24 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Ashburton Business Awards - Chilton + Mayne Architecture Structural | Geotechnical | Civil 03 347 1624 Award recognition boosts profile Chilton + Mayne Architecture has cemented itself as a well-established architectural studio serving clients across the South Island. T T Rosa Watson Ashburton-based design firm Chilton + Mayne Architecture is celebrating being named a finalist in this year’s ANZ shburton Business of the Year Awards, which director Garry Mayne says is a testament to its high-calibre service. The practice was one of seven companies named in the Excellence in Professional Services category at the awards held in February. “Being named a finalist is incredibly rewarding for our whole team,” Garry says. “Architecture is very much a collaborative profession, so recognition like this reflects the effort of everyone involved – our staff, consultants, builders, and of course the clients who trust us with their projects.” It showcased the high-quality design and professional services that can come from a small provincial studio, he says. “More than anything, it’s a moment for the team to pause and recognise the work that goes into every project. We take a lot of pride in what we do, and being acknowledged by the business community reinforces that the effort is worthwhile.” The motivation to enter was to provide an opportunity to reflect on how the practice has grown over time, he says. “Like many small businesses, you spend most of your time focused on delivering work for clients and supporting your team. Entering the awards gave us a chance to step back and look at the business as a whole – how it operates, how we support our community, and how we’ve built a sustainable practice in a regional town.” It was also an opportunity to showcase the work the team is doing, and the role architecture can play in shaping communities. And the process itself is hugely valuable, Garry says. “Preparing the entry encourages you to evaluate your business, your systems, and the way you operate. For our team, it created some great conversations about what we do well and where we want to keep improving.” It also gives staff a sense of pride to see the practice recognised beyond the projects themselves, he says. “Awards like this also highlight the diversity and strength of businesses operating in our region, which is something worth celebrating.” He encouraged other businesses to consider entering. “In regional communities, especially, businesses are often quietly doing exceptional work. Entering awards like these helps bring those stories to the surface and recognises the contribution of local businesses.” Chilton + Mayne Architecture has cemented itself as a well-established architectural studio serving clients across the South Island. The practice is led by Garry and co-director David Chilton, with a small, focused team, operating from its studio in Ashburton. “Being a relatively compact practice allows us to stay closely involved in each project, Garry says. “Clients work directly with the directors and design team throughout the process, which helps maintain clarity and continuity from concept through to construction. “That hands-on approach is something our clients really value.” The practice works predominantly in residential, ranging from new homes to complex alterations and rural properties. It also undertakes a range of commercial, community, and rural projects. Working in a regional setting offers a diverse range of projects, Garry says. “In any given year we might be designing a bespoke home, a rural facility, a community building, or a commercial development. That diversity keeps the work interesting and allows the team to continually refine and expand its design thinking. “We aim to create architecture that is both thoughtful and timeless, rather than following short-term design trends.” He says technology plays a significant role in how the team designs and delivers projects, including the use of advanced 3D CAD modelling software that allows them to develop highly detailed digital models of buildings from the early concept stage through to construction documentation. “For a regional practice, embracing this technology ensures we can deliver a level of service and technical capability that matches any larger urban firm.” Preparing the entry encourages you to evaluate your business, your systems, and the way you operate. For our team, it created some great conversations about what we do well and where we want to keep improving.”
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