The partnership brings together Architectus’ established architectural practice (founded in 1986 and with 75+ staff across four studios in Aotearoa and a further 800+ employees in Architectus Australia) with ŌRUA’s comprehensive mātauranga Māori and architectural expertise, to further enhance meaningful design outcomes for Māori and for Aotearoa.

“With a reputation for design excellence, place making, and a strong social agenda, Architectus has been dedicated to designing culturally responsive architecture for over 30 years,” says Architectus principal and director Carsten Auer. “Together, Architectus and ŌRUA will pursue projects that shift architecture into the future and help to shape the built environment of Aotearoa.”

“At Architectus, we have a long-standing commitment to mana whenua engagement and indigenous design excellence,” says Auer. “Our unique partnership with ŌRUA enables us to deepen our capability and, through collaboration with a young and independent Māori practice, contribute meaningfully to the evolution of Māori architecture.”

Established in 2022 by Matekitātahi Rāwiri, Matangireia Yates-Francis and Renee Smith-Apanui, ŌRUA is dedicated to promoting and achieving Māori excellence through architecture, leadership and education, with mātauranga at its foundation.

Of the partnership, Rawiri says: “Ki ngā tūhoto tāhuhu, join those who can join the ridge pole of a whare. A whare consists of many complex elements. Its craft and construction require deep knowledge, skill and experience. This whakataukī reminds us that true leadership lies in seeking out others with the strength to connect, uniting diverse groups into strong, collaborative relationships.”

Having worked together since 2022, the two practices describe the partnership as one built on a mutual commitment to advancing te ao Māori, design excellence, environmental sustainability and architecture that nurtures the people and communities of Aotearoa.