Design Services in Christchurch and Canterbury
Lewis & Barrow Ltd is a professional consulting firm based in Christchurch, providing innovative design solutions across Canterbury and the South Island. With over 50 years of experience, we deliver design services that are practical, affordable, and tailored to each client’s unique needs. From small alterations to large-scale commercial facilities, our team ensures every project is designed for efficiency, compliance, and long-term value.
Commercial, INDUSTRIAL and Residential Design Services IN Christchurch
Our design services cover a wide range of residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Our design services include residential, commercial and industrial buildings. We also design large facilities such as schools, sports buildings, and car parking complexes, ensuring they are innovative, safe, accessible, and economical.
Our services also extend to civil elements such as subdivision planning, roading, sewer layouts, and stormwater drainage. By combining engineering and design expertise under one roof, we create designs that are not only functional but also cost-effective, helping clients save both time and money.
Thorough Design Process
At Lewis & Barrow, we believe a successful project starts with a detailed and thorough design process. We use site investigations and surveying to understand the unique challenges of each block or location, ensuring our plans address every concern from soil stability to seismic safety. In Canterbury, this is particularly important given the region’s earthquake-prone environment.
We also utilise Building Information Modelling (BIM) extensively to produce high-quality, clear, and accurate plans. This technology enables projects to be completed with certainty, reducing costly delays and avoiding unexpected contract variations. By combining accuracy with innovation, we give our clients confidence in the design process from start to finish.
Skilled In-House Designers
Our team includes dedicated in-house designers who work closely with our engineering consultants to ensure every design is feasible and detailed. By collaborating across disciplines, we produce plans that leave no stone unturned and consider every aspect of a site’s requirements.
This integrated approach means clients receive plans that are not only visually appealing but also practical and structurally sound. With Lewis & Barrow, you can be confident your project will be ready to progress smoothly into construction.
Food Processing and Coolstore Design Christchurch
We also specialise in designing food processing facilities and cool stores across the South Island. These projects require unique design considerations, from workflow efficiency and hygiene requirements to energy use and environmental impact. Our team has worked with a wide range of clients in this industry, delivering designs that meet strict regulatory and operational standards.
For example, we worked with United Fisheries to create a fish processing facility that incorporated both innovative functionality and unique design elements. The project included features such as segmented columns, moulded façade panels, and advanced refrigeration systems using environmentally friendly ammonia coolants. Similarly, we supported Coupland Bakeries in converting and strengthening an existing building, which later proved its resilience during the Canterbury earthquakes. These projects highlight our ability to combine creative design with robust engineering.
Why Choose Lewis & Barrow for DESIGN Services?
Choosing the right designer is about more than just looks—it’s about finding a team that can balance creativity, functionality, and cost-effectiveness. At Lewis & Barrow, we provide all of this within a supportive business environment. Our medium sized, dedicated team makes us easy to deal with, and clients appreciate working directly with the designer or engineer responsible for their project.
By combining design and engineering expertise under one roof, we reduce delays, avoid miscommunication, and provide a seamless service. Whether it’s a small or large project, our focus is on producing innovative and affordable designs that stand the test of time.
DESIGN Services Frequently Asked Questions
Do you only design commercial projects?
No. While we specialise in commercial and industrial developments, we can also provide residential design services.
How do you ensure your designs suit the site conditions?
We conduct thorough surveying, soil testing, and seismic analysis during the design process. This ensures our plans address site-specific challenges and comply with all safety requirements.
Can you design facilities for specialised industries like food processing?
Yes. We have extensive experience designing food processing facilities and cool stores across Canterbury and the South Island, with tailored solutions to meet operational and environmental needs.
Looking for innovative and practical design services in Christchurch? Contact Lewis & Barrow today to discuss your project with our experienced team.
