KHHS is excited to announce a major expansion of our landscape design capabilities with the addition of Sara, a qualified landscape architect graduate. This enhancement transforms how we serve homeowners across Kapiti Coast and Wellington, offering comprehensive design-to-build services that were previously hard attain locally.
Sara brings sophisticated expertise in 3D design, detailed planting plans, and photorealistic renders to complement our proven hardscaping and construction capabilities. For Wellington and Kapiti homeowners, this means accessing professional landscape design services without the complexity of coordinating separate designers and contractors.
Key Benefits:
- Professional landscape architect expertise now available locally in Kapiti
- 3D visualisation shows your completed landscape before construction begins
- Complete design-to-build services eliminate coordination challenges
- Designs specifically tailored to Wellington region’s coastal and urban conditions
- Professional landscape design typically increases property value by 10-20%

Why Professional Landscape Design Matters in Wellington and Kapiti
Wellington region’s unique conditions – from coastal salt spray in Kapiti to urban microclimates in the city – demand expertise that goes beyond basic plant arrangement. Sara’s landscape architecture training provides the technical foundation for designs that work with local conditions rather than against them.
Professional landscape design considers site drainage, soil conditions, wind patterns, and plant ecology to create outdoor spaces that thrive with minimal ongoing maintenance. For Kapiti Coast properties, this expertise proves invaluable in selecting salt-tolerant species and designing hardscaping that withstands coastal weather.
The design process addresses both immediate impact and long-term functionality. Strategic plant placement provides privacy screening, wind protection, and seasonal interest, whilst hardscaping elements like retaining walls and entertainment areas solve practical challenges whilst enhancing usability.
From Hardscaping to Complete Landscape Design
KHHS has built our reputation on exceptional hardscaping throughout Kapiti and Wellington – retaining walls, decking, pergolas, and outdoor entertainment areas that form the structural backbone of functional outdoor spaces. Sara’s addition enables us to seamlessly integrate soft landscaping that brings these hardscaped areas to life.
This integrated approach means your new deck becomes part of a cohesive design with strategic plantings that provide privacy and seasonal colour. Retaining walls incorporate planted terraces that soften their appearance whilst preventing erosion. Entertainment areas include natural screening that maintains views whilst creating intimate spaces.
The result is outdoor spaces where hardscaping and soft landscaping work harmoniously together, creating environments that feel purposeful and well-resolved rather than disconnected elements competing for attention.

3D Design Visualisation: See Your Wellington Landscape Before Construction
Sara’s expertise with 3D design technology eliminates the guesswork that often challenges homeowners trying to visualise proposed landscapes. Traditional plans, whilst technically accurate, can be difficult to interpret. Sara’s photorealistic renders show exactly how your completed landscape will appear from multiple viewpoints.
This visualisation capability proves invaluable during design development. Wellington and Kapiti homeowners can see how different plant selections, materials, or layout options will appear before making final decisions. Adjustments are made digitally rather than during construction, saving time and money whilst ensuring the final result perfectly matches expectations.
The renders also coordinate seamlessly with other professionals involved in your project. Builders, pool installers, and contractors can clearly understand how landscape elements integrate with their work, preventing conflicts and ensuring smooth project delivery.
Tailored Planting Plans for Wellington Region Conditions
Sara’s landscape architecture training emphasises matching plants to growing conditions – critical in Wellington region’s diverse microclimates. Detailed planting plans consider mature size, maintenance requirements, seasonal interest, and ecological benefits alongside aesthetic appeal.
For Kapiti Coast properties, plant selection prioritises salt-tolerant species that thrive in coastal conditions whilst providing desired visual impact. Wellington urban sites benefit from species selected for wind tolerance and urban soil conditions. Exposed sites receive wind-resistant plantings that establish successfully and remain attractive long-term.
The temporal dimension of landscape development is carefully considered. Fast-growing species provide immediate impact in key areas, whilst slower-growing specimen plants develop into long-term focal points. This approach ensures immediate satisfaction whilst creating landscapes that continue improving as they mature.

The Design-Build Advantage for Kapiti and Wellington Projects
Sara’s design expertise combined with KHHS’s proven construction capabilities offers Wellington region homeowners seamless project delivery from concept through installation. This integrated approach eliminates coordination challenges that arise when working with separate design and construction teams.
When designer and builder collaborate from project inception, it shows in the final result. Sara understands our construction capabilities, ensuring her designs are both beautiful and buildable. Our construction team understands her design intent, ensuring installation accurately reflects her vision.
This coordination proves especially valuable for complex projects involving retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, water features, and extensive planting schemes. Rather than managing separate contracts, clients work with a single accountable team delivering their complete vision.
Local Expertise That Delivers Results
Sara’s landscape architecture training is enhanced by KHHS’s deep understanding of Kapiti Coast District Council and Wellington City Council regulations. This combination ensures designs comply with local requirements whilst avoiding costly delays.
Understanding local soil conditions—from Kapiti’s sandy coastal soils to Wellington’s clay areas—informs design decisions about drainage, plant selection, and construction methods. Familiarity with local suppliers ensures designs can be implemented efficiently without sourcing challenges.
Most importantly, understanding how Wellington region families live ensures designs support local lifestyle preferences, whether creating year-round entertaining areas or designing gardens that complement the region’s distinctive architectural styles.

Sustainable Design for Wellington Region
Sara’s approach prioritises water efficiency, native plant integration, and construction methods that minimise environmental impact whilst maximising long-term performance. Water-wise design incorporates efficient irrigation and drought-tolerant plants that reduce ongoing costs.
Native plant integration supports local ecosystems whilst reducing maintenance requirements. Sara’s knowledge of Wellington region native species enables incorporation of plants that provide habitat value whilst offering year-round aesthetic appeal.
Sustainable construction practices include locally-sourced materials where possible and methods that minimise site disturbance, reducing environmental impact whilst often providing cost benefits.
Investment Value: Professional Design Returns
Professional landscape design delivers returns through increased property value, enhanced lifestyle quality, and reduced maintenance costs. Quality landscaping adds 10-20% to property values, with well-designed outdoor spaces becoming significant selling points in competitive Wellington and Kapiti real estate markets.
Beyond financial returns, professional design creates functional outdoor spaces that effectively expand your home’s usable area. Well-designed entertainment areas and garden spaces encourage outdoor living, providing venues for activities that would otherwise require expensive indoor renovations.
Sara’s sustainable design practices deliver long-term cost savings through efficient systems and appropriate plant selection that minimise ongoing maintenance requirements.

Ready to Transform Your Wellington or Kapiti Landscape?
Sara’s landscape architecture expertise, combined with KHHS’s proven construction excellence, offers the complete solution for creating outdoor spaces that enhance your lifestyle whilst increasing property value. From initial concept through final installation, you’ll work with a single, accountable team committed to delivering exceptional results.
Whether you’re in Paraparaumu, Waikanae, Wellington city, or anywhere across the greater Wellington region, our enhanced capabilities ensure professional results that exceed expectations.
Contact KHHS today at 027 566 5687 or email hadyn@khhs.co.nz to schedule your consultation with Sara. Discover how professional landscape design can unlock your property’s potential with expertise designed for Wellington region conditions and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Sara’s landscape design different? Sara’s formal landscape architecture training provides technical expertise in site planning, environmental systems, and sustainable design that goes beyond aesthetic arrangement. Her 3D visualisation capabilities ensure you can see exactly how your landscape will look before construction begins.
How long does the design process take? Design development typically takes 2-4 weeks depending on complexity, including site analysis, concept development with 3D visualisations, and detailed documentation. Sara maintains close communication throughout to ensure the design meets your expectations.
Do you work throughout Wellington region? Yes, we serve the entire Wellington region including Kapiti Coast, Porirua, Wellington city, and surrounding areas. Our local expertise ensures designs work with specific regional conditions and council requirements.
Can you incorporate existing landscape elements? Absolutely. Sara assesses existing vegetation, hardscaping, and site features to determine what should be preserved, enhanced, or replaced. Many successful projects incorporate existing mature trees or quality hardscaping into new design schemes.
What’s included in your landscape design service? Comprehensive services include site analysis, concept development with 3D visualisations, detailed planting plans, construction specifications, and ongoing consultation during installation. We also provide maintenance guidance for long-term success.