Housed within the heritage-listed McKenzie Willis building on Christchurch’s iconic High Street, we helped our friends at Duck Island Ice Cream bring their iconic ice cream experience to the South Island. The space celebrates its historic shell through high ceilings and a flood of natural light, maintaining a vibrant connection to the adjacent laneway that draws passersby into the experience.

The design strategy focused on creating a classic Duck Island atmosphere while honoring the existing architectural context. By layering the brand's distinctive assets with soft arches & decorative trims, the fitout achieves a consistency that feels both fresh and familiar to the brand. Bold block colors applied through curated paint, tiles, and grout accents act as a strong backdrop, designed to showcase the main event: the mouth-watering range of ice cream flavors on offer.

To encourage guests to linger, the interior features a variety of social settings and seating opportunities. The inclusion of vintage, pre-loved furniture creates a tactile link to the building’s age, ensuring the environment is as soulful as it is functional. This project illustrates our commitment to delivering a consistent, high-impact brand experience that remains instantly recognizable while thoughtfully celebrating the unique heritage and spirit of its local neighborhood.

Photography: Sarah Rowlands