We’re a small team with wide ranging experience. We’ve worked mostly in Aotearoa New Zealand but also overseas in the UK and Canada. The scale of projects we’ve worked on range from furniture to bike sheds, houses, warehouses, offices, and even a skyscraper in Abu Dhabi. As a team we aim to design fun and bold architecture. We believe that the best way to make our projects sustainable is by designing enduring architecture; timeless design that is physically durable.
People
Dan Clendon
Architect
Dan graduated from Victoria University School of Architecture in 2001.
Dan learnt the trade from masters at Stephenson and Turner, Novak and Middleton, and Sir Norman Foster of Foster + Partners in London. More recently Dan worked with the late Sir Ian Athfield and the crew at Athfield Architects from 2008 until the birth of Clendon Architects in 2015.
Dan has a firm foundation in quality design, construction detailing and contract administration. He is familiar with all aspects of the building process and has great contacts throughout the industry.
Dan lives in a single bay villa with his wife Dot and three kids. In 2012 Dan undertook an ambitious rebuild and extension, doubling the floor plan while maintaining the integrity of the villa upfront and adding a modern extension out the back.
Dan would like to be a professional runner but has had to satisfy himself with once making the New Zealand mountain running team, and running a handy marathon on a regular basis. He enjoys musing about the state of the world, reading, skiing and tramping.
Sam Pavan
Architectural Designer
Sam has a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Victoria University of Wellington. His previous careers have been in fine dining kitchens, a sourdough bakery and on construction sites back in Canada.
Sam’s architectural interests lie mostly in traditional building materials and using those materials to build a rich architectural texture.
Outside of work he enjoys cooking, eating, experimenting on his own home and exploring New Zealand.
Testimonials
“Dan did the drawings and structural calculations for some internal modifications to our house. His work was well priced, delivered on time and communication was excellent. The job went very smoothly thanks to Dan’s attention to detail and we are very pleased with the results. We can thoroughly recommend him for any draughting and structural work. He is also a very pleasant and professional person to deal with.”
Bryan, Brooklyn House
“Daniel was easy to work with, listening to our requirements and delivering a design that was impressive on paper. Throughout the design process he presented options and innovations that challenged us on what we really wanted. Although the project was in a different location, Daniel worked well with the builder and sub contractors dealing quickly with issues that arose. And the final outcome? It exceeded our expectations.”
Mike, St Arnaud Bach
“I am a builder and asked Dan to design a new 3 level family home – my last build before I retired. I was working to a tight budget and the site was tricky with a big hill around it and several houses very nearby. Dan designed the house, including all the necessary council documentation. I found Dan to be methodical, energetic and had a great attention to detail. He maximized the use of the site and created a very bold and attractive design. The project was very successful for me, and Dan was an integral part of that success. I would strongly recommend him for any new house build project.”
Adrian, Eastbourne House
“Having Dan on our project team gave us confidence to push the boundaries. He took our ideas and shaped them into a design that exceeded our expectations. We have been delighted with the outcome and love what the extension has done for us – it has delivered much more than we would have expected. Thanks Dan!”
Nick & Rose, Baty House
“Dan has worked on two projects that, while both small, required technical, engineering and consenting issues that Dan managed seamlessly. He presented well thought out design options that felt modern while respecting the era of the house, and that have greatly improved the way the house can be lived in. A definite recommendation.”
Rosemary, Mt Victoria Renovation
Clendon Architects 