78 | A natural, well-structured portfolio Duckett Architecture has diversified its business to include more commercial and light industrial projects, which has helped raise its company profile in recent years. Based in Palmerston North, Marcell Thangamuthu was introduced as a partner to the practice in 2022, alongside owner Colin Duckett who started the business more than 40 years ago. Colin’s continuous development and a multitude of projects under his belt both nationally and internationally has meant the business has been able to push boundaries and offer design solutions across the whole industry. “Forty years in the business provides us with not only the experience but has also formed a natural well-structured portfolio with an immense amount of project data that we’re always referencing and taking precedent from, ‘what can we do different to resolve an issue on a similar past project? how can we better utilise this space?’ The answers are almost always within our own archive. This makes for great use when completing feasibility studies as well.” Turners Car Auctions has become one of their biggest clients, having firstly designed their new showroom locally and now others around the country, from the North Shore to Dunedin. “They liked our initial design and that’s what really kicked it off,” Marcell said. Duckett Architecture specialises in high-end boutique housing, but since Covid-19 that demand has dropped off and been replaced with more multi-residential development and high density building. “Be it a tiny home or a major turn-key development integrating multi-disciplinary consortiums, we are eager and willing to provide the most suitable, sustainable and timeless design tailored to suit one’s needs. At the least, provide individuals and developers alike with the best well-informed advice on taking their next steps to further their vision.” Marcell has been involved in developing design stage of both boutique residential and multi-residential developments where limited spaces and site constraints had to be carefully considered whilst not allowing it to redefine the design intent. “We’re changing with the times, but we’re hoping to get back into the high-end market,” he said. The second half of 2024 has particularly seen a huge increase in the commercial side of the business. Light industrial units up to 2000sqm were popular, especially for investors looking to lease out parts of their premises. Working with multiple tenancies across different fitouts had its challenges, with corner tenancies often taking longer to lease, and the business was involved in everything from inception to completion. “Many long term clients have confidence in what we can do.” In more recent times, the team is taking on upgrade and modernisation projects with Education Services, looking to further focus and expand its practice into the education sector for 2024 and far beyond. This will involve designing and developing schools and other learning facilities to suit their ever evolving dynamics, whilst creating modern multi-use spaces to provide learners and teachers with a sense of wellbeing, providing our future generations a positive inclusive environment. T T Aimee Wilson Turners North Shore. Pastoral Lane Lagoon. Duckett Architecture ARCHITECTURE 06 952 3584 | info@humphries.kiwi | www.humphries.kiwi INDUSTRIAL | COMMERCIAL | RESIDENTIAL Humphries Construction appreciate the ongoing support from Duckett Architecture
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