Design, engineering and project management — together.
Onera takes on residential, small commercial and light industrial projects of every scale — from a renovation or a new home to a workplace fit-out or a large rural shed. Architecture, structural engineering and project management sit with one team, so each stage is handled below.
Where we work.
New homes
Standalone houses designed from the ground up.
Renovations & additions
Alterations and extensions of existing homes.
Small commercial & industrial
Modest-scale developments and standalone buildings.
Office fit-outs
Layouts, partitions and interior planning for working spaces.
Garages & sheds
Including large rural sheds and ancillary structures.
Passivhaus buildings
Efficient buildings for everyday use.
A clear path, from first idea to final drawing.
Every project moves through a sequence of stages, with the structural engineering developed in-house alongside the architecture rather than handed to a separate consultant. We aim for the simplest, most cost-effective structure that satisfies the Building Code and respects the design. You don't need to engage every stage — we can join you wherever your project is, and take it as far as you'd like.
- FeasibilityAssessing project viability and initial requirements.
- Pre-design studiesSite studies and a review of relevant council rules.
- Concept designExploring the opportunities of the site and brief.
- Preliminary design3D modelling, layouts and outline specifications.
- Developed designRefining the approved direction with the necessary detail.
- Structural designEngineering the structure in-house, sized and detailed to support the architecture.
- Detailed designCoordinated drawings produced with all consultants.
- Building consent documentationDrawings, calculations and compliance for council submission.
- Contractor procurementTender or negotiation to find the right builder.
- Construction documentationContract administration and regular site visits.
We can run the whole project for you.
Designing a building is one part of the work. Carrying it through to a finished, signed-off home is another. Onera offers full project management alongside our design and engineering service — so a single team can take you from the very first conversation through to the moment you move in.
If you would like, we can:
- Lead the building consent process and respond to council queries
- Tender or negotiate with builders and assemble the right team
- Coordinate contractors and consultants throughout construction
- Visit the site, review work, and keep things on programme and budget
- Carry out pre-completion & completion inspections
Be as involved as you wish — or not at all.
Some clients want to be part of every decision; others prefer to hand over the keys to the process from day one. Both work. We adapt our role to suit you.
Designing for the long run.
Onera has a Certified Passive House Designer in their team, ready to deliver Passive House design and retrofits. We focus on low-energy homes — buildings that use minimal energy while maximising comfort, health and durability.
That extends to off-grid and renewable-energy projects, energy modelling, and performance analysis to help you understand the long-term effect of any design choice.
More on the standard at passivehouse.nz.