96 | T T Karen Phelps Designs that instil ‘a sense of pride’ Walker Architecture ARCHITECTURE The fact that architecture leaves a very visible legacy on the built environment is the driving force behind Christchurch based Walker Architecture. It is also what drew its owner Jason Walker and the members of the company into careers in the industry. “We love the fact we can drive round the city and have a sense of pride in the designs that our office has created and know that these will be there for years to come and for people to enjoy,” says Jason. Walker Architecture has built a strong reputation for leading-edge commercial and residential architecture. Jason says the practice is founded on experience, passion and an inherent ability to develop an understanding of the requirements of every client. Jason entered the industry in 1990. After graduating he completed a number of years in construction to gain a practical understanding of the built form. He says this knowledge served as a valuable asset to transfer into design and architecture ultimately leading to the establishment of his architectural practice in Christchurch. The practice currently comprises a team of eight. The two design leads, architectural designer Pete Hodge and UK registered architect James Patterson, both had different career pathways, which led them to working in New Zealand and within the architectural industry demonstrating the multiple pathways people can take. Pete Hodge originally worked in the hospitality industry. He retrained in New Zealand as an architectural designer completing a Bachelor of Architectural Studies degree at Ara (then known as CPIT) in 2010. He worked for a couple of architectural firms in Christchurch before being employed by Walker Architecture in 2016. He is currently a member of the Architectural Designers New Zealand. James studied architecture at The University of Edinburgh in Scotland gaining Master of Arts (Hons) and Master of Architecture degrees. After working as a registered architect in Edinburgh for seven years he embarked on his first trip to New Zealand in 2010. He worked for Architectural Workshop in Wellington for three years before returning to Edinburgh with his Kiwi wife where he worked for a further four years. In 2018 he returned to New Zealand with his young family and joined the team at Walker Architecture in 2019. He is currently seeking to obtain architectural registration in New Zealand and believes it is a less complicated and less involved process than it was 10 years ago. The other team members have followed similar pathways to James and Pete and are employed as architectural designers or architects, obtaining their qualifications and experience either in New Zealand or abroad. It’s the diversity of projects that come their way that make architecture an exciting career choice with no two projects the same, says Jason. A multi-award-winning practice Walker Architecture has delivered many iconic buildings and homes including the Press Building, the HSBC Tower and the distinctive Richmond Working Men’s Club. Recent completed projects include Preston and Prebbleton Shopping Centres and Elmwood Bowling club. The practice has completed a number of residential projects including homes on Fendalton Road and Clyde Road and has current projects including wineries, other commercial retail developments as well as high-end architectural homes under design. Jason credits his team as the reason the practice can successfully deliver such diverse projects. “At Walker Architecture we have the skills and experience to deliver projects at any, or indeed, every stage.” RMM enjoy a creative working partnership withWalker Architecture Wellington
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=