What inspired you to study architecture?

Growing up in Oamaru had a huge influence. I was surrounded by a lot of historic limestone buildings and these monumental structures always fascinated me and have become the backdrop of my younger years. The idea of being able to create something admired by others was appealing. As a kid, I also had this tendency to draw in section when all my peers were drawing in elevation. I was far more interested in what was happening inside and fascinated by the interrelationship of spaces. Some of these early childhood sketches still influence my thinking today.

What is the best thing about being an architectural graduate?

The best thing about being in this profession, as an architectural graduate, is the opportunity to be involved in a variety of projects. Every project is different and brings its own set of challenges and, to me, the search for creative solutions to these challenges is the most fascinating aspect of this profession. I also get to meet a lot of inspirational people. Our job is to make their dreams a reality and, when you get this right, it is truly uplifting. I cannot imagine a better profession to be in.

Can you describe your career so far?

I remember sitting in a lecture theatre at university and thinking that, one day, I wanted to have my own practice. I spent the first five and a half years in the industry acquiring the knowledge and the contacts to make this dream a reality. In March 2010 three very talented colleagues (Timothy Horne, Brooke Cholmondeley-Smith and Simon Harrison) and I set up MOAA Architects™, and we have been getting progressively busier. One of the highlights of starting MOAA was getting a New Zealand Institute of Architects Award in our first year of business and being able to stand shoulder to shoulder with other more established companies.

What are you working on at the moment?

MOAA is working on a number of residential and commercial projects including schools and offices. My passion is sustainable design and, as a company, we have been focusing on ways to improve the energy performance of buildings. We are working on projects that involve the Passive House Standard that will bring 90% reductions in energy usage. In a world with increasing population and decreasing energy supplies, it is our task – as designers – to promote ways that we can all live more sustainably.

Do you have a favourite New Zealand house?

I find the work of the Group Architects, Ian Athfield and the early residential work of Warren and Mahoney inspiring. But my favourite house has to be my own house, completed in January this year. My wife and I wanted to build an environmentally-sensible house that complemented the surrounding mature native trees. The house has a Japanese influence in honour of my wife’s cultural heritage whilst maintaining consideration for my own. It is my favourite because so much of my heart and soul has gone into it. In the eyes of my wife, this house has taken just over 18 months from concept to completion – for me it has been a work in progress for nearly 30 years.