102 | ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN Cullen Keiser Architecture Positive outlook for 2025 The SWIFT Manulife administration building blends functionality with sustainability. T T Sue Russell Sustainability and liveability the focus T T Karen Phelps Respond Architects Daniel Cullen, from boutique architecture practice, Cullen Keiser Architecture, says interest is trending upwards with a good level of enquiries. “Commercial work has dropped off slightly, but there are still many development plans that are in process; however, we’re seeing more activity in the residential sector, which balances things off well at this time,” Daniel says. “Working in the renovation, remodelling and extension space demands a higher level of coordination, but delivers very satisfying outcomes for clients.” Based in Tauranga, Cullen Keiser is a small team of passionate architecture and design practitioners. There is a high level of professional collaboration between the team, and Daniel says this is where the greatest design gains occur. “ Every one of us has our own perspective to bring to the table and I like the fact that we’re a small team. We’ve developed design systems that work very well for the client and mean we can bring a design form into shape in really efficient time frames. Often when you’re working in the commercial sector this is one of the most important abilities.” Cullen Keiser Architecture was among 11 award recipients at the Waikato/Bay of Plenty region 2024 ADNZ Resene Architectural Design Awards, . With the push for sustainability, upgrading existing buildings rather than building new can sometimes be a better approach, says Respond Architects director, Natasha Cockerell. Founded as a specialist architectural brand within Prendos in 2015, the firm has rapidly established itself as a leader in creating high-performance, environmentally conscious spaces across residential, commercial and educational sectors. Respond Architects’ services range from new builds, to weathertightness remediation and major alterations and refurbishments. Respond Architects, which also provides specialist consulting in areas like energy efficiency and sustainability, is a signatory to Architects Declare, and as such is committed to reducing both embodied and operational carbon in its projects. A project demonstrating the practice’s commitment to sustainable design is a recent development in Mangere. Working with a developer client, Respond Architects designed 15, high-quality family homes across three blocks. One block is targeting passive house certification, potentially becoming one of the first developer-led multi-unit passive house projects in Auckland. “The foundations had already been built when the developer decided to target passive house certification for one block,” Natasha says. “We had to quickly carry out the thermal modelling and submit a building consent amendment. Only minor design changes were required – adding a layer of insulation above the slab and an airtightness layer – as this developer produces very thermally high-performing builds anyway.” Natasha says that even if a client doesn’t want a passive house certified or Homestar rated building, it can wrap some of these principles into the design process to give them a better-performing result. It’s a part of Respond Architects’ quality-led approach: “It’s a focus on liveability – maximising the site for the developer client, while delivering a really good-quality outcome for residents.” “We were thrilled to receive a Highly Commended Award for Commercial Architecture,” Daniel says. The project for the SWIFT (South Waikato Investment Fund Trust) Manulife administration building near the entrance to Tokoroa blends functionality with sustainability. A central hallway links various departments to foster and enable the business’s collaborative culture. “This was a wonderful project to design. The building seeks to integrate architectural elements reflecting Tokoroa’s heritage and Manulife’s founding principles and practices.” Features include a two-metre roof overhang, vertical timber weatherboards linking it to its forestry ties and a sculptured STO plastered entryway providing visual flair and streetscape appeal. Design-wise, it sits as a worthy depiction of the town’s proud timber history. “We sought to integrate community engagement, sustainable materials, local character and environmental awareness into its design. One of the most satisfying elements to the project was transforming old, uninspiring and inefficient spaces into a much more engaging space for staff. “The design process began with meeting the tenants and those working in each of its divisions to see how they work and where the collaboration links existed,” Daniel says. This philosophy is evident in the practice’s work on an Auckland bungalow project, where it carefully preserved the traditional street view while completely reimagining the interior and rear extension. By retaining the home’s original features and adding modern, energy-efficient elements, it showcased its ability to breathe new life into existing structures. Natasha herself brings significant credibility to the firm’s sustainable design mission. Previously sitting on the Board of the Passive House Institute of New Zealand and a member of the Ministry of Education Weathertightness Review Panel, she represents a new generation of architects deeply committed to environmental and social responsibility. She operates Respond Architects with long-standing associate Erin Hallett, who stepped up to the director role following the retirement of director Mark Gribble at the end of 2024. Respond Architects serves a diverse client base, from homeowners and developers to government departments and educational institutions. Natasha says a real point of difference is Respond Architects’ multidisciplinary approach. As part of Prendos, it has in-house specialists, including structural engineers, quantity surveyors, and building surveyors, which streamlines the design and construction process for clients. “Our goal is to make the design journey as smooth, enjoyable and stress-free as possible. We work with our clients every step of the way to make sure they understand the process, what’s involved and what they need to do.” No matter what the project, the firm’s design philosophy is rooted in a holistic understanding of architecture. “We believe in architecture as a response – to site and location, cultural and historical context, people and purpose,” says Natasha. “This approach means we are not constrained by a single architectural style, but instead create spaces that are deeply connected to their environment and people. Good architecture is not just about creating beautiful spaces. It’s also about creating spaces that work harmoniously with our environment, support community well-being and contribute to a more sustainable future.” Proud to support Respond Architects HVACDesign Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Design Electrical EngineeringDesign Lighting, Power, Data, & Wired Services Design Hydraulic Design Drainage & Plumbing Design Contract Documentation&SiteObservation www.ljpl.co.nz 09 302 0923
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