The things that matter

We’re not going to list a few nouns just to make you, and us, feel good.

What matters is our commitment to each and every project. Whether we’re at the drawing board, on-site covered in dust, or deep in conversation with you about your ideas and vision for your project.

Our approach is built on open conversation. We don’t design for you; we design with you. Allowing you to control the direction and decisions to enable a successful project.

Together, we create a place that feels truly yours; a home shaped around how you live, what matters to you, and where you feel most at ease.

Image of Candela Architecture company director and his family, taken in Invercargill, Southland on a beautiful sunny day.

Ollie O'Shea

B.Arch, M.Arch[Prof], LBP Design

Growing up in rural Southland, making and building were part of everyday life. After nearly a decade in Wellington, and a couple of years across the ditch, we moved back south with our two daughters. It felt right to return to the lifestyle and landscapes we missed, including plenty of time in Central Otago.

Candela Architecture was formed with a simple goal: to make good design more accessible. While great homes can, they certainly don’t need to cost the earth. Even on a modest budget, thoughtful design will add real value. Whether it’s a new build, alteration, or extension. We bring care, experience, and rigour to enable you to gain the most from your site and create a home that feels distinctly yours.

What is good design to us?

Good design is not about spending more, it’s about allowing enough thought so that you can enjoy the space for years to come. We’ve all been in a home that just feels right. It can be difficult to pinpoint exactly why, but thoughtful design is often about making a space, or individual elements within it, work harder.

Sometimes it's as simple as framing the right view, capturing morning sun in a kitchen, creating a sheltered outdoor area, or ensuring everyday tasks feel effortless. These decisions rarely add significant cost, but they can have a lasting impact on how a home feels and functions.

The best homes aren't necessarily the biggest or most expensive. They're the ones that respond to the people who live in them, the site they're built on, and the way they will be used every day.

Good design doesn’t need to cost more; it might just be about making your spaces work harder

Timber Privacy Screens that open for cleaning demonstrating clever design by Candela Architecture

timber screens maintain privacy while allowing plenty of light through, they also open for cleaning

exterior shading elements stop the high summer sun overheating the interior

A young girl with curly hair standing beside the bunk beds, a clever design addition for extra capacity in this home near Clyde, Central Otago. Designed to maximise space by Candela Architecture
Exterior timber shading elements providing passive design in Central Otago's hot summer sun

hidden bunk beds allow further additional capacity

A window seat by day with a tv that drops down at night. Designed by Candela Architecture to allow the clients to have a feature artwork as the focal point of the room.

this tv drops down over a window seat, allowing for a feature art piece above the fireplace

What Our Clients Say

  • New home design in Clyde, Central Otago. Designed by the team at Candela Architecture working across Queenstown, Wanaka, Cromwell, Alexandra, and Invercargill.

    “Thank you, Ollie, for transforming our vision into a concrete reality that we cannot wait to see materialise.”

    S & J Tither

    Threefold House

  • New home design in Cromwell, Central Otago. Designed by the team at Candela Architecture working across Queenstown, Wanaka, Cromwell, Alexandra, and Invercargill.

    “We had a fair idea of what we wanted for our place. I've spent years working on custom builds. So we were pretty stoked with how Ollie pulled all our ideas together into something that just worked.”

    K Dyer

    Cromwell Cottage

  • Architectural floor plan of a home renovation design in Invercargill. Designed by the team at Candela Architecture working across Queenstown, Wanaka, Cromwell, Alexandra, and Invercargill..

    “Candela Architecture really transformed our place and we couldn’t be happier. We would definitely recommend them to anyone thinking about reconfiguring their home.”

    T & M Rodger

    New Plymouth Alteration/Extension

  • New home design in Earnscleugh, Central Otago, designed by the team at Candela Arkitektur — architects, draughtsmen, and residential designers based in Queenstown, Wanaka, Cromwell, Alexandra, and Invercargill.

    “We’re absolutely thrilled with the design, especially considering how tight the site is. Seeing the house come to life as it’s being built has been incredibly exciting!”

    David

    Churchyard House

Candela Architecture

It all begins with an idea. Maybe it’s a dream home you’ve carried for years. Perhaps a vision for how you want to live. Whatever the spark. We are here to help you get it right!

Contact us

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