People

SillsVanBohemen_Colour_1607_DS8_4075

Christina van Bohemen

Director
BArch(Hons), BA
FNZIA (Registered Architect)

email: christina@svb.co.nz
mobile: +64 21 630 849

Aaron Sills

Director
BArch(Hons)
FNZIA (Registered Architect)

email: aaron@svb.co.nz
mobile: +64 21 295 2542

Christina and Aaron work together on the design stages of all residential projects and this collaborative approach brings dual sensibilities to each design.

James Service

Senior Associate
BArch(Hons)
ANZIA (Registered Architect)

email: james.service@svb.co.nz
mobile: +64 21 477 570

James Service

SillsVanBohemen_Colour_1602_DS8_4011

L-R: James Service, Aaron Sills, Agnes Yu, Siran Li, Mark Schmidt, Christina van Bohemen, (Pedro Weber not present).

Practice

Our practice concentrates on two areas of work:

  1. Urban – work with an urban design & urban planning focus
  2. Residential – design of private houses

HG_8sUrban: Sills van Bohemen has built a reputation for quality work in the urban design field. This has included:

  • masterplanning;
  • multi-unit housing design;
  • park and streetscape design;
  • urban planning work around District Plan Changes; and
  • authoring and illustration of design guidelines & best design practice manuals.

We consider our strength across all aspects of our urban design work to be clear analysis and conceptual thinking backed up by strong graphic and written communication skills. Clients include Auckland Council, Panuku, Auckland Transport and Kāinga Ora.

LivingRoomResidential: We have maintained a focus on residential architecture since the inception of the practice in 2001 and have completed a number of new houses and alteration projects. Residential services include:

  • site selection and feasibility studies;
  • advice on procurement methods;
  • concept design & resource consents;
  • design development and construction documentation;
  • tendering and contractor negotiation services; and
  • contract administration and client representative services.

We believe successful projects require good communication and earned trust between clients, architects and builders. Our work aims for sensitivity and subtlety in design, whilst ensuring that quality of detail is maintained in project realisation.

Contact Details

Telephone:

021 630 849 – Christina
021 295 2542 – Aaron

Email:

christina@svb.co.nz
aaron@svb.co.nz

Locations:

Freemans Bay, Auckland
Coopers Beach, Northland

Postal:

PO Box 90-866
Auckland 1142

Environmental and Social Sustainability

A greater awareness of the potential for human impact on the environment has developed over recent years. We consider that as architects we have a responsibility to strive for a high level of environmental performance from our buildings. Primarily this involves thoughtful material choices and making good use of passive systems to minimise the environmental impact of our designs over their life cycle. There is also a growing opportunity to use active systems in projects and incorporation of on-site renewables production. Our latest multi-unit housing project is aiming to achieve net carbon zero.

In addition, in the design of urban environments we aim to be socially sensitive. Our design work aims to remain respectful to its history, culture, immediate surrounds, local community and the greater context.

The Architectural Process

An important part of an Architect’s work is to explain the process involved in having a building designed and constructed. This gives clients an overview and enhances their understanding and overall enjoyment of their project.

Architects are trained to advise you on, and guide you through, all facets of a building project.  See a general outline of a typical residential design process by clicking on the text below.

A Guide for Residential Jobs.