10 Questions with Eva Nash of Rogan Nash Architects

What is sustainable in your eyes?
There is no question we all need to work on protecting out planet for both current and future generations. I think there are many different ways we can do this and every little bit helps. Energy use is something I think about. When building a house I always consider the things people can’t necessarily see, but make a huge difference. Getting the insulation right, making use of natural ventilation, sun shading, orientation and room layout. These are simple principles of passive design that have a big impact on the energy efficiency and thermal comfort of a house. In our office we also consider the NZGBC HomeStar targets including hot water heating, ventilation and healthy materials.

What are the best and most challenging things about what you do?
I am a believer that what we do changes peoples lives. Your home environment has a huge impact on both mental and physical health. Our designs are carefully crafted to be unique to our clients, we like to understand how they live and what is most important to them. We set out to create a home that is both healthy and a delight to live in.

What aspects of the process of designing a home do you feel most satisfying?
We believe every project is unique and requires a bespoke design response. We listen to want a client wants and design a house that matches that brief. It is deeply satisfying when our considered design solution is in harmony with their requirements. Of course the most satisfying aspect is when we return to the house, at the end of the project, and our clients tell us how much they love their home!

What principles are essential trademarks of your visual language and aesthetic? And why?
We don’t just design the shell of the building. We design the rooms and items which also make up the architecture: like the kitchen and cabinetry, pool and fireplace. We look at materials and colours – we think these spaces greatly affect your love for your home, and reflect the way you like to live. These elements are often where we like to push the creative barriers to add vibrancy and fun. We love colour, both bold and subtle and enjoy bringing it into interior elements.

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