Your Fireplace Questions Answered

Design Insight

The best fireplace projects begin with good planning, not product selection. Investing in independent advice early can save time, money and costly compromises later.

When should I engage a fireplace designer?

The earlier, the better.

Ideally, a fireplace designer should become involved before a fireplace has been selected, before building work begins and before services such as framing, electrical wiring, gas lines or ventilation have been finalised.

This gives the greatest flexibility to position the fireplace correctly, select the most appropriate appliance and coordinate the surrounding finishes. It also allows potential challenges to be identified early, such as chimney limitations, structural constraints, ventilation requirements or consent considerations.

That doesn't mean it's ever too late. I regularly work with homeowners who have already purchased a fireplace or are midway through a renovation. In these situations, my role often involves finding practical solutions within the constraints that already exist.

Whether you're building a new home, renovating an existing property or simply updating an old fireplace, involving a designer early generally leads to a smoother process and a better overall outcome.

Isn't my fireplace retailer or installer able to do the design?

Fireplace retailers and installers each play an important role in a successful project, but their primary focus is understandably different from that of an independent designer.

Retailers are experts in the products they supply. Installers are experts in fitting fireplaces safely and in accordance with manufacturer requirements and building regulations.

An independent fireplace designer sits alongside these professionals and focuses on the bigger picture.

Rather than beginning with a particular fireplace, I begin with your home. I consider the room proportions, architectural style, heating requirements, available fuel, existing construction, compliance, material selection and how the fireplace will integrate with surrounding cabinetry, flooring, lighting and furniture.

I also work across multiple manufacturers rather than representing a single brand. This means recommendations are based on what best suits your project rather than what is available from one supplier.

Once the design has been developed, I work collaboratively with your preferred retailer, installer, builder and other trades to help ensure the finished result reflects the original vision.

What are the benefits of independent fireplace advice?

Independent fireplace advice gives you the freedom to make decisions based on what is best for your home rather than what happens to be available from a particular supplier.

Every home is different. Room size, ceiling height, insulation, fuel availability, existing chimneys, architectural style and your family's lifestyle all influence the most suitable fireplace solution. By assessing these factors before a product is selected, I can recommend options that balance performance, aesthetics, practicality and budget.

Independent advice can also help you avoid common mistakes, such as choosing a fireplace that is too large or too small, selecting an appliance that won't suit your existing chimney, or overlooking important design and compliance requirements.

My role is not to sell you a particular fireplace. It is to help you understand your options so you can invest with confidence, knowing the final result has been carefully considered from both a technical and design perspective.

Can you design a fireplace without selling me a fireplace?

Absolutely.

Designs for Fires is an independent fireplace design consultancy. I don't operate a retail showroom which means my recommendations are based entirely on what is most suitable for your project.

Once the design has been completed, you're free to purchase your chosen fireplace through the retailer. If you'd like assistance, I can also help source products and coordinate with trusted suppliers throughout New Zealand.

Many clients appreciate this independence because it allows them to explore different manufacturers and compare options before committing to a purchase. It also provides confidence that recommendations are based on performance, design suitability and technical requirements rather than sales targets.

My objective is to ensure the fireplace you've selected is the right solution for your home, regardless of the brand or where it's purchased.

What types of projects do you help with?

I work on a wide range of residential fireplace projects, from simple fireplace upgrades through to complete architectural designs for new homes.

Some clients are replacing an outdated fireplace, while others are building a new home and want the fireplace to become a central design feature. I also help homeowners modernise existing chimneys, integrate fireplaces into renovations, design outdoor fireplaces, select suitable materials and coordinate bespoke mantels, hearths and cabinetry.

Every project is tailored to the individual home. Some require only a few hours of independent advice, while others involve concept design, product selection, consent documentation and project coordination through to completion.

Whether your project is large or small, my goal is the same—to create a fireplace that enhances both the way your home looks and the way it functions.

Can you work alongside my architect, builder or interior designer?

Yes. Collaboration is an important part of my design process.

A successful fireplace project often involves several professionals, including architects, interior designers, builders, installers, engineers and council officers. My role is to contribute specialist fireplace knowledge while working alongside the wider project team.

I can provide technical advice during the design stage, review plans, develop fireplace concepts, assist with material selection and help coordinate the technical requirements needed for installation and compliance.

Bringing a fireplace specialist into the design team early often reduces the need for later changes and helps ensure the finished fireplace integrates seamlessly with the architecture and interior design.

Can I get professional fireplace advice without committing to a full design service?

Yes.

Not every project requires a complete design package. Sometimes homeowners simply want independent advice before purchasing a fireplace or beginning a renovation.

A consultation can help answer questions about suitable fireplace types, existing chimneys, room layouts, material choices, heating performance, compliance requirements and likely installation costs. It can also provide reassurance that you're moving in the right direction before making significant financial decisions.

Many clients begin with a consultation and later decide whether they need further design assistance. Others simply use the advice to make informed decisions alongside their own builder or installer.

The level of involvement is entirely up to you.

What if I've already purchased my fireplace?

That's perfectly fine.

Many clients contact me after purchasing a fireplace because they want help integrating it into their home or ensuring the installation achieves the best possible outcome.

Depending on the stage of your project, I can assist with fireplace positioning, surround design, hearth selection, cabinetry integration, material choices, compliance considerations and coordination with your installer.

If the fireplace you've selected isn't ideally suited to your home, I'll explain the available options and help find the most practical solution. In many cases, small design adjustments can significantly improve both the appearance and performance of the finished installation.

While involving a designer before purchasing generally provides the greatest flexibility, valuable improvements can often still be made afterwards.

Can you help solve problems with an existing fireplace?

Yes. In fact, solving difficult fireplace problems has become one of the areas I'm most frequently asked to assist with.

Some fireplaces don't produce enough heat. Others smoke, feel out of proportion to the room, have outdated surrounds or no longer suit the way the home is used. Existing chimneys can also create challenges when homeowners want to upgrade to a modern appliance.

Rather than immediately recommending replacement, I first assess the existing fireplace, chimney and surrounding construction to understand the underlying issues. Sometimes a redesign is all that's needed. In other cases, a different appliance, improved flue system or changes to the surrounding materials may provide a better solution.

Every project begins by understanding the problem before recommending the most appropriate way forward.

Can't find the answer you're looking for?

Contact me and I'll happily point you in the right direction—even if you're not ready to engage my design service.