| 89 Uami Architecture ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN Taking a grounded approach Larger projects reveal the same balance of ambition and discipline. T T Virginia Wright On a quiet site visit, architectural designer Joe McKay often pauses before he sketches anything. He watches how the light moves, how the land holds its shape, and how the wind threads through a space. “The site tells you what it wants,” Joe says. “You just have to listen.” That patient and grounded approach lies at the heart of Uami Architecture, the Hamilton practice Joe founded in 2023. The name Uami, derived from “You am I,” reflects his belief that architecture is relational. It is not a slogan. It is the way he works. “Good architecture comes from connection with clients, with builders, and with the land itself,” he says. Joe spent 10 years as a builder before studying architecture at Victoria University, then eight years in practice in Hamilton. The combination formed a design philosophy built on clarity, restraint and respect for the craft of building. “I am always thinking about how something will actually be made,” he says. “Not to limit the design, but to make sure the beauty we are chasing is achievable.” That dual perspective, both conceptual and practical, guides his process. Before any design work begins, he sits down with clients to establish a clear budget. It is not a formality, it is a design parameter. “Whether someone has $100,000 or $2 million, clarity early on gives them the best chance of a project that is functional, buildable and hopefully beautiful.” From there, the work moves to the site. Joe reads orientation, privacy, topography and the subtle cues that shape how a building should sit in the landscape. He considers the history of the site and how it might inform decisions for the future design. Ultimately, he looks for the design drivers that will give the project its logic “I’m drawn to forms that feel inevitable,” he says. “Not decorative, not forced, simply a response that feels right for the place within the context of the client’s vision.” A recent renovation in Hamilton East demonstrates this approach. The century-old home had been altered so many times that its internal layout was confused. Joe simplified the layout to connect the kitchen with an existing playroom, and added a new, carefully proportioned skylight to bring sunlight into what was formerly a dark office with no external windows. Referencing the cabinetry below, the skylight was conceptually anchored to the interior. “It was not about drama, but about clarity, allowing the space to feel calm, open and attuned to the day’s changing light,” says Joe. Larger projects reveal the same balance of ambition and discipline. On the Rangitahi Peninsula in Raglan, Joe designed a U-shaped, three-bedroom home stepping down a sloping site. Working closely with a contractor brought in early, he kept the design aligned with the budget while pursuing the clarity of form he is known for. The central courtyard creates a sheltered outdoor room that captures estuary views while maintaining privacy from the road. Operable screens allow the house to open fully to the landscape or close down for seclusion, a simple and refined gesture that adds both character and flexibility. build with good. honest. craftsmanship. harry@westonbuilders.co.nz kirstie@westonbuilders.co.nz 027 769 2942 www.westonbuilders.co.nz Based in Raglan, Weston Builders specialise in new homes, renovations, and custom builds. Proven expertise in architectural construction, recognised for quality, efficiency, and a personalised approach from start to finish. CLIENT FOCUSED • QUALITY ASSURED featurebuild.co.nz
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