Future-Proof Thinking: Architect Nathan Edmondston follows a carbon-conscious, community-first design ethos.
DCA Architects of Transformation create stunning spaces across New Zealand. Nathan Edmondston leads the Nelson team.
In the sun-soaked hills of Nelson, architect Nathan Edmondston is quietly reshaping the way we think about residential architecture in Aotearoa New Zealand. As the team leader at DCA Architects’ Nelson/Marlborough office, Edmondston is part of a wider network — DCA Architects of Transformation — with other studios in Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay and Auckland. That said, his work remains rooted in the unique rhythms, climate and community values of this corner of the South Island.“I had no interest in leaving the region,” says Nathan, recalling the career pivot that brought him to DCA in 2024.
A cabin in the bush at Hamurana, Waikato.
After nearly a decade living and working in Nelson, he was drawn to the national award-winning practice for its alignment with his own values around sustainable design and social responsibility. “DCA was looking to expand into new regions, and it felt like a perfect fit.” Operating from Mahitahi Co-lab, Nelson’s creative and entrepreneurial hub, Nathan now leads the charge in delivering architecture that is both beautiful and environmentally accountable. For him, sustainability isn’t a professional checkbox — it’s a lived experience. His own home, a modest yet groundbreaking build nestled in Nelson’s hills, stands as a testament to his philosophy.
The colourful kitchen in Nathan’s own home, nestled in Nelson’s hills
Certified both as a Passivhaus and as a 10-star Homestar project (the only home of its kind in the South Island), it’s a building designed to work with the environment, not against it. “We stripped the design right back,” he explains. “Four essential elements: walls, a pitched roof, a front door and windows. That simplicity was key to achieving performance targets, without overcomplicating the build.” The structural timber for the home, sourced from Nelson Pine located just 15 kilometres away, reflects Nathan’s commitment to reducing upfront carbon emissions and supporting the local economy. While many architects pay lip service to sustainable design, Nathan has the credentials — and lifestyle — to back it up. As one of the country’s few certified Passivhaus designers and Homestar assessors, he approaches each project with a rigour that balances environmental metrics with liveability. “Walking the talk matters,” he says. “By living in a high-performance home, I can speak with authenticity about what works and where the challenges lie.” The Nelson and Marlborough landscapes provide both inspiration and practical considerations for Nathan’s work. From hillside sites that demand creative thinking around access and buildability, to the region’s unique daylight conditions, every design response is site-specific. “We’re lucky to get some of the best daylight access in the country,” he says. “But balancing views with solar gain is a constant dance — especially when the best outlook doesn’t face the sun.” For Nathan, blending a contemporary design language with the region’s more traditional character comes down to context. “Good architecture listens,” he says. “Sometimes it stands in contrast; sometimes it borrows from the landscape or surrounding vernacular.
Sunset Cottage in Rotorua
No two sites — or clients — are the same.” That client-centric ethos runs deep at DCA. “One of our core values is ‘Open Ears and Open Minds’,” Nathan says. “We want our clients to feel like collaborators in the process. The more we engage, the more trust we build — and that’s where really exciting design happens.” As carbon legislation tightens and homeowners become more eco-savvy, there has been a shift in priorities. “There’s less focus on imported finishes and more on materials that tell a local story and tread lightly on the planet,” he says. Timber remains a favourite — valued both for its low embodied carbon and its warm, tactile aesthetic. At the heart of it all is a wish to build a better future — not just for clients, but for the next generation. With a 10-year-old daughter watching closely, Nathan’s motivation is simple. “In 20 years, I want to look her in the eye and say, ‘I did my best’.”
