Design + People + Culture

Waka Group offers a comprehensive range of architectural and design services across residential, commercial, public, and cultural projects. Based in Nelson, we’ve delivered work throughout Aotearoa — including Northland, Waikato, the West Coast, and Christchurch — bringing together strong design thinking and a deep respect for place, people, and purpose.

Our residential work includes bespoke home design, alterations and additions, and medium-density housing. We have particular expertise in papakāinga housing and community-focused living, designing homes that support intergenerational needs and long-term resilience.

We also provide design solutions for commercial, industrial, and educational spaces — delivering practical, high-performing environments that serve the people who use them. From feasibility studies and early-stage planning to detailed design and construction phase services, we support each project with care and precision.

Our in-house interior design team allows us to offer cohesive, integrated spaces inside and out. We also work on public space design, cultural architecture, and the development of frameworks and strategies that strengthen wellbeing, identity, and cultural presence through the built environment.

Waka Group’s practice is grounded in the values of Te Ao Māori, with a strong commitment to collaborative design and meaningful outcomes. We work with clients from a wide range of backgrounds and sectors, providing thoughtful, responsive design that aligns with their goals, values, and the people who will live, work, or gather in the spaces we create..