Business North November 2021

| 103 First Principles Architects and Interiors ARCHITECTURE Bespoke practice built on unique vision T T Kim Newth The First Principles Architects team. C ommercial design has taken a quantum leap forward in the Bay of Plenty over the past decade, with one award win- ning practice in particular – Tauranga-based First Principles - leading the way on creativity and excellence in regional architecture and interiors. Practice founders Kate and Graham Price bring an impressive depth of experience from working across the world from the UK to Afri- ca, the Pacific and 20 years in New Zealand. The name of their practice - First Princi- ples Architects and Interiors - reflects their vision and philosophy of ‘Designing from First Principles’. “It is the people, culture, place, climate and context that inspire us to make a difference,” says Graham, who has practiced as an architect for over 40 years and has an inclusive and creative approach to their exten - sive projects’ portfolio. “For us, responsible design involves being good listeners and pulling together all the different criteria and elements to create archi - tecture that is honest and meaningful for our clients and the wider community.” With her passion for interiors, Kate is the perfect complement to Graham in the busi- ness and together they have forged a vibrant studio with an enviable reputation in the com- mercial architecture and interiors market. “Kate is my multi-talented wife and partner – she’s a highly creative interior designer and her energy and enthusiasm is infectious. She always has time and a smile for everyone in the team and all our clients.” Since establishing First Principles in 2013, the couple have built a strong and talented team around them, all highly skilled leaders and graduates who are motivated to excel and hungry to learn. This is balanced with excite - ment, enjoyment and good humour. As Kate and Graham acknowledge, their business would not exist without their dedi - cated team. “They’re like our family and have been with us a long time. “Our clients soon realise we’re one big team, supporting each other and focused on bringing their vision to life, as well as exceed - ing their expectations. It is important to us that we earn our clients’ trust.” The studio offers master planning and urban design expertise, along with holistic commercial architectural and interior services across an array of projects, including mixed use developments, multi-residential, retail, offices, hospitality/hotels and resorts, cultural and community buildings, education, medical and industrial projects. One of First Principles recent projects won a silver award at the 2021 New Zealand Com- mercial Project Awards. A successful develop- ment called SALT, the award winning design was for a boutique multi-residential com- munity in Mount Maunganui comprising 53 apartments and 18 townhouses and balancing shared green space and privacy superbly well. Mangatawa Tari Offices, located on the slopes of Papamoa Hills in Tauranga, is another out- standing First Principles design. A multi-award winner with three top national awards, it beautifully embodies and reflects the cultural identity of local iwi. The studio’s commitment to making a meaningful and sustainable impact can be seen also in the Katikati Library & Community Hub, Patuki Manawa. Kate’s incredible flair for interiors is evident here, as well as in the Bethlehem Birthing Centre, Adelpha Women’s Health, and SALT’s fresh coastal interiors. level 1, 610 cameron road, tauranga 3112 kate@firstprinciples.co.nz