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IDEAS. CLARITY. DIRECTION.
You might have an early idea, a question about a building, or a space that needs a rethink.
You don’t need a complete brief or a big project to get started.
We can help you make sense of your options and work out a practical way forward.
Start a conversation
02 / HOW WE WORK - The Steps
A clear way forward, one step at a time.
04
Take it forward
We can help with the next steps, whether that's coordinating consultants, working through consent requirements or supporting the project towards construction.
Not every project needs every step. Sometimes a conversation or a little initial guidance is all you need. Other projects benefit from more involved design support. We’ll work out what’s appropriate together.
Initial Advice
Sometimes you need an experienced perspective to help make sense of a situation, identify the issues and understand what to do next.
Initial project discussions
Site and property advice
Second opinions
Practical guidance
Feasibility
Before committing time and money to a project, it's worth exploring what's possible. We look at the opportunities, constraints and practical considerations to help you make informed decisions.
Exploring options and scenarios
Site and building constraints
Budget considerations
Understanding what's achievable
Design
When you're ready to develop an idea, we turn your requirements into a considered, practical design. The level of design and documentation is tailored to your project and what it needs.
Concept design
Developed design
Consent and construction documentation
Coordination
Some projects need input from other people to move forward. We can help bring the right people, information and expertise together and keep things moving.
Consultant coordination
Builder collaboration
Building consent support
Construction support and project follow-through
Not sure which service you need?
That's perfectly fine. You don't need to know exactly what kind of help you need before getting in touch. We can talk through what you're considering and work out what makes sense for your project.
I'm Samantha Scrymgeour, the person behind Start Here Design Studio.
I'm an award-winning designer and Licensed Building Practitioner (Design 2), with more than 16 years of experience working across architecture, design and construction.
Over the years, I've been involved in all sorts of projects — from residential renovations and new builds to commercial projects and work across education, hospitality and healthcare, as well as interior design. My experience includes architectural practice, design management and architectural product specification.
That experience gives me a good understanding of how buildings and spaces work, what goes into making a project happen and, importantly, how to find practical ways forward.
I believe good design doesn't need to be complicated or unnecessarily expensive. Sometimes you need a fresh perspective, sometimes a bit of guidance, and sometimes a more involved design solution. Whatever the starting point, I'll help you work out what makes sense for your project.
Thoughtful design.
Practical thinking.
A clear way forward.