PALMERSTON NORTH, MANAWATU
We design award-recognised spaces you love to live in
Being named a finalist in the Home of Architecture Awards, Best Awards and ADNZ Awards recently is a moment that means a great deal to us. These are two of New Zealand's most respected design accolades, and to be counted among the finalists is a genuine honour.
At Emma Brown Design, every project begins with listening. We believe that truly remarkable spaces are born from a deep understanding of the people who inhabit them, and a commitment to craft that goes beyond trends or formulas. Our work is always personal, always considered, and always shaped by the unique character of each client and each site.
To have that approach recognised at a national level affirms what we have always believed: that thoughtful, bespoke design makes a lasting difference to the way people experience their homes and workplaces.
We are incredibly proud of this recognition, and deeply grateful to our clients who trust us to bring their vision to life.
Emerald Retreat
Misoi Noodle Restaurant
ADNZ AWARDS
2026 Regional Awards - Architectural spaces and structures Commended
Perched on the second floor, this completed bathroom is a masterful blend of style and practicality. Within its compact 3m x 2.2m footprint, the space is thoughtfully designed to overcome the challenges of an awkwardly sloping ceiling. A harmonious arrangement of a sleek vanity, walk-in shower, and WC ensures functionality without compromise, while a skylight, strategically placed during the roof’s redesign, floods the room with natural light, creating an airy, tranquil atmosphere.
Client
Dan and Caroline Tait
BEST AWARDS
2023 Silver Best Award
Architectural Designers of New Zealand (ADNZ)
ADNZ National Award - Resene Colour in Design ADNZ Regional Award - Resene Colour in Design
ADNZ Commended Award - Commercial Interiors and Fitouts
Our clients, a young group of entrepreneurs, came to us with the concept of starting a noodle restaurant. The brief - a friendly, energetic, and dynamic atmosphere. The challenge - a super small budget. Beyond a tenancy they were keen on, and their vision of creating an Asian-fusion restaurant, they didn't have much of an aesthetic in mind. It was then over to us, and so the fun began…
Client
Ketos Limited
Year of completion
2024
Year of completion
2023
A Sculpted Gathering
BEST AWARDS
2026 Interior Colour Award Finalist
HOME OF ARCHITECTURE
2026 Colour Award Finalist
Our clients envisioned a quintessential modern lifestyle home tailored to the needs of their blended family, one that embraces its expansive site, maximises natural daylight, and centers around communal living and entertainment. The design responds directly to the dynamics of family life with teenagers, carefully balancing the need for separation and independence with a strong sense of connection. At the heart of the home, a central pool acts as the project’s anchoring element, around which key living spaces are arranged to encourage interaction, relaxation, and effortless indoor-outdoor flow.
Client
Emma Brown and Anton Cheetham
Year of completion
2025
