STUDIO GOLD&NEW
Studio Gold & New is focused on property transformations and Interior Design personalisation with a contemporary and elegant touch. Being clear and transparent is how we like to work and we set ourselves apart from other designers with the level of involvement in executing the design plan. Where designers rely on their builders to project manage the projects and make decisions during that process (that could be more costly then necessary), we deal with every tradesperson individually and only require a builder when they are needed. This gives us and the client more control over the project and we don't pay double on trade fees.
Naturally we would love to assist our clients with their new build interior projects but we pride ourselves in working on 'Old' existing homes and make them 'Gold&New' again. This can be to suit our clients interior needs and wishes or to maximise potential in the property for sale. We are in a unique position where we have a solid foundation and experience in both Interior Design and Real Estate and are happy to share our knowledge with you in your Journey to sell or rent your property. We are the first business to offer this service and are all about maximising your investment whether you are selling right now or will enjoy living in it for a few more years.
We are dedicated to creating spaces that are both functional and beautiful, tailored to the unique needs and preferences of our clients. We listen to you and what you need. We are committed to delivering exceptional design solutions that transform houses into dream homes.
Whether you are looking to enjoy your home for years to come or maximise its investment potential for sale, we bring a unique perspective that combines European Design sensibility with practical New Zealand Living.
We can't wait to hear from you and hear about your exciting project to start your Journey with us!
OUR DESIGNER
BIOGRAPHY
LEAD DESIGNER
SUSANNE HESSING
Founder of Studio Gold&New
TRANSFORMING HOMES BY UNCOVERING THE POTENTIAL WITHIN
Originally from the Netherlands, Susanne has always been passionate about the relationship between people, spaces, and the way we experience our homes. Her journey into design began in 2003, studying Communications, Advertising, and Graphic Design at Nimeto in Utrecht. After graduating, she continued developing her creative skills through Interior Design studies at the Jan des Bouvrie Academy, Saxion Hogeschool in Deventer.
Her passion for creating meaningful spaces led her to continue into Interior Architecture at ArtEZ University of the Arts in Zwolle, where she completed her Bachelor Degree and became a formally qualified Interior Architect in the Netherlands. During her Interior Architecture career in New Zealand, Susanne worked on projects at the Victoria University in Wellington, which included research into winery architecture, and her thesis exploring the Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi and its influence on architecture and design. She also assisted with architectural draft plans for new build homes as part of the rebuild of Christchurch after the 2011 earthquake.
In 2013, Susanne's career took an unexpected but valuable direction into the property industry. Working in Real Estate allowed her to develop a deep understanding of homes beyond their design — understanding buyers, sellers, investment decisions, market expectations, and what makes a property stand out.
In 2018, Susanne established her own boutique Property Management business in Auckland, where she combined her property knowledge with her creative background to help homeowners and investors improve, present, and manage their properties successfully.
Today, Studio Gold&New brings together all of these experiences.
With a unique combination of Interior Architecture, Real Estate knowledge, property management experience, and practical understanding of renovations, Susanne helps homeowners see the possibilities within their existing properties.
Whether creating a dream home, transforming an outdated space, improving an investment property, or preparing a property for sale, Susanne focuses on thoughtful solutions that balance beauty, functionality, budget, and long-term value.
Her approach is built around one belief:
Every property has hidden potential. Sometimes it just takes the right vision to uncover it.
Susanne loves working with existing homes because transformation is where the real challenge—and the real magic—happens.
Anyone can design a beautiful new build, but creating a home that responds to its existing character, overcomes challenges, and exceeds expectations requires experience, creativity, and a deep understanding of how spaces can evolve.
Through Studio Gold&New, Susanne offers clients:
• European design expertise combined with New Zealand practicality
• A strong understanding of property value and investment decisions
• Trusted connections within the trades industry
• A structured and transparent design process
• Flexible services tailored to each client's needs
• Creative solutions that transform homes and unlock their potential
Studio Gold&New is where design meets property knowledge—creating transformations that are beautiful, purposeful, and valuable.