Gowans Walters and Associates

27/03/2026

20/01/2026

Council-ready design solutions up to 70m²

New NZ building regulation changes introduced in early 2026 have made it easier to add a self-contained granny flat up to 70m², subject to Building Code and local council requirements.

At GWA Building Design, we specialise in practical, site-specific granny flat design and clear documentation prepared for council submission.

We can help with:

Compliant granny flat design up to 70m²

Clear, professional plans

Builder-friendly documentation

Whether your project is for family or rental income, we focus on simple, realistic designs that are ready to build.

👉 Get in touch to discuss your project

25/10/2025

Congratulations to Tasman Vet! 🐾

A huge congratulations to Dr. Jess Krul and Jess Gardiner on the successful opening of Tasman Vet in Motueka today! It was wonderful to see the place buzzing, two-leggers and four-leggers alike, all excited to make new friends and appointments.

It was such a pleasure to see so many familiar faces popping in to check out the new clinic and share their best wishes. We all remember this building in its faded office days, and it’s just fantastic to see it transformed into such a bright, welcoming addition to our little Motueka community.

The new international-style fit-out looks amazing. I truly appreciated the insight and collaboration throughout the design process. Alterations can be tricky when space is tight, but you absolutely nailed it.

Well done to everyone involved!
For anyone who couldn’t make it today, here are a few photos to see for yourself what a beautiful space it’s become.

03/10/2025

It’s great to see the West Coast buzzing with new opportunities. We’re proud to have played a part in designing these buildings that will help welcome more people to the community.

Ten new cabins have been built at the Reefton Motor Camp, all of which are already occupied by mine construction workers.

20/09/2025

This new Tasman home is resulting in a design that is both practical and striking. The ground floor features polished concrete flooring throughout, complemented by walls painted in a bold steel blue. While such a deep colour might typically feel confining, here it enhances the sense of space and pairs seamlessly with the concrete.

Warmth is introduced through carefully placed natural timber elements, including interior wall linings, a bespoke kitchen, and the feature stair. White ceilings add contrast, giving each room a sense of lightness and dimension. The balance of steel blue, concrete, and timber creates a refined harmony. Cool and contemporary, yet welcoming and timeless.

18/07/2025

Celebrating ‘Code Compliance Certificate’ today.

From bc to ccc in less than 8 months 👌



2 units are still available for rent, don’t miss out on healthy, comfortable & central living if you’re on the hunt..

05/12/2024

Ready? Steady… Build 🛠️

On the 1st of December Clint and his fantastic team from delivered the Panels for Building 1 to site at Darcy Street in Richmond.

The 2 two-story Units are being put together in no time! It’s like a big building puzzle that goes together smoothly, thanks to the great effort in the factory with all the panels fitting within Millimeters.

With the weather on our side and scaffolding bridging the gaps Builder Dylan Ham will wrap it for Christmas👌

Building two will follow shortly 🙃🙂

28/11/2024

Dreaming of a getaway spot in paradise? No location is too remote for us to help you build your home. Whether it’s a holiday bach or your forever home, we’re here to turn dreams into reality!

A new home in the Pelorus Sounds, Whatanihi Bay is about to become true and I am very excited to share an exciting journey ahead..

Building on a property with boat access only requires quite detailed planning, logistical gymnastics, and a bit of good old Kiwi ingenuity to assure the building process is as easy as possible to realise

Everything we need has to float in, including a little digger that’s now happily parked on site. Mission accomplished!
Wooop woooop

With fantastic help from my clients who know the place inside out and are always thinking ahead we designed the holiday bach the family was dreaming off over years of camping on site.

We are ready to set out the timber foundations..

Next step: More boatloads of materials - and maybe a fishing break or two?

Looking forward to keeping you posted 🚤🛠️

18/11/2024

🚧 Exciting Milestone Alert! 🚧

We’re thrilled to share that the foundations are almost complete for our latest project in Richmond! This marks the beginning of an exciting journey as we bring to life two apartment buildings, each hosting two thoughtfully designed apartments.

Building One: Two spacious apartments spread over two stories.
Building Two: One single-story apartment and one two-story apartment.

A new access way will seamlessly connect both buildings, creating a central hub for future residents.

The frames and roofs for this project will feature the innovative and clever Potius Building System. These are currently being expertly manufactured in Mapua by Kontruhkt.

With Stage One kicking off in early December, the first building will soon begin to take shape. While the timeline for Stage Two is still unfolding, having the foundations for both buildings already in place is a huge step forward!

We’re looking forward to sharing the updates while this exciting project takes shape.

16/11/2024

A unique Home in Kaiuma Bay

We’re excited to share a house Nina designed that has just hit the market! Located in the serene and stunning Kaiuma Bay, this home is a testament to thoughtful design, natural beauty, and creative expression.

Key Design Features:
• Two Buildings, One Connection: The home consists of two separate buildings linked by a covered deck, creating a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living.
• Main Building: A striking one-bedroom mezzanine with ground-floor facilities, featuring an exposed LVL portal frame that highlights its construction throughout.
• Second Building: A single-story structure housing two cozy bedrooms.
• Monolithic Style: The home boasts black trapezoidal, dark painted board and batten and weatherboard cladding, emphasizing clean lines and durability.
• Orientation: Carefully designed to take full advantage of breathtaking sea views and the surrounding native bush.
• Construction Innovation: Built using the Potius Building System, with all-LVL framing and spray foam insulation over timber floors for superior performance.

This project was elevated further by the creativity of the homeowner, an artist whose touches can be seen inside and out. Their unique sense of style and design brought warmth, charm, and character to every corner of the home.

Designing this home was a privilege, and seeing it come to life has been incredibly rewarding. If you’re in the market or simply appreciate beautiful architecture, take a look at this special property—it’s one of a kind!

Let us know your thoughts—We’d love to hear your feedback!

Exciting news. We’re currently working on a new home in Hurunui, situated on a lifestyle property with breathtaking views over New Zealand’s east coast. Stay tuned for more updates!