Solari Architects

29/05/2026

The contrast between designing with flood risk in mind, versus not. Two projects we are involved with highlight this clearly.

The first is a new build opportunity where we knew the risk and designed for it. Allowing us to design for both tsunami risk and general inundatuon flooding. Raised floors and resilient foundations is a pragmatic response to flooding risks. Hence the front door and living being 1.5m above the footpath.

The second is a refurbishment of an existing building, which was a victim of the recent storm in Wellington. In this picture, it was still trying to dry out. There is work to be done on this yet as we can't just lift this building up, so we are exploring other options.

Hazards exist, and as architects we have to find different ways to tackle them. At Solari, we like to take these challenges head on!

22/05/2026

After the severe weather a few weeks ago in Wellington that had flooded part of the city. The crew in Kilbirnie were able to keep working and removed the scaffolding from the street fronting block at St Giles Park View.

Great effort from and all others who are making such good progress on this exciting project.

If you were wondering why this appears to sit so high above the street, it has been elevated above the identified flooding and tsunami risks. As such, these new homes are leading the way in tackling natural hazards. We are incredibly proud to execute our skills and interest in this space. Our team relish these types of challenges!

15/05/2026

Today, we are proud to be wearing pink!

At its core, great design is about people and creating spaces where everyone is safe, welcome, and valued. On Pink Shirt Day, we are reminded that inclusion, kindness, and respect creates strong communities just as much as the buildings we inhabit.

Whether in our studio, on site, or in the spaces we help create, we believe culture matters. A supportive environment doesn't just happen by accident. It's designed with intention.

01/04/2026

Completed in 2017, Vedado is a 32 apartment development in central Wellington. Designed with inner-city living in mind, it maximises space through smart adaptable layouts, ensuring both functionality and comfort.

At its heart, a shared communal green space fosters a sense of community while also providing a peaceful retreat for residents.

31/03/2026

We are excited to have been featured in the latest edition of the Business Central magazine!

The article highlights some of our key multi-unit, residential and commercial projects across New Zealand with a particular focus on our collaborations with Urban Company. Shining some light on how strong collaboration - from design to construction - leads to truly successful projects. As James Solari says, "by working together, the outcome is better for everyone".

Read the full feature on page 44.

In the latest edition of Business Central, Booth’s Logistics is responding to strong growth across the regions by expanding operations and upgrading facilities; the Manawatū economy continues to show resilience and momentum as infrastructure, visitor-sector growth and business investment come tog...

26/03/2026

A stand out site on the edge of Johnsonville's town centre, this development delivers 12 thoughtfully designed two-bedroom apartments which invites both morning and afternoon sun.

Positioned on a prominent corner, the design takes advantage of the site's natural topography and ideal north-south orientation, opening each home to an expansive western view. The site's contours enable for an efficient sub-basement carpark that accommodates all 12 vehicles without compromising outdoor space.

Each apartment features a private west facing balcony or courtyard, complemented by a shared landscaped garden along the eastern boundary that provides both amenity and privacy.

Photography by

20/03/2026

We are fortunate to contribute to two significant projects revitalizing High Street in Lower Hutt. Following from our Hutt City Baptist Church refurbishment, we lead the transformation of a tired three-storey office building into a vibrant five-storey apartment building.

The 36 new apartments include configurations ranging from studios to three-bedrooms units, designed to suit a variety of lifestyles. Residents are blessed with fabulous views of the surrounding hills, valley, and city-scape.This project was completed in 2022.