

02/01/2025

22 years ago
Year round beside the sea resort living according to our clients.

Heading into a new year and new projects.
Happy New Year to our past, present and future clients.

30/12/2022

The idea of flexible spaces in a home is far from new, as this article from one of our favourite publications shows. But it’s a solution which we think hasn’t been explored to it’s potential. Roll on 2023 with pushing those boundaries to provide better design.

Happy New Year everyone. Hari Tau Hou Katoa .

Sliding dividers allow the rooms in this 1967 time capsule to expand and contract at a moment's notice.

23/12/2022

We made it to the end of the 2022 work year. Time to down pens, park the keyboard and recharge with some simple pleasures.

Wishing our clients, colleagues and those who keep in touch via this page the very best break and a New a year that brings you the good things in life.

Mere Kirihimete, Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays NZ style.

03/12/2022

And in 3rd place ….
Not bad for a commission we completed nearly 20 years ago