Hi, I'm Andrew Stephenson

After graduating from Architecture school I spent two years working as a builder. My academic and practical training gave me a very solid base for a career in architecture. In 1992 I became part of the Jasmax team of architects working on Te Papa, New Zealands' National Museum. It was one of the largest building projects of its day and provided invaluable experience in the skills needed to design and run large projects.

In 1995 I developed an interest in permaculture and moved to the Bay of Plenty with my wife, Petra. We created a permaculture lifestyle block with an eco house built with our own hands. Using Permaculture principles, we incorporated many energy efficient and resilient features. The house received an excellent rating under the BRANZ Green Home Scheme.

In 2000, Petra and I started Dimensions Architecture in Tauranga. The firm grew to become one of the Bay of Plenty’s largest and most successful architectural firms specialising in residential and educational designs.

In 2006, Petra and our three children decided to go on a grand adventure and packed up everything to travel around New Zealand in our own 11 metre purpose designed bus called Fun4five. We spent five years living this lifestyle with one break in the middle when I went back to work as a senior architect for Beca, New Zealand's largest professional consultancy. 

It was during these travels that our family decided Tasman suited us best. I took up building work again for a local construction company in Motueka in 2011. When I met Gabrielle and Peter, the scene was set to create Bell Stephenson Architects.

I love exploring the National parks surrounding the Tasman area and have recently developed a new interest in dance, thanks to the persistence of my wife.

EDUCATION
1989
Bachelor of Architecture (honours) - Auckland University
1987
Bachelor of Building Science
1995
Permaculture design certificate - New Zealand

REGISTRATION
1994 Achieved New Zealand Architect registration. Current Certificate of Registration number: 2455.
Architect Member of the New Zealand Institute of Architects.

AWARDS
2002
Awarded a NZIA branch award for the design of the Mu House,
1999
Awarded a NZIA branch award and Resene Colour award for the design of Mt. Maunganui College Administration Building.