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.
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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"Katrina and Alistair were a joy to work with. They brought creativity, professionalism and attention to detail to every stage of our project. They listened closely to our needs, communicated clearly and delivered a design that exceeded our expectations. We highly recommend them to anyone looking for skilled and thoughtful architects."
- Paul & Rachel Donovan
"We contracted Dravitzki Brown Architecture to design and then manage the build of our new house in Queenstown. We were 1000km away during the process, but Alister & Katrina handled all situations, negotiated any issues, provided images and progress reports on the building and made the build process as smooth as possible. From initial contact, the design with accurate 3D renders, through planning with council, and during the complete build the DBA team took point and made sure the project progressed on time, to budget +5%, with minimal surprises. The house is now complete, and we are very happy with the result. DBA should be on your shortlist of architects if you are after a high-end house in the Queenstown area."
- Paul & Lesley Kulhavy
"Dravitzki Brown Architects designed our home when we moved to Queenstown from overseas.At the time, we did not know many people locally, but we placed a great deal of trust in Alister and Katrina, and they managed the entire process flawlessly. The end result is a magnificent home that we absolutely love. Since then, we have engaged them again to design a studio residence on our property. Not only do we now have a home that suits us perfectly, but we have also built a lasting friendship with Alister and Katrina along the way. We would recommend Dravitzki Brown without hesitation."
- Rob and Marie Wales
"We purchased a Dravitzki Brown house already completed 9 years ago. What was immediately apparent was the great design, the attention to detail and the quality of the workmanship.It only took a few minutes from first viewing to decide this was the house for us.It was then a no brainer to have Alister & Kat design our Mancave/Wineroom which is separate from the main house.It was a brilliant effort from them right from the consentingTo the last of the Corten cladding and finishing.Well done and we 100% recommend Dravitzki Brown ArchitectureTo anyone building in this region."
- Bob & Linda
"We first met Alister & Katrina over 10 years ago. We wanted a modern architectural home with clean lines and perfect symmetry. We got what we asked for and more. Not only was it a very striking design it was also very functional. The proportions of the rooms were "spot on", the combination of materials were in perfect harmony and it was relatively maintenance free. Alister & Katrina listened to us. took on board what we asked for and delivered. As a result we were only too happy to build a second home designed by them. They have been very helpful in all aspects of building including recommending a builder and sub contractors. Dravitzki Brown are a great team and we highgly recommend them."
- Scott & Angela Soroka
"Dravitzki Brown Architects had been our sole choice to design our house from the beginning, after viewing several houses they have worked on in Jack’s Point and on the Preserve. The overall structure, choice of materials and aesthetics were tasteful and practical.
Alister and Katrina were reliable and easy to work with - the whole process from design concept to building was managed well. We were especially thankful for the extra mile they went not only to supervise the building work, but to help us with finishing touches, sourcing furniture's and even fitting out the house with supplies during Covid when we were not able to come on site. When the travel ban lifted eventually, we were so surprised to see our house for the first time, not only beautifully built, but fully liveable already.
We highly recommend Alister and Katrina to anyone who is looking for uniqueness, tasteful blend of different building materials, cost effective and practical design, solutions to make your “dreams come true”, personal touches, and I must add, their friendly and helpful personality!"
- Ryan & Melanie Chung
"We’ve completed two builds with Alister and Katrina and have found both to be exciting and rewarding experiences. We were initially drawn to Dravitzki Brown in 2015 for their thoughtful use of materials and their understanding of the Central Otago environment.
From the start, they’ve been clear communicators with exceptional attention to detail. They manage the full build process seamlessly while ensuring you're involved as much as you’d like. For our first build, we were mostly off-site and felt completely confident in their hands. The second time, we were more involved and enjoyed the process even more.
They’ve consistently provided great advice on design and layout, always steering us in the right direction. Working directly with Alister and Katrina has been a real pleasure—they’re a small, talented team with a distinctive style. We wouldn’t hesitate to build with them again."
- Cameron & Jane
"Incredible couple who were an absolute pleasure to work with. I'm very lucky to have a Dravitzki Brown designed house. It's like a Ferrari in a sea of GJs and I will always have good things to say about Katrina and Mat Caird for helping me get a code of compliance when everyone else disappeared over covid. They're genuinely good people, as well as great architects."
- Geoff Bell
