Herriot Melhuish O ‘Neill celebrates 25 years

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Riddiford Pavilion. Image: Andy Spain

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Clifton Hill House. Image: Russell Kleyn

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L to R: Max Herriot, John Melhuish, Duval O'Neill and Matt Pearson. — L to R: Max Herriot, John Melhuish, Duval O’Neill and Matt Pearson.

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Peka Peka House, Kapiti Coast Image: Jason Mann

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Herriot Melhuish O'Neill Architects recently celebrated 25 years of practice. The studio was founded in Wellington on 1 April 1997 by architects and former flatmates Max Herriot and John Melhuish — Herriot had previously practised as Max Herriot Design and Melhuish came from 10 years working at Athfield Architects.

Today, the multi-award-winning practice has studios in Auckland, Tauranga and Christchurch (the latter established in 2005 by Duval O’Neill, sparking the name change from HMA to HMOA) and has mentored dozens of architectural graduates.

Bethells Beach House Image: Jackie Meiring

Melhuish says there is a great variety of work within the practice. “In the early days, Max and I mainly worked on residential renovations and new houses, with just a few commercial projects,” he explains.

“Today, we’re designing everything from large-scale interior fit-outs to film studios, townhouses and apartments, roading infrastructure, civic master-planning, heritage projects and earthquake strengthening, libraries, restaurants, schools, and, of course, public toilets. In 25 years, there isn’t much we haven’t designed.”

^{For more info and to view Herriot Melhuish O’Neill Architect’s portfolio of work go to www.hmoa.net.nz}