Host
Design Principles Pod
Architecture. A hot topic, a buzz word, a realm for the rich and famous, or the thing that your step uncle does? We will be unpacking the good, the bad and the downright reality of the architectural and construction industry. With insights from industry professionals and personal anecdotes from our three hosts Ben, Gerard and Sam, you will be given a look behind the closed pages of those fancy looking moleskins. Tune in and redline out.
Contributors
.jpg)
Host
Sam Brown
Sam’s past experiences, and desire for social and environmental betterment, have given him the focus to push architecture beyond the boundaries of the everyday. His engaging personality and ability to learn and adapt quickly make him a dynamic architect, who has spent the last eight years in architecture refining his craft.
Over the years Sam has developed his passion for the vernacular into a strong driver in his approach to architecture. Whether it be challenging the concept of a place or engaging with specialists, specific groups, and the environment, knowledge of the immediate is paramount in his design consideration.
Sam has a range of experience across many sectors of the construction industry. His experiences as a lead architect on many projects has given him a greater appreciation for the exciting challenges each unique project poses.
Co-host
Gerard Dombroski
My name is Gerard Dombroski. I am a New Zealand Registered Architect with residential and commercial experience over a range of scales. I run my practice in a manner that seeks to create architecture that goes beyond function, sustainability and innovative construction; these are important but, frankly, a given. Architects must offer something more - something that activates your senses and improves your well being. I aim to create spaces that you long to return to, spaces to share with people and community, architecture that gives to humanity.
Guests
Guest
Joseph Lyth
Joe Lyth is Director of WEL Architecture, and Chair of the Passive House Institute New Zealand. He is a Registered Architect, Certified Passive House Designer and Homestar Assessor and trainer with expertise in high performance, new build and renovation design in the UK and NZ.
Originally from North Yorkshire in the UK, Joe studied and worked in London from early 2007 before making the move to New Zealand in 2016.
Joe is dad to three lively Kiwis, and loves spending his time outdoors either in the wilderness, or working on their 3 acre section to slowly turn it into a mixture of rewilded native bush, productive vegetable gardens and food forests using permaculture techniques
Guest appearance on:
Guest
Josh Atkins
Josh is a passionate builder from Queenstown, known for his expertise and experience in the energy-efficient building industry.
Under his leadership, Compound Builders works with Queenstown's leading architects and consultants to deliver innovative and comfortable homes.
Josh is a certified passive house builder, Homestar designer and practitioner. Currently, Josh and his team are completing a Homestar-certified build in Queenstown.
Guest appearance on:
Guest
Kevin Hui
Architecture tour curator. Educator. YouTuber. Creating educational architecture content with @maynardarchitect of @austinmaynardarchitects
Guest appearance on:
Guest
Lisa Webb
Lisa is a registered Architect with 25 year’s experience in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and has experience in the disciplines of urban design, architecture, and interior design. In 2013, she founded her practice, Studio LWA ltd, focusing on residential work. She has a real interest in sustainability, with a growing focus on the housing crisis, and a commitment to the importance of design-lead solutions. In 2021 she won the Sir Ian Athfield award for housing, the NZIA’s highest recognition for housing.
Guest appearance on:
Guest
Nina Boyd
I am a New Zealand Registered Architect with EU citizenship and 10 years of experience in the field of architecture. My diverse experience includes work across residential, civic and commercial architectural projects across all design and construction phases.
Guest
Pamela Bell
Where design meets business, innovation happens. I bring value, networks and action to this space.
• I am a New Zealand based innovation consultant with a range of corporate, government and start-up clients.
• I bring qualifications in architecture (MArch), experience in business entrepreneurship (Fruition Apparel Ltd., NZ Snowboard Academy Ltd. and PrefabNZ Inc.), professional governance (Urban Plus, Brosnans, ConCOVE, BRANZ and MBIE BAP) and world-class sporting performance (Snowboard Giant Slalom, Winter Olympics Japan 1998).
• My perspective is that business is a personal endeavour and every effort is made to build warm enduring relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
Guest appearance on:
Guest
Rafe Maclean
Rafe Maclean Architects is a Wanaka-based architectural practice dedicated to producing elegantly crafted building solutions through innovative use of interesting materials.
Rafe Maclean graduated from Victoria University of Wellington in 1996 with first class honours in Architecture. Following graduation, Rafe worked with John Daish Architects, Herriot & Melhuish Architecture and New Work Studio before establishing Rafe Maclean Architects in February 2005.
Rafe Maclean is a Registered Architect and architect member of the New Zealand Institute of Architects, and is a Certified Passive House Designer, certified by Passivhaus Institut, Darmstadt, Germany. The work and ideas the practice is producing are playful and visually legible, with detailing that is sensual, sustainable and well crafted.
Guest appearance on:
Guest
Raimana Jones
Raimana, the founder of Atelier Jones Design, initially pursued a traditional architectural education. However, upon completing his studies, he felt the need to broaden his design perspective by immersing himself in materials and hands-on making. This decision led him on a path where he gained extensive experience in metal fabrication and woodworking. Through this journey, Raimana developed a profound connection with materials.
In his work, Raimana aims to express both the practical and artistic qualities of materials. He believes in striking a balance between the atmosphere created by materials and their technical characteristics. By embracing the constructive and poetic aspects of materials, he creates designs that harmoniously blend aesthetics with functionality. Raimana's deep affinity for materials serves as a guiding principle in his design process.