What inspired you to become an architect?

I have often wondered what could have acted as a catalyst towards my chosen career path. If I have to pin it on one thing, I would say looking back at my early primary education I was exposed to a great set of connector building blocks/bars (imagine kinex but bigger if you will). It would be hard to argue if these really had an influence or not. However, what I do know is that a growing interest in all things design-related ended up leading me towards my chosen career path. It is also probably why I continue to conceptualise and make things outside the boundaries of traditional architecture. For example, I have recently been working on some large cast aluminium furniture. The raw and pure material characteristics act as a nice contrast from some of our more alternative technology driven work.

Can you describe your architecture career, thus far?

I guess my career began at the architectural firm Warren and Mahoney. I started working there full time whilst completing my final year thesis. I would work full time for Warren and Mahoney during the day and work on my masters at night. This hectic schedule has yet to change since graduating, as I have continued to pursue fringe projects with my peers (Sebastian Hamilton, David Hayes and Fraser Horton) after hours. Some of the work we have done lately includes a number of fashion shows for ‘Stolen Girlfriends Club’ and various other creative/visual based installations. I am currently in the midst of pursing this line of enquiry under the Warren and Mahoney brand which will no doubt continue to shape my career.

Do you have a favourite New Zealand house?

My favourite house I have seen to date in New Zealand is a modest, unpretentious house which sits at the base of a cliff in Thornes Bay. For those living near or willing to make the journey, I would suggest making the walk along the rocky waters edge from Takapuna beach to Milford. You will not miss it as it hugs a huge pohutukawa tree and graciously humiliates some of the more contemporary buildings that surround it.

If you could choose to design a house anywhere in New Zealand, where would it be?

Somewhere traditionally perceived as a difficult site. I like the idea of the forward vision and spirit a client would have in taking on such a site, and the outcome that could be created because of this.