Did you want to be an architect when you were growing up?

To be honest, it wasn’t until I was considering university that I seriously looked into architecture. I’d always just done the subjects I’d enjoyed at school – science, maths and practical art – and thought maybe engineering or teaching would be good. Dad would have preferred I followed him into medicine, but I could see how much hard work that was and wasn’t going to be as silly as him! So far, it appears I have landed in the same boat.

Can you describe your architecture career, so far?

I started at Auckland University straight from school. Then I attended Melbourne University for a bit where I happily let the city distract me, failing most papers. Luckily the following year’s summer school was in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, to make up the papers. Studying and looking around at modernist buildings, and the implementation of urban planning against the vibrant culture, energetic music and the haphazardness of occupation were my first real moments of true love with architecture.

After university finished I did 18 months in a firm before heading overseas with four architecturally inclined buddies. We had the most amazing, once-in-a-lifetime trip travelling though Europe. I think we did something like 13 countries in four months. Highlights were Gaudi in Barcelona and Turkey as a whole. From bustling Istanbul, the cave houses of Cappadocia to the breathtaking coast in Kas.

Since then I have tutored back at Auckland University as part of third year. It is so invigorating; the students’ energy and uncompromised thinking is inspiring. I am currently working at Strachan Group Architects (SGA) and looking towards registration sometime soon.

What are you working on at the moment?

A few things. A large home in Takapuna that I have been working on for a couple of years, that is nearing completion. I feel very lucky – I really couldn’t have imagined a better opportunity. It is a complex form in terms of spaces, several imposed restrictions, but something beautiful that I am very proud of being part of creating.

I am also compiling a redevelopment report for the Pioneer Women’s & Ellen Melville Halls on High Street, as well as doing a couple of shop fit-outs. For me, variety is key and is one of the great advantages of working at SGA.

What do you enjoy most about working in architecture?

Working together with others to produce something that in one way or another makes things better. There is nothing more rewarding then seeing a concept you have laboured over come to fruition.

If you could choose to design a house anywhere in New Zealand, where would it be?

Te Kauwhata, in the north Waikato. My family have an orchard there and it’s where I grew up. The dense native bush, frosty spring mornings, and rolling fields are so familiar and comforting – there is no other place I’d rather design a house that reflected what I love about creating homes.

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