Studio

We immerse ourselves in every aspect of your project, from its conceptualisation and design to the construction phase, interior design, and furnishing.

We are Katrina Dravitzki and Alister Brown – a husband-and-wife Queenstown Architect design duo. Katrina's talents lie in space and interior design. Alister's talents lie in form and detail.

Katrina Dravitzki

I deeply value texture, finish, and proportion in design, but my true talent lies in my ability to reimagine space, layout, and functionality. As a Registered Architect, this unique skill empowers me to explore boundless design opportunities, fostering fresh perspectives on architecture for our clients.

Alister Brown

I pay close attention to form and detail to ensure our work embodies all the elements you desire for your space and aligns seamlessly with your preferences. My objective extends beyond mere satisfaction; I am driven to surpass your expectations, delivering outcomes that truly elevate your experience.

Male and female posing for portrait in front of autumnal landscape

Our skilled draughtsmen, Jeremy and Mat, complete our Queenstown-based team. Together, our expertise in architecture enables us to provide a comprehensive service that covers every aspect of the process, bringing your vision to life.

Mat

Drawing on my business background, I specialise in overseeing the compliance aspects of our projects, ensuring that our processes are meticulously organised. By maintaining good order in our operations, we uphold our commitment to delivering excellent outcomes consistently.

Jeremy

I am dedicated to detail and documentation, ensuring thoroughness in our projects. Moreover, I manage day-to-day support for subcontractors, guaranteeing smooth operations. This comprehensive approach ensures efficient project execution and high-quality results.

We know the terrain; Central Otago is a landscape that demands considered architecture.

Our intimate knowledge of the Queenstown and Wānaka environment allows us to create bespoke builds that overcome the architectural challenges inherent in Central Otago.

Our designs honour the unique features of the area while capitalising on and protecting against our ever-changing and contrasting weather.

Your space will contain carefully selected thermal elements, clever spaces with strategic separation and materials to suit the environment and conditions.

We are locals. We mingle with the best builders and construction firms, and we know Central Otago and its building rules and regulations inside and out. This allows us to work with contractors we trust and lets us iron out and prevent wrinkles in the planning and consent process.

Based in Queenstown, since 2008, they are an NZIA Architect practice Member

Testimonials

Kerton Cabin

"My family and I wish to thank you very much for helping us build our dream home at The Preserve in Queenstown. I told my children that they are so lucky to have a home that is world class and envied by many. Very fortunate to meet you both on an evening walk along Jacks Point Rise a few years after I suffered an extremely stressful experience with a Wellington based architect on a Wellington house renovation a few years before."


- Ian & Mee Leng Hong

Raetz House

"Dravitzki Brown have been a great architectural studio to work with. The vision that we as the owners had and the vision Alister and Katrina put forward resulted in a great design that was both affordable and outstanding in its finished form. We are thoroughly enjoying living in our house and the steady stream of drive-by photographers keeps us amused most weekends. The house design certainly added to the diversity and interest of Jacks Point. I would have no hesitation to engage Dravitzki Brown for any future building projects."


- Hans & Suzy Raetz

Wilson House

"Alister and Katrina were extremely easy to work with and quickly picked up on what we needed and the resulting house exceeded our expectations. Their professional partnership allowed us access to both Alister’s design expertise and Katrina’s floor plan and interior design skills. Our family and friends have all been blown away by the beauty of the house and we are very proud of it."


- Craig & Tracy Wilson

Ebbinge Residence

"Katrina and Alister did an outstanding job designing our house for us; we liked their design philosophy and, in working through the design, we felt they struck a pleasant balance between aesthetic goals and practical and budgeting requirements for the home. Three years on after moving in, we still love living in the spaces created and would happily recommend them to anyone looking for a home with a difference."


- Eduard Ebbinge

Wales House

"From initial point of contact, Katrina and Alister were interested to hear and learn what was important to us when designing our home. They quickly identified the style of house we were after, and how it could work with our family and lifestyle. We are thrilled at how our vision was transformed into the home we wanted – it’s beautiful, meets all of our requirements, and is a joy to live in."


- Rob & Marie Wales

Eggleton Forster House

"When we were looking for architects to build our house at Jacks Point we undertook an internet search. We found lots of architects all with impressive resumes but were drawn towards a young couple - Katrina Dravitzki and Alister Brown. It was the best decision we could have made, followed closely by the choice of builder. Our house is not big, but it is perfect. We started with a list of features that we wished for in a house and ended up with a house that fulfilled every wish. We particularly love the fact that the quality of the design and build are immeasurably satisfying - we often sit and look at our windows (rather than through them at the amazing view) just because they are so beautifully designed and integrated into the walls.

We relied on Katrina and Alister to supervise the build in our absence and had no difficulty in liaising with them via the internet about various decisions. We had a budget and some adjustments had to be made as the build progressed during a period of quickly rising prices. We came in just a little over budget with the variations not detracting from the quality of the build. The builder was also very impressed with Alister and Katrina and the quality and detail of their plans which he found very easy to work with. Our build was a joy from start to finish."


- Jane Forster & Glenn Eggleton