All Posts

By James Chong | Published on 7 November 2025 As Auckland households receive letters inviting public submissions on Plan Change 120 (PC120) , the city stands at another pivotal moment in its planning journey. The notification of PC120: Housing Intensification and Resilience  marks a new phase in Auckland’s ongoing effort to balance growth, livability, and climate adaptation. Replacing the earlier Plan Change 78 (PC78), this update goes beyond zoning adjustments — representing

By James Chong | Published on 31 October 2025 In an age of constant change, our homes are becoming havens of calm — places to reconnect with nature and ourselves. Among the most enduring movements in interior design is biophilic design : an approach that celebrates the colours, textures, and rhythms of the natural world. But beyond its beauty, biophilic design has staying power. It’s not a fleeting trend, but a philosophy that shapes timeless interiors — spaces that feel fres

By James Chong | Published on 24 October 2025 In a major step toward simplifying the building process, the New Zealand Government announced in August 2025 new building consent exemptions for small detached buildings — including garden sheds, backyard studios, and sleepouts. These changes, set to take effect by the end of 2025, are designed to reduce red tape and make it easier for Kiwis to create functional spaces on their properties. Following on from our earlier post — Mino

By James Chong | Published on 16 October 2025 As housing affordability and density pressures continue to shape New Zealand’s towns and cities, minor dwellings, often called granny flats or secondary dwellings, are emerging as a smart, flexible way to add value and living space to your property. Now , with the Government proposing to ease consent requirements for small standalone homes, New Zealanders could soon find it much easier to build compact, self-contained dwellings w

By James Chong | Published on 8 October 2025 Thinking of refreshing your deck — or simply done with scrubbing, sanding, staining and...

By James Chong | Published on 29 September 2025 Small businesses in New Zealand are realizing that success isn’t just about products or...

By James Chong | Published on 29 September 2025 In New Zealand, subdivision  is the legal process of dividing a piece of land into two or...

By James Chong | Published on 17 September 2025 ✨ Kids’ rooms are more than just bedrooms — they’re growth environments. ✨From modular...

By James Chong | Published on 12 September 2025 Auckland Unitary Plan Change 78 (PC78) has been one of the city’s most significant...

By James Chong | Published on 11 September 2025 The global construction industry is transforming rapidly, driven by innovative building...

By James Chong | Published on 11 September 2025 Discover what’s shaping home design in 2025 and beyond, and what’s fading away, according...