| 93 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN T T Anne Boswell Market ‘blip’ a catalyst for success NARA Group’s work is aesthetically driven, with an emphasis on liveability and the built environment. NARA Group The ability to pivot at short notice has led to Auckland property developer and architectural designer Akash Narayan building a company that has far exceeded his expectations. NARA, established by Akash and his father Hemant in 2021, was created out of a need to mitigate a ‘blip’ in the market that saw the architectural industry in a slump. “I studied architecture at the University of Auckland’s School of Architecture and Planning from 2015 to 2021, and as I was finishing my thesis there was a blip in the market that meant my dream of working for a big architecture firm would have to go on the backburner,” Akash says. Instead, Akash partnered with Hemant, purchasing a number of small sections of land around Auckland. Using Akash’s architectural skills, they designed and developed those properties. “It went well,” Akash says. “Since 2021, we have been offering full design-and-construction packages of quality homes, and more recently commercial and industrial buildings, in Auckland.” NARA’s capacity ranges from project management to complete planning, design and construction phases. Whether it is a standalone dwelling or a multi-lot subdivision, NARA Group’s work is aesthetically driven, with an emphasis on liveability and the built environment. NARA has a full complement of professionals in-house, from planners to engineers to architects, with between 10 and 15 staff at any one time. “The consultancy side of the business is even busier than the construction side,” Akash says. “We are designing 100 consented dwellings per year, and constructing 30 to 40 buildings.” NARA is the chosen contractor for Te Pukenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and The original marae space was designed by Akash’s former lecturer at university, Rewi Thompson, who passed away in 2016. Rewi was regarded as New Zealand’s foremost Maori architect, introducing generations of students to Maori design principles. The 600sqm building was built in 1993, and featured a striking architectural juxtaposition of metal box structures symbolising the Maori concept of ‘the three baskets of knowledge’ contrasting with a traditional gabled roof. However, over time the cladding became leaky and the marae offices became unusable. In a beautiful coincidence, NARA was commissioned to design the project and, alongside builder Indelible Homes, preserve the architectural integrity of the building while making it weather-tight and usable again. “We were tasked with respecting the original design, while upgrading the building with modern, reliable materials,” Akash says. They chose a James Hardie ExoTec Façade Panel (fibre cement cladding) to re-clad the outside of the marae, which closely mimicked the original metal cladding in size and aesthetic. “We were able to maintain Rewi Thompson’s vision, while providing modern durability,” Akash says. He says NARA’s business philosophy is simple: to Design, Develop and Deliver. “We aim to re-define development architecture processes, focusing on the ever-changing New Zealand construction landscape,” he says. Technology, being involved in a number of design, build and maintenance projects on their campuses. But one standout project that NARA has taken the reins on is the refurbishment of the marae at Unitec’s Mt Albert campus. Phone: +64 21 179 5383 Email: teja@smtverification.com www.smtverification.com SERVICES • STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING - new & modifications residential, commercial, industrial, CPEng Site inspections for NZBC, Seismic Strengthening • MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - New, Repairs, Certification of Monorails, Cranes, hoists, winches, Lifting beams, spreader beams, mancages, ROPS, FOPS, EWP repairs/modifications, Heavy Machinery, Lift trailers, walkways, platforms, forklift attachments, Wind Analysis, Hydrodynamic Analysis, tractors, farm equipment, hydroelectric dam • INDEPENDENT ENGINEERING INVESTIGATION & VERIFICATION - 3rd party accident investigations, 3rd Party Engineering Verification, Court case Expert Witness, Assistance with Worksafe Compliance • LIFT PLANS & RIGGING PLANS - Mechanical equipment, tower cranes erection/dismantle, mobile cranes, tandem/engineered lifting • CPEng SITE INSPECTIONS FOR MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT - as a 'competent person' • WELD INSPECTIONS - AS 2214 Since 2007, Indelible Homes has been a trusted name in New Zealand's residential construction, specializing in custom design-and-build projects, subdivisions, and house-and-land packages. As Registered Master Builders, they offer high-quality standalone and terraced homes backed by a 10-year Master Build Guarantee and fixed-price contracts. From initial planning to final handover, Indelible Homes ensures a seamless building experience tailored to your needs.
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