The Distinguished Fellow Award is one of the highest awards conferred by the New Zealand Institute of Architects: there may be no more than 10 Distinguished Fellows at any time. Architects Lindley Naismith and Barry Dacombe joined this select group at the annual New Zealand Architecture Awards held at Te Pae in Christchurch on 20 November 2025.

Lindley Naismith

Lindley Naismith has made an indelible mark on New Zealand architecture through her award-winning practice, dedicated mentorship and tireless advocacy for women in the profession. After graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Auckland in 1982 and registering in 1986, Naismith worked with leading residential firms Stephen Smythe Architects and Cook Hitchcock Sargisson Architects.  She established her own practice in 1987 and later partnered with Jane Aimer to co-found Aimer Naismith Architects, which evolved into Scarlet Architects in 2002 — an award-winning studio best known for thoughtful residential design.
Beyond her practice, Naismith has been a powerful force for equity and professional development within architecture. A foundation member of Architecture + Women NZ (A+W NZ), she helped secure funding and sponsorships that enabled the publication of Elizabeth Cox’s Making Space: A History of New Zealand Women in Architecture (2022).

Naismith’s long-standing service to Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects includes six years as Councillor (2004–2010), Auckland Branch Committee member and Branch Chair (2014–2016), where she championed greater female and youth representation. She convened the NZIA’s first all-women awards jury in 2002 and continues to serve as a mentor.

Her contributions extend to academia as an Adjunct Professor, guest critic and lecturer, and to civic advocacy through roles on the Auckland Urban Design Panel, Committee for Auckland and campaigns protecting Auckland’s built environment.

Winner of the 2017 Architecture + Women NZ Munro Diversity Award, Naismith exemplifies leadership, generosity and unwavering commitment to architecture and her community.

Barry Dacombe

Barry Dacombe’s lifelong dedication to New Zealand architecture began in 1959 when, as an 18-year-old student, he joined the New Zealand Institute of Architects and quickly became the Canterbury Branch’s student representative.
His early participation and presence at the Christchurch Atelier aided his studies and connections with practitioners, and a chance discussion with Miles Warren one night led to his joining Warren and Mahoney — a partnership that would define his career.
After earning his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Auckland in 1966, Dacombe became a registered architect and was admitted to the NZIA as an Associate in 1968, later achieving Fellowship in 1979.

Within the NZIA, Dacombe has served in numerous leadership roles, including Branch Chair, National Executive member, Vice President and member of the Professional Services Committee. His commitment extended nationally through his transformative work with the New Zealand Architects Cooperative Society (NZACS), which provides professional indemnity insurance to architects. Joining its Board in the late 1970s, he oversaw the establishment of Acanthus Insurance Company in 1982, grew membership from a few dozen to more than 700 firms, and served as Chairman for 20 years. He would eventually retire from the Board in 2021 after 41 years of service.

At Warren and Mahoney, Dacombe’s leadership helped guide the practice through international expansion, partnership succession, a transition to collective leadership and toward an important focus on environmental sustainability. As a Trustee and later as Chairman of The Warren Architects’ Education Charitable Trust, he oversaw more than $2 million in support for architectural education, scholarships, publications, exhibitions and lectures — initiatives that have profoundly enriched New Zealand’s architectural culture.

Dacombe’s career exemplifies enduring service, leadership and generosity to the architectural profession.