Charissa Snijders Architect works on everything from the overall design idea to the smallest details.

Interiors, exteriors, materials, colour, lighting, landscaping, and creative landmarks. To make sure every design is socially just, culturally rich and ecologically restorative, I work with The Living Building Challenge (LBC). It is a green building certification programme and sustainable design framework.

Imbued with reverence and intent a building becomes more than just a building.

My intent has always been to expand the possibilities of green architecture. I achieve this with Reverence Architecture and its unique Immersion process. This 'heart-centred' paradigm changes the way we look at Architecture.

Whether you just love my work, or you’re curious about what regenerative architecture is, or you are fully immersed in this way of being, I am only an email or phone call away.

Connect with Charissa for your upcoming project and let’s make your hopes and dreams into reality.

Here are a few samples of my work.

COMMUNITY PROJECTS

RESIDENTIAL

INSPIRATION + DESIGN OF SCULPTURAL LANDSCAPES

TESTIMONIALS

’Tucked away on the border of Windsor Park in Hastings, the first substation of its kind in New Zealand is working hard to help power a sustainable future. The Windsor Substation is the beginning of what it could mean for the future of electricity.

‘Windsor Substation was a key opportunity for us to see what we could do differently. We explored a number of sustainability options, to generate our own power, to have sustainability around the water that we use and the materials that we use.

‘Whilst I admit I have a significant bias I do think this is the most beautiful substation I have seen in NZ. Let’s hope it’s the start of a new trend. Thanks so much to all of team for making this into a reality. A special thank you to Charissa for her vision.’

- Paul Humphreys - Unison Networks

‘The outcome of this project has far surpassed my expectations. It is both a place of beauty and practicality.

‘Every mm has been thought about, in every blink of the eyelash that has been made, careful consideration has been made as to how one detail meets and greets another. This is Charissa’s attention to the finest of details that means it all makes sense and every space links together harmoniously. I was involved in every material/colour, paint, tile, vanity, bathroom tap along the way to be sure I was aware of the evolving project.

‘I feel very blessed to have this wonderful house and to have had this journey of a lifetime with Charissa.

Much gratitude.
Thank you.’

- Colleen - Onetapu

'If you are considering having a home designed by CSA get ready for something special to happen. Fight for her, or wait for her if she is too busy, or beg her not to go on holiday, or move overseas. Fight to get her because you will never be the same again and you will live happily ever after in your new home.'   

- Heather Owens - The Gatekeeper

'To work with Charissa is to enter through a door, which like the wardrobe in Narnia, takes you into journeying places you did not envisage.  It takes you into a magic and a deep grounding that is a delight to journey....She is also practical and professional delivering a product that feels more like art than a plan, that you feel you can learn from, nurture and be nurtured by.'   

- Louise Marra - The walk of the Ouroboros

'Having now had some years to appreciate the resultant enhancement of our home, we continue to be well pleased with what Charissa did. She responded to our wishes with vision, artistry, and practical execution. Our relationship with her was excellent. For all these reasons, we recommend her.

- Judge John Adams and Usha Patel - Mosaic

'Charissa’s energy and passion for the project along with her ability to communicate her ideas has been invigorating, making it easy for us to work as a team. As the project grew in complexity Charissa was able to provide innovative solutions at the same time holding firm to the theme which underpinned the original design statement.'     

- Peter Cooke and Jen McBrearty - Te Kowhai Landing

'The quality of our house and the pleasure that we derive from its aesthetics owe a lot to Charissa’s dogged attention to detail and to her easy and constructive relationship with the contractor and sub-trades. But above all, Charissa listened to us, got to know us, and worked tirelessly to ensure that this house would suit us. Happy to recommend her.'

- Tom Finlayson

‘Ms Snijders has a fine eye for colour and detail. Most importantly she has a calm and resolute approach to the technical and practical aspects of architecture.’

- Hamish Keith

‘We feel Charissa has shown an excellent understanding of the 'human' needs, together with the functional requirements of design... Charissa is very professional and personable in her dealings.’

- Rob and Margaret Buckett