The studio says the appointments reflect the further broadening of the international architecture practice’s capabilities in indigenous design and high-rise commercial construction. “In advancing the company’s Te Matakīrea capability, Whare Timu’s leadership and expertise is enabling Warren and Mahoney to deepen its relationships with iwi through its approach of prioritising collaboration, and the integration of the outcomes through co-design processes.”

Of Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Arawa and Tūwharetoa decent, Warren and Mahoney says Timu has a strong sense of how architecture can be used to connect culture, sustainability and technology. “This approach is increasingly being woven into the practice’s strategic thinking, cementing Whare as a creative leader across our Australasian studios. While we have worked with indigenous communities across the Pacific for more than 60 years, Te Matakīrea was formally established in 2019. Since then, this design unit has challenged the parameters of both indigenous and mainstream design, creating outcomes of increasing depth and understanding.”

Speaking of Timu’s leadership appointment, Managing Director John Coop said: “Whare represents a new generation of indigenous architects. His leadership of Te Matakīrea and expertise in iwi collaboration has brought people together in unique ways to better influence and shape the projects we design. Warren and Mahoney operates across the Pacific Rim, so our understanding of indigenous practices and values must also extend beyond New Zealand. Whare’s capabilities and knowledge of how culture can impact architecture for the benefit of communities is something our studio and our clients have valued.”

Michael Mason, the second principal named, has been with the Auckland studio for seven years. 

“Michael is one of the country’s few architectural experts in high-rise commercial construction and played a pivotal role in the design of Commercial Bay,” says the practice.“The high-profile development brought together many transformational elements, including public transport, retail and workplace. The project was awarded the Supreme award this month at the 2021 New Zealand Property Council awards.”

Mason has worked for leading practices in New Zealand and London, covering a wide range of building typologies, including residential, commercial and hospitality projects. He has also worked extensively with the adaptive re-use of historic buildings.

Coop says Mason’s appointment to principal speaks to the firm’s continued ambition of becoming “the most influential design practice in the Pacific Rim.”

“Michael’s thoughtful and steady leadership on large, high-profile projects further strengthens our strategic capabilities. Commercial Bay is one of the few mixed-use, high-rise office buildings to be built in New Zealand over the last decade and Michael has led that project superbly.”

Coop says “the practice is confident that both Mason and Timu will play an integral role in Warren and Mahoney’s success and expansion across the Pacific, and we look forward to supporting their achievements in partnership with our clients throughout 2022 and beyond.”