Auckland Urban Design Panel appointments

We are proud to share that five members of the Isthmus team have been appointed to a three-year term on the Auckland Urban Design Panel (AUDP). The AUDP has been refreshed and expanded to deal with the quantity of proposed developments coming through as Tāmaki Makaurau continues to expand and densify. Isthmus designers returning to the panel after several years of service are Deb Lee Sang, Haylea Muir and Matt Jones. They are joined by two new panel members Andrew Norriss and Lola Guirao-Sanchez.

The Auckland Urban Design Panel (AUDP) provides independent design review of significant projects and plays a key role in improving the quality of the built environment. The panel is an independent advisory body with proven influence in promoting good design and helping council representatives to achieve better outcomes when working with private and public developments.

The updated panel contains a pool of nearly sixty professionals, all affiliated with one of the following bodies — Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects, Tuia Pito Ora New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects, Te Kōkiringa Taumata New Zealand Planning Institute, Property Council New Zealand, Ngā Aho and the Tāmaki Makaurau Design Ope Auckland Council. To assess each development proposal panels of between four and six members are drawn from the pool.

We look forward to the contribution that Deb, Haylea, Matt, Andrew and Lola make to the future shape and livability of Tāmaki Makaurau.

Tactical masterplanning for Timaru.

Over the decades there has been a slow decline in the health of Timaru city centre, with many heritage buildings remaining vacant or threatened by earthquake strengthening issues. Shops close early, and there is a disconnect between town and sea, and a new retail development at the edge of town has further impacted traditional main street retail. The CityTown programme was initiated to create a long-term vision and strategy to return investment, people and vitality to the centre of Timaru.

In collaboration with Gap Filler we developed a programme of trials alongside the strategic framework, with evaluation and monitoring aligned to outcomes and key moves. This tactical approach enabled localised testing of the place strategy, and helped people experience ideas in real-time through temporary activation and physical interventions. This was the first time that a tactical urbanism approach to masterplanning had been tried in Aotearoa, and we learned some valuable lessons on the ground about what worked, and what didn’t.

Read more about this innovative project here and the dedicated project website www.timarucitytown.co.nz

Revitalising Waihōpai Invercargill’s Streets.

The centre of Invercargill Waihōpai is undergoing substantial change. Private development has been matched by Council investment in the public realm through a programme of city centre upgrades, creating streets for people. Working with Council, mana whenua and the community, Isthmus developed the Invercargill City Centre Master Plan, a 30-year vision for the city centre as a place for people.

The detailed design of the first two streets, Esk and Don, has drawn on the qualities of this place and the deep local knowledge of Waihōpai Runaka. Both streets feature generous greenspaces incorporating stormwater treatment, local native plant species, mahi toi and play features. Seating has been positioned on the south sides of streets where it is sunny, and angled towards the east with planting behind to shelter from the bitter southwest winds. Fixed and moveable furniture creates a range of spaces flexible enough to host solo buskers through to busy community markets and festivals.

 

Read more about the project here.

New Cuba Street studio open.

We had outgrown our Wellington studio in Chews Lane, and made the decision to relocate to a more vibrant neighbourhood where we could create an accessible, collaborative and flexible space full of light. We have designed the new studio to evolve according to the people and projects within it.

191 Cuba Street is a space where will continue to work alongside our clients and collaborators on projects that regenerate Aotearoa. This is a fresh start for Isthmus in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, backed by over two decades of experience in the capital. We are excited to finally move in, and look forward to welcoming you to the new studio soon.

Tauranga residential intensification studied.

The Bay of Plenty is a desirable place to live—its urban areas are under pressure to increase housing supply and density. Tauranga is earmarked to accommodate much of this growth as enabled through Plan Change 33. Isthmus were commissioned by Tauranga City Council and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council to study the urban areas of Tauranga and propose measures to ensure that future urban intensification is planned appropriately in relation to identified landscape values.

An innovative methodology was developed to identify appropriate areas with the capacity to accommodate urban intensification through increased development height and density, whilst protecting the identified natural character and outstanding landscape values. This involved working with a mix of GIS and computational design strategies to create a data-rich, yet coherent 3D digital model on which to base our analysis and assessment.

Read more about the project here

Connecting land, people and culture.

The summer shutdown has given us time to rest, reconnect and reflect. We’re recharged after spending time with friends and whānau and come back refreshed, ready for new adventures. Our studios have reopened, continuing our kaupapa; to regenerate Aotearoa by connecting land, people and culture.

We are working on a huge range of transformative projects across the country. 2024 promises to be another year of challenge and change—we’ll need to remain adaptable, resourceful and resilient. We look forward to advancing our mahi together in 2024.

Three Awards for Te Ara Awataha

The work to rejuvenate a greenway in Northcote, Auckland, has been recognised at this year’s Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) NZ 2023 Asset Management Excellence Awards, with the project team taking home three awards. 

Te Ara Awataha project was awarded the Excellence in Water, Best Infrastructure Project over $5 million, and Asset Management Excellence Supreme Award at the event in Rotorua, which was attended by representatives from Kāinga Ora and its civil works alliance, Piritahi. 

Te Ara Awataha project, undertaken as part of the Kāinga Ora Northcote Large-Scale Project, embodies the spirit of collaboration with input from mana whenua, Auckland Council Healthy Waters, Eke Panuku Development Auckland, local businesses, community groups, schools, residents and volunteers. 

Te Ara Awataha is the name gifted by Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki to a 1.5km blue-green corridor linking existing parks, the town centre, schools and homes in Northcote. Described as ‘the backbone of the community’, the greenway connects people not just with their destination, but with nature. 

The Awataha stream, piped underground for over 70 years, is now a place where wildlife can flourish, children can play and learn, and the community can connect. More than that, it is now also an integral part of Northcote’s stormwater network, a key feature which proved to be invaluable during the Auckland Anniversary floods.

Read more on Te Ara Awataha

Te Atamira a Te Iwi—a vibrant city refuge.

Te Atamira a Te Iwi creates space for people, on the streets of Te Whanganui-a-Tara. In collaboration with Wellington City Council we worked to design, develop, and install vibrant parklets in street parking spaces to encourage community claim back space for people and activity.

Working with constructors we developed a low-cost, easy-to-build system that would be compliant and adaptable to a range of uses. A key outcome of the project for Wellington City Council was to develop a new framework incorporating lessons learned, for businesses to apply for parklets on a more permanent basis. We are very pleased to see next generation parklets now reclaiming the streets for people in central Wellington.

We wanted to create a vibrant inner-city refuge that stood out against the urban backdrop and busy streetscape. It was also important to create an identity for the platforms that would be recognisable as they moved around the city.

We were delighted to have this acknowledged recently, with the project being awarded a Resene Total Colour Award in the Installation category.

 

What the judges said:
“Here today moved tomorrow, this inviting and energetic temporary space stands in contrast to the streetscape. Cleverly designed for adaptability in location, multipurpose use and access, it boldly celebrates repurposing street space for all to enjoy. The strong triangular forms and distinct colouration are delightful and make it a memorable bright spot to seek out in the city.”

Thank you to our partners, clients and collaborators who helped bring this little project with a big impact to life; Wellington City Council, GapFiller, Drew James, Downer.

Promotions.

Promotions – November 2022  

In response to the rapidly increasing cost of living this year we temporarily introduced quarterly salary reviews, and as part of the process we are happy to announce eight promotions: 

 

Graduate to Intermediate  

Finn has been with Isthmus for nearly 2 years as an architectural graduate. In that time has made quite an impact. His enthusiasm and creativity are infectious. Finn sets himself apart through his abilities to communicate articulately and as a creative thinker. Finn is confident to set off on his own path, rather than follow in the footsteps of others.  

  

Intermediate to Senior  

Tessa has featured strongly in many rewarding & complex projects since she joined Isthmus at the end of 2018. Tessa has always been at the top of her craft and has a fantastic understanding around communication of project needs. She can always be trusted to lend technical advice and mentoring to others. She is a proactive designer, and has grown this into the project management space and will confidently challenge the status quo to keep projects aligned with our values.    

Mihali joined the Isthmus whānau in early 2017 at the start of his career. One of his first experiences at was as a core member of the Northern Corridor Alliance, working at the project office delivering amongst a multidisciplinary team. Mihali used this exposure to deliver in further alliances, specialising in bridge infrastructure, and with a true passion and skillset for working with mana whenua and artists in the mahi toi space. Mihali’s mahi across the studio is evident as a positive voice in the Tāmaki studio.   

   

Senior to Associate  

Simon joined Isthmus from England, nearly four years ago, where he had worked in the landscape planning and masterplanning space. He brought strong awareness of planning and consenting processes to our design planning team and quickly settled into Aotearoa. Simon’s energy and enthusiasm has seen him take on additional responsibilities across the studio beyond pure project work. He is also growing his experience in the role of an expert witness.   

Tim joined Isthmus in 2018 after spending several years working in the UK and Australia. Since returning to Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Tim has been applying his skills in design development and documentation to a broad range of projects, including Riverlink and Tahitai, and more recently Lets’ Get Wellington Moving—Streets. Tim is a trusted pair of hands, approachable and delivers what he says he’ll deliver.   

Nigel joined us in June at the beginning of our Agile Hiring Plan. In a short space of time he has become key to a number of our most complex architecture projects. With extensive experience across a number of sectors, including education, community and multi-unit residential, Nigel brings a deep understanding of what it takes to deliver well-crafted, award-winning architecture. Nigel leads empathetically, communicates with clarity and a dry wit, is diligent and accurate in his work and mentors with patience.   

 

Associate to Principal  

Damian has been with us since his mihi whakatau in October 2017, and it is hard to imagine what the studio was like without him. Over the last 5 years and across the motu, we have all benefited from the way that Damian openly shares his knowledge and builds relationships. Whether it is leading a noisy waiata, drumming up enthusiasm in a workshop, or sitting quietly round a table with butter paper, there is no doubt that Damian has added depth and richness to our Land People Culture Kaupapa through lived experience, not just words. Damian has a way with people, and has helped build two of our champion networks—Participatory Design, and He Pātaka Mauri Mana Whenua Partnering. His affiliations with Tuia Pito Ora and Ngā Aho, along with his immersive personal learning journey in Te Reo and tikanga has helped develop stronger connections with Te Ao Māori for himself and Isthmus. This is now spilling over into Design Review, a really broad range of projects across the studio, and an ever expanding network of clients and collaborators.  

Scott has joined Isthmus twice. Once as part of our burgeoning Tāmaki studio in the early days of integrating architecture, and again as part of our return to Te Waipounamu. Each time Scott has added to the energy, fun and positivity of the studio. Scott has helped to grow our network and deliver residential projects like Epuni and Harrison Street as well as being instrumental in supporting the studio with roles on management team, championing digital technology, managing the design and construction of our new Ōtautahi studio and nurturing his whanau group. Ka pai Scott!    

Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei wānanga.

Last week, Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei hosted the landscape architecture community of Tāmaki Makaurau on their whenua. The wānanga provided the opportunity for kōrero and the development of the relationship and partnership with mana whenua.

Over 130 landscape architects attended on the day and were able to meet the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei teams and learn their hītori—histories of people and place. They gave an insight into their respective realms of mahi, and the aspirations and expectations of Ngāti Whātua. President of Tuia Pito Ora, Henry Crothers, provided an overview of the Institute and Matt Jones, Chair of the Tāmaki Makaurau branch, spoke to the key focus areas for landscape architects in Tāmaki.

Following kōrero in the wharenui, we were taken on a tour around the Pourewa nursery to better understand the native planting propagation and productive mahi kai gardens.

We would like to extend our gratitude to Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei for this opportunity to collaborate and share knowledge.

Photo credit: Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei

Ngā Hau Māngere opens.

Over the weekend, we had the pleasure of attending the opening ceremony of Ngā Hau Māngere—the Old Māngere bridge replacement. Translating to ‘gentle lazy winds’, Ngā Hau Māngere is a crucial pedestrian and cycle connection across the harbour, as well as a destination in its own right. 

Old Māngere Bridge was a much-loved community asset connecting the Māngere Bridge settlement with Onehunga. The ferro-concrete former road bridge was completed in 1915 and replaced an earlier wooden bridge built in the 1880’s both founded over a low tide route used by mana whenua in earlier times. 

Reaching the end of its structural life, a replacement was called for to maintain a safe connection across the harbour. Conversations with community identified that the bridge was to be a place for people—including seating and bays for fishing, as well as functioning as a shared path. 

A long time in the making, Isthmus principal Sean Burke joined with Pete Bossley (Bossley Architects) and Aurecon bridge engineer John McNeil in 2013 to contemplate the Aurecon led project. Recognising that for the first time in one hundred years there was the opportunity to open a safe route for waka and small craft to the Māngere Inlet and the hugely culturally significant Ōtāhuhu portage. On Saturday Waka Ama passed beneath Ngā Hau Māngere—restoring the long lost connection.

The Bridge consists of a ‘central’ 60m curved arch span carried by vee piers, with approaches oriented to the regionally important landmarks of Te Pane o Mataoho (Māngere Mountain) and Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill). Fishing bays broaden the southern approach with seating provided along the bridge length in keeping with community wishes.  

Artists Matthew Von Sturmer and Sunnah Thompson and were engaged by Waka Kotahi to work with mana whenua and the local community including school children. With Sunnah’s move to Australia, Māori visual artist Johnson Witihera was appointed by the Southern Iwi Integration Group. Johnson developed the bridge puhoro pattern along the parapet base as well as two significant artworks still to come for each abutment. Mathew—drawing from his concept of the kahawai as the ‘people’s fish’—contributed the multicoloured handrail and artwork expressing the children’s stories. 

As well as inputting into bridge form and deck layout Isthmus developed the landscape areas on the abutment and causeway of the old bridge including the heritage garden where the old bridge girder, pile, headstock, and handrail components are arrayed.  

“At the opening I was struck by the huge enthusiasm from the people for this bridge—it was an absolute festival and I hope the space will be well enjoyed for a great many years as the old bridge was. The design process was equally collaborative, and I think in many ways an exemplar well founded by a clear brief from the community.” —Sean Burke

Isthmus Ōtautahi Studio Move.

In early 2020 we energised Isthmus Ōtautahi—Helen, Nik and Scott worked 6 months in a co-working space before moving to a retail frontage in High Street, bringing life and energy to a key city street.

Our presence in Ōtautahi has allowed us to grow strong relationships across Te Waipounamu through a range of projects, and with project growth has come the evolution of the studio. While we loved being a part of public life on High Street, we have outgrown the space and this week have begun our next chapter activating Mataī Common in the South Frame.

This step forward allows us to better manaaki clients, collaborators and visitors, and to deliver richer outcomes for land, people and culture. Locally, there is a lot to be excited about with work beginning on the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor—a milestone project for the city and a a five-minute cycle from our new front step.

Nau mai, haere mai. 
The door is always open, so please drop in and say hi!

Find us by bike or on foot in Mataī Common, 10 Mollett Street.

Ngā Ūranga ki Pito-One construction begins later this year.

With increased funding approved this exciting regeneration project is set to become an extraordinary addition to Te Whanganui-a-Tara. A collaboration of resilience and function–this 4.5-kilometre sea wall also serves as a shared coastal pathway massively improving the connection between Ngā Ūranga and Pito-One for pedestrians, people on bikes, and micro-mobility devices!

The complexities in this extraordinary resilience project coupled with increased cost of materials and impacts of COVID-19, called for further resource to see it realised. We are incredibly pleased with the increased support of the Waka Kotahi Board and look forward to seeing the restoration of this cultural coastal landscape.

This project will be delivered in partnership with Waka Kotahi, Downer, HEB, and Tonkin + Taylor, supported by Boffa Miskell, Isthmus, and Holmes Consulting–working closely with Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika. 

To find out more about the funding and delivery team click here.

Three wins—NZIA Auckland Architecture Awards.

We are thrilled to have received three awards last night at the NZIA local Architecture Awards in Tāmaki Makaurau.  
 
The Isthmus projects selected this year explore the interface between land, sea and sky—all uniquely Aotearoa responses. They are moving Auckland to Tāmaki Makaurau. These projects were realised in partnership with mana whenua, with a joint vision to make space for people in our city. 

Te Wānanga Downtown Public Space—blending the boundary of city and sea.  
An elevated tidal shelf for human and coastal ecologies—Te Wananga creates space for people, flora and fauna to flourish at the interface of city and harbour. Celebrating the landscape, urban, social, environmental and cultural qualities of the people and place of Tāmaki Makaurau. It welcomes visitors with respect, generosity and care, providing a place to pause—to breathe.

Te Ngau o Horotiu—Auckland’s new ferry berthing facility at the gateway to Tāmaki Makaurau.  
The Ferry Landing together with Te Wānanga (the Downtown Public Space) forms the Downtown Ferry Basin Redevelopment project; Auckland’s most significant urban waterfront development where visitors arrive and are welcomed to Tāmaki. The project responds to sea level rise and is designed to promote mode shift to more sustainable travel choices.

Maungwhau Tihi Boardwalk—tracing the contours of the maunga. 
The boardwalk follows the contours of the Maunga crater, carefully winding through the tūāpapa (terraces) where the houses and gardens of the pā once sat. Culminating in a 4.8m wide viewing deck at the lower northern Tihi, visitors can take in sweeping panoramic views over the CBD, Waitematā Harbour, and Tāmaki Makaurau’s network of Maunga.

Promotions.

In response to the rapidly increasing cost of living Isthmus has temporarily introduced quarterly salary reviews. This week everybody got a pay rise! And as part of the process we are happy to announce four promotions:

Graduate to Intermediate

Shanika joined us in March 2021, in a small window between lockdowns. She quickly stepped into her role, delivering a high standard of work highly regarded by her peers. Shanika works across project scales and typologies. She exudes a natural effortlessness and is always calm under pressure—something she ‘just learnt’ at university. Shanika’s thesis ‘Envisaging a Predator Free Miramar’ is shortlisted in the student category for the 2022 NZILA Awards!

Jess joined Isthmus as a graduate a few months ago, having worked in a small Auckland practice for a year before. She brings an amazing attitude as well as an eagerness to learn to all her project work. Jess has demonstrated great commitment and strong performance. She can lead and own packages of work and apply critical thinking across all her projects all the while immersing herself in Revit.

Intermediate to Senior

Kate brings significant project experience and a wealth of technical knowledge to her work. A consummate designer, Kate brings a distinct approach to design along with a fascination in working out the detail and an understanding of what makes a great space. Kate has demonstrated an eagerness to mentor less experienced colleagues through technical details and construction issues whenever she can.

Senior to Associate

Noni joined Isthmus a couple of years ago and has demonstrated outstanding performance from the beginning. He brought with him significant experience in large scale project work from previous time spent at practices such as West 8 and Powerhouse and has leveraged that into his work at Isthmus. Able to work at scale, Noni can see the bigger picture on a project while able to focus on the smaller technical detail when he needs to. A proven team leader he has managed a significant team on Jimmy’s Point, juggling deadlines while mentoring and coaching the less experienced team members through the technical intricacies of apartment design along the way. A high performer with great attitude and strong technical skillset, Noni models great project management and delivery.

Wānanga 2022.

Wānanga is our annual event to come together, strengthen our connections, celebrate our work, and share ideas. Circumstance has seen that we have not been able to do this since 2019.

Wānanga 2022 was a special chance to slow down, connect, observe and reflect.

As we settle back into our studios across the motu—we are taking the time to reflect on a big day spent together in Tāmaki Makaurau.

An early morning at wharfs-end in the Waitematā was followed by hikoi tracing the path of the Waihorotiu, eventually arriving in 246 Queen—drawing a line under a period of time spent apart, and welcoming a time enriched by togetherness and collaboration.

Rotorua Lakefront mahi toi.

Rotorua Lakefront continues to grow with the opening of mahi toi designed by local master carver and artist, Lyonel Grant.

Unveiled at a dawn ceremony last Thursday, the mahi toi deepens the connection to Ngāti Whakaue and Te Arawa heritage, establishing Rotorua Lakefront as an outstanding cultural experience. 

The mahi toi, integrated with the Isthmus landscape design, takes many forms across the lakefront site. Te Toka Māpuna—the seat for contemplation and reflection sits at the Eastern end of the boardwalk. Patterning representing Tokorangi—the twelve heavens of Māori cosmology has been etched into the platform beneath it, utilising an innovative vapour blasting method.  

Three series of pou tumu have been erected reflecting nō namata (ancient times), onāianei (contemporary times) and anamata (future times). 

The half basketball court design is inspired by a Te Arawa centric pattern known as puhoro. The attributes of strength, agility and speed are symbolic in the design and are commonly seen incorporated in moko a tinana thigh patterns and on the underside bows of waka. 

Lyonel, supported by carvers and students of The New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts institute (NZMACI) at Te Puia, blended traditional methods and materials with high-tech solutions—furthering the conceptual narrative of past, present and future, says Lyonel. 

“The artwork is special to this area because the inspiration has been derived from actual historical events, using technology as vast as chisels and mallet through to high tech laser cutters to create each series. There is also a fundamental representation of people and whānau. 

“I’m pleased that these works have originated and have been largely crafted locally. I believe that the strength and integrity of the artwork has created aesthetic landmarks that our manuhiri can appreciate and enjoy, and more importantly, I hope they are well received by the locals. 

Client Choice Awards 2022—Winner.

Aotearoa is a small country with a tight-knit community. Our work is built on relationships—between land, people, culture and with our collaborators.

Our many and varied clients entrust us with some incredible opportunities, and we carry the weight of responsibility seriously.

Winning two categories in the Client Choice Awards—Best Landscape Architecture Firm & Best Urban Design Firm—gives us the confidence to double down on our studio culture and the unique client experience that we offer.

Based on client feedback these awards are unique. They reward excellent client service, expertise in clients’ area of need, innovation and superior client experience. It is the only multi-profession and fully client-judged Awards anywhere in the world. This year more than 300 firms entered and over 17,700 pieces of client feedback were collected and used to adjudicate the Awards.

For Isthmus, entering the Awards was driven more by the process than the prize. We were genuinely curious to know how our clients felt about the experience of working with us. The result is super motivating for our Isthmus whānau. It’s an affirmation of our values and purpose.

A new Destination Skatepark for Te Whanganui-a-tara.

Recommendations for $5.64m of capital funding for a Destination Skatepark in Te Whanganui a Tara, Wellington were voted on unanimously by Councillors last Thursday. 

Isthmus is thrilled to have been involved in the feasibility studies for the new Destination Skatepark—proving economic and wellbeing benefits, assessing existing skate provision in Wellington, comparison studies, establishing an engagement collective, and providing a high level concept and cost estimate.  

The preferred location—Kilbirnie Park—supports a community with myriad recreational opportunities and can leverage its local amenity and surrounds. The Destination Skatepark will be an exciting local, regional, and national attraction with the ability to nurture the growing Wellington skate community and host international competitions alike. 

The regional sized park is a huge leap towards Wellington City Council’s vision for a more sustainable, creative, inclusive economic future. Since the debut of skateboarding at the 2020 Olympics, it has seen a huge boost in popularity, especially amongst young women. Te Whanganui a Tara, Wellington is no exception with participation in both skate and scootering growing significantly for youth says Councillor Jill Day. 

The 2021 Children & Young People Strategy asked young people what they wanted, and easy access and provision of skate facilities and places to safely hang out and play were important to them.  

Engagement with community groups established a clear need for a high calibre skatepark—a space for future generations of skater to thrive. Workshops were held down at the site itself, strengthening spatial understanding and potential for the site. 

Seven Designers Promoted.

Graduate to Intermediate

Since joining us Liam has been discovering where he wants to position himself in design—the crossover of urbanism and brand. Liam is a juggler; he is always involved in many projects at once and provides everyone in the various teams the confidence that he will deliver—and he does. Liam is concept driven; he takes a rigorous intellectual approach to what he is doing. Liam’s a natural communicator, regardless of who he is talking to. He is confident in explaining his thinking to clients, and able to read their responses well.  

Kadin joined Isthmus just before the first lockdown in 2020; he has been resilient to change ever since. He’s had an excellent year, working across many projects across the studio, and has continued to grow his knowledge, ability, and delivery. Kadin has a keen interest in 3D modelling and script-writing software and is passionate about bringing digital innovation to his project teams. Kadin has a strong work ethic and willingness to succeed; we look forward to his continued development as a designer and innovator.   

Intermediate to Senior

Ellie studied Landscape Architecture at Lincoln and after a couple of years at Boffa Miskell she joined us in June 2019. Ellie has a passion for Urban Design and a no-boundaries approach to her work.  Ellie has contributed to many projects, spending time deep in suburban regeneration, parks, infrastructure projects.  Her tenacity, curiosity and can-do attitude is appreciated by clients and colleagues alike.   

Tom has an infectious personality and brings humour, laughter and positivity to the Ōtautahi studio. Tom recently got registered as an Architect, but lives happily in the overlap. He is a holistic designer who is honest and humble. He never comes across as being out of his depth or lacking confidence. Tom is excellent at working in cross discipline teams; and across project types/ stages from tactical trials, community engagement, conceptual thinking to detailed delivery.  

Azmon was one of the first Architectural Graduates at Isthmus some 8 years ago, and he has consistently embedded himself in the studio since. Azmon has a passion for ‘making’ and has a heart for designing through a cultural and community lens. In addition to being a talented craftsman, Azmon has strong technical knowledge. Azmon has taken on managing complex stakeholder and sub-consultant teams on his more recent projects and his communication skills have seen him establish a great rapport with clients and consultants.  

Irisbrings a transdisciplinary mindset to all the projects she’s involved in. With a proactive attitude to design, she is inquisitive and eager to learn alongside others and brings an enthusiasm that injects energy into our studio culture. Iris has worked on a range of projects that have been ambiguous and/or new types of work for Isthmus. She has shown curiosity to tackle these types of projects, creatively solving problems, authentically communicating with clients and team, and tenaciously navigating the barriers and challenges these projects have thrown at her.   

Shannon joined Isthmus in 2021.  She brought with her experience in education, residential, interiors and commercial projects, along with a positive frame of mind, can do attitude and a sense of adventure and fun. Shannon has consistently shown a drive to create great outcomes for our clients and their people. Shannon has proven herself to be a safe pair of hands for our clients and their projects, a great collaborator and bring a curiosity to everything she does. Her most recent success is becoming a mum to Freddy. 

Studio 246.

Our Tāmaki Makaurau studio has arrived at Level 6, 246 Queen Street. 

Last year—guided by our belief in an Aotearoa Urbanism—we decided to move our Tāmaki Makaurau studio into the heart of the city. After seven months of being in-between studios, levels and lockdowns our Tāmaki Makaurau studio has arrived at Level 6, 246 Queen Street.

Seven months of working from kitchen benches, bedroom desks and pop-up spaces, has helped evolve a new way of working. For the physical studio to stay relevant it needs to adapt to these evolving behaviours. We know that when we come together, we generate our best work—so our studio has to be a place where our team feel safe and inspired. In an increasingly hybrid world—the studio needs to bring people together and create a community. The studio drives our purpose and helps us align with issues that matter to you and the communities we work for.

246 Queen has been designed to harness this shift, a space that will change according to the people and projects within it. This studio is a space for our clients, collaborators and Tāmaki Makaurau to come together to help shape a New Aotearoa.

We look forward to welcoming you to our new space at 246 Queen.

NZILA Awards—six Isthmus projects shortlisted.

Six projects shortlisted for the Resene NZILA Awards 2022.
Six projects moving us towards a new Aotearoa.

We are excited to hear that six Isthmus projects have been shortlisted for the Resene New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architecture Awards 2022. 

Two Tāmaki gems—atop maunga and moana; one Te Whanganui-a-tara coastal pathway; two complex plans for revitalising regions, towns and cities across the motu; and one transformative book—setting a new national standard for a New Aotearoa. 

Congratulations also, to Graduate Landscape Architect Shanika Tuinder for her project ‘Envisioning a Predator Free Miramar’ making it through to the Student category shortlist.

Maungwhau Tihi Boardwalk.
Te Wānanga Downtown Public Space.
Tahitai Shared Pathway.
Napier Landscape Study.
Ngāmotu New Plymouth City Centre Strategy.
Te Tangi a te Manu—Aotearoa New Zealand Landscape Assesment Guidelines. 

Moving forward together

The situation with Covid-19 continues to evolve, and so does our response. A summary of the current Isthmus approach to minimising the risk of transmission in our studios is outlined below. We anticipate updating these guidelines throughout 2022 as the situation changes.

All visitors must have a current vaccination certificate to enter an Isthmus studio.

Vaccinations are the most important control measure against contracting and transmitting Covid-19 and contribute significantly to keeping our employees, their whānau and our wider Isthmus community safe. Meeting virtually via Teams will always be offered as an alternative for anyone unable to provide a vaccination certificate, or anyone self-isolating, awaiting a test result, experiencing possible symptoms, or at higher risk. 

We require all employees to hold current vaccination certificates to come into the studio at Red and Orange level settings. Early in 2022, with full involvement from our employees, we plan to conduct role risk assessments to understand whether we will require roles at Isthmus to be carried out by vaccinated employees only. 

Other Measures

The studio QR code is displayed at studio entry points and in meeting rooms. Everyone entering the studio must scan in.  

Hand sanitiser should be used on entry and exit and is also positioned at other locations through the studio for regular use. 

Everyone in the studio should try to maintain 1m distance from others at all times.  

Please consider mask use where 1m distancing isn’t possible, in larger meetings or if you are at higher risk.  

We will open doors and windows wherever possible for ventilation. 

No one should enter the studio while experiencing possible Covid-19 symptoms.  

At Red level of the Covid Protection Framework, larger meetings and employee travel to or from studios in will only happen where it is essential to project outcomes. 

 

Move to Queen.

Into the heart of Tāmaki.

In May this year we made the decision to leave our Sale Street studio. Guided by our belief in an Aotearoa Urbanism, we have chosen to move our Tāmaki Makaurau studio into the heart of the city. In early 2022 we will be relocating to 246 Queen Street.

We have designed the new studio as a vessel for the creative process. The space will be physically open, fluid and flexible to enable agile project collaboration. Projects are the engine of the studio—the dynamic space will resonate with the energy of teams working on ideas across Aotearoa. The new studio will be a space to grow and deepen our partnerships and collaborations.

The move will also help us to accelerate our carbon-zero goals; the central location offers easy access by public transport and the refurbished building has shared bicycle parking and energy efficient systems.

We closed the doors on the Sale Street studio Friday last week. Covid will delay the fit-out for our new space so we will continue to offer our service by working from home and centrally located ‘pop-up’ spaces. If you need to deliver something or see us physically in this interim period, please contact us and we will advise a best address.

We look forward to welcoming you to our open studio in early 2022.

Unique and ambitious.

Tactical master planning in Timaru

Last week Timaru District Council announced that Isthmus Group has been appointed to lead a 19-year multi-million-dollar plan to redevelop Timaru’s town centre. 

In collaboration with Gap Filler—a placemaking social enterprise—we will deliver an evidence-based master plan. Through a range of events and trials we will help people experience future ideas so they can be better informed about the long-term design proposals. 

“Isthmus/Gap Filler were selected based on their proven track record on relevant projects around New Zealand, good depth of experienced staff and having the project team leaders based in Christchurch enabling easy access to Timaru”— Timaru District Council. 

Timaru District mayor Nigel Bowen said a key aspect of the proposal was our demonstrated ability to bring the community on the journey to get behind redevelopment projects. 

We are really pleased to be part of this project, helping a city that is backing itself by testing and enabling the untapped potential of the town and the bay. This is a unique and ambitious brief—a special opportunity to meaningfully evolve public spaces to catalyse investment and draw people in. We are urbanists and aim to be pioneers in our approach to community participatory design for towns and cities from Northland to Southland. 

Read more in the Timaru Herald

Talk—Auckland Climate Festival.

Future Neighbourhoods:
Sustainability as wellbeing in a new generation of suburb.

On the 27th of October—alongside Kāinga Ora and AUT—we will be discussing the regeneration of our existing suburbs for the wellbeing of both planet and people, looking at examples within Auckland Housing Programme.

How can we ensure the mauri of our wai returns, and create an urban ngāhere? Why is the way we design streets so important? What carbon-neutral construction and waste minimisation practices are being implemented in the delivery of warm, dry, healthy homes? and how will we know if our communities are actually better off when these huge projects come to completion?

Auckland Climate Festival is an open platform bringing together communities, the private sector, government, youth and Māori across Tāmaki Makaurau as a coordinated response.

In its inaugural year the festival brings these actors together to enhance collaboration, harness collective energy and build climate action at an individual and societal level.

Join us by registering for Future Neighbourhoods: Sustainability as wellbeing in a new generation of suburb here.

Find out more, and explore the festival programme at www.acf21.co.nz.

Eleven Designers Promoted.

Yesterday, at a virtual studio meeting, we announced the latest round of promotions. This was the largest group that we’ve ever had, with eleven individuals from our studios in Tāmaki Makaurau and Te Whanganui-a-Tara recognised for their growth, and stepping up to new opportunities and challenges.

Graduate to Intermediate

Hannah joined us straight out of VUW in 2019; she jumped straight into complex infrastructure projects where her creativity has consistently shines through. Hannah is a confident communicator steadily deepening her cultural sensitivity. Always with a smile, Hannah continues to contribute and grow as an essential member of the Isthmus whānau. Miharo e hoa!

Abigail was born in the Philippines, grew up in Aotearoa and went on to study architecture. As a graduate she quickly became a very safe pair of hands contributing to multiple projects across the studio. With a hunger for knowledge Abi always asks good questions, keeping our design leaders on their toes. Abi sits on the NZIA branch committee and has entered a number of design competitions.

Salva was born in Afghanistan, schooled in New Zealand. As an architect she has a passion for design that positively impacts the community and has contributed to many regeneration projects within the Auckland Housing Programme. Outside work Salva tutoring migrant and refugee students in her community.

Harriet models our values in everything she does. Thoughtful and engaging, Harriet’s enthusiasm and intuitive eye for graphics and presentation make her a much sought after team member. She has quickly established a reputation for impeccable, high-quality delivery.

Intermediate to Senior

Sophie studied landscape architecture at the University of Edinburgh, and since third year dreamed of living and working in Aotearoa. Her vision and tenacity eventually paid off. Since joining us as a graduate Sophie has contributed to the design of schools, playgrounds, parks, waterfronts and transport infrastructure. She is working towards NZILA registration, and has just purchased her first home, at Hobsonville Point.

Brennan moved from the USA to Aotearoa and got two jobs. He worked half his time at Victoria University of Wellington, teaching in the landscape architecture programme, and half at Isthmus. Since he’s been full-time in the studio Brennan has been immersed in a space between theory, technology and design practice. Brennan is now stepping into a project management roles, his positive, can-do attitude appreciated by clients and colleagues alike.

Michael joined us in 2014 as a fresh landscape architecture graduate; his journey has seen him be challenged across many projects, spending time deep in suburban regeneration and across detailed design packages. Mike’s detail focus and strong eye for a quality-built outcome comes in very useful with solving tricky construction issues.

Aaron has grown in confidence and knowledge since he joined us as a graduate in 2016. An architect by qualification, his first big project was detailing the award-winning pavilion at North Kumutoto. Aaron has helped to design multiple cycleways in Pōneke and is currently part of the Te Ara Tupua alliance, bringing a considered approach to design and a thoughtful attitude. Outside work Aaron is very active in the community and is studying te reo. Ka rawe Aaron!

Hew was born in Malaysia, and grew up in Aotearoa. She embraces every project with passion, commitment and rigour. Over her five years at Isthmus Hew has worked on many of our largest residential master planning projects. She is actively involved in the wider architectural profession, holding a portfolio on the NZIA Auckland Branch committee as well as finding the time to enter multiple design competitions.

Senior to Associate

James joined us as a graduate with a positive, can-do attitude. With a passion for technology James looks beyond the project in order to understand the context and the wider opportunity, guided by his strong moral compass. He has worked extensively on active modes projects around Pōneke (including some challenging public engagement) and is key to our work for Kāinga Ora in the region. James has commitment, drive and the ability to draw the best out of everyone.

Tessa is totally committed, incredibly organised and maintains a steady presence within the studio. Her contribution to our culture, health and safety network and design discussions mark her out as an emerging leader within Te Whanganui a Tara studio. Tessa understands what it takes to gain support for a project, from initial ideas to the realities of funding and decision making. Her mentoring presence, tenacity for quality outcomes, and ability to grow relationships are all recognised in this promotion.

Sustainable Business Awards—Finalist.

Isthmus are among 75 finalists announced for the Sustainable Business Awards.

Good businesses operate with a conscience, making sure people involved in or affected by their activities are better off than they would be otherwise. They bring about positive outcomes for the environment and economy. They create change for good for the people and planet around them.  

In 2016—Ralph Johns—our CEO wrote: “We want to evolve our business to be led by a representative and diverse group of talented people. We think that’s good for business, as well as being firmly in line with our values.”  

We are really pleased to be finalists for the Social Impactor awardThis award will be presented to an organisation that is deliberately and consistently improving people’s lives through its day-to-day business practices—one where social good is integrated throughout the whole organisation 

We are committed to closing the diversity gaps that exist in our industry through many interlinked and overlapping initiatives with an environmentally and socially conscious studio culture. We are a founding partner of The Diversity Agenda. The evolution of our business leadership to a representative and diverse group of people began with our Women in Leadership discussion which began in 2016.  

We developed a navigational design tool—Te Kāpehu—to help make conscious choices about how our work can uplift the mauri of people and the environment.  

Engagement with mātauranga māori grew from our purpose: Advancing the relationships between land, people and culture. This kaupapa is core to all our actions. It saw the introduction of Matariki celebrations in 2008 and has become a more strategic focus in recent years. In 2013 we introduced Matariki Day—an extra day of annual leave for all staff.  

With Auckland Council’s He Maunga He Tangata internship programme we provide opportunities for Māori and Pacific Design graduates.  

Our focus on wellbeing comes from recognising and taking responsibility for stress, as one of our industry’s key workplace health and safety risks. We also support and include neuro-diversity and people who are struggling with their mental health.  

Rachel Brown ONZM—founder and CEO of the Sustainable Business Network—says: “The latest IPCC report on climate change has left no doubt about the imperative to change our ways of living and working. Businesses need to step up—their customers, employees and the planet are demanding it. The 75 finalists in these Awards are leading the way. They include corporates, small enterprises and individuals from the public and private sector, showing that whoever you are you can play your part.” 

The winners will be announced on 25 November.

Auckland’s world-class waterfront opens.

On Friday the 2nd of July 2020, Auckland’s Downtown Programme was completed and celebrated, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in attendance to mark the occasion.

We are proud to have been involved Te Wānanga and Te Ngau o Horotiu, two of the six projects delivered by the Downtown Programme, which has created a generous and welcoming destination along the water’s edge that is recognisably Tāmaki Makaurau.

The Downtown Programme represents a $350 million investment by Auckland Transport and Auckland Council, $42 million of which was provided by the government. The new spaces are designed to strengthen people’s connection with the Waitematā Harbour – a vibrant, transformed environment for all to enjoy.

Six new ferry piers form Te Ngau o Horotiu, built on the east side of Queens Wharf. These new piers are designed for patronage growth and the future introduction of electric ferries. “Te Ngau o Horotiu provides improved accessibility and greater operational flexibility, providing a better customer experience for the 4 million people who use it each year,” says Mayor Phil Goff, “the creation of the new waterfront Te Wānanga space makes our waterfront and downtown area absolutely world-class.”

Speaking of the projects Isthmus founding director David Irwin says “Te Wananga and Te Ngau o Horotiu point to future vision for Auckland. They look to a future city called Tāmaki. One that respects the histories of the place and regenerates the mana of its ecologies. They attempt to give back the health and well-being of the place and the people. The forms reflect these new directions. They step us forward while looking backwards with respect for our past. Into the future.”

Images courtesy of Auckland Transport.

Matariki 2021.

Mānawatia a Matariki e te whānau!

On the 1st of July our three studios in Tāmaki Makaurau, Te Whanganui-a-Tara and Ōtautahi celebrated the rising of Matariki. Our whānau came together and celebrated Matariki over kai, shared stories and generally gott to know each other a little better. Every studio had its own spin on the night but we were all connected by the Kaupapa of reflection and sharing.

Matariki is a time of the year where our whānau and friends come together to reflect on the year been and look towards the year ahead. Isthmus has been celebrating this annual event since 2010. Every year we deepen our commitment to mātauranga māori by creating opportunities within our whare to connect with the community, culture, and place. We do this through kai, kōrero, waiata, manaakitanga and whanaungatanga.

We have dinner together and our own public holiday because it is part of our culture as a studio, and a sense of belonging and connection is important. We build on this tradition every year because it celebrates who we are as an Aotearoa design studio.

Me mātou ki te whetu, I mua te kokiri o te haere
Before you set forth on a journey, be sure you know the stars.

Wakatu Quay: competition entry.

Recently we participated in a design competition to regenerate Wakatu Quay on the Kaikōura peninsula. Design competitions are very common in Europe but not a typical approach to procuring design services in Aotearoa—so this provided a rare opportunity to flex our design agility and potentially win an exciting project.

Answering the Requests for Proposal and a design competition at the same time was a hard ask. We invested over 500 hours across all of our disciplines—architecture, graphic design, landscape architecture, and urban design. Ten designers located in our three physical studios work with specialist collaborators distributed across Aotearoa as a networked team. We called the proposal that we developed together ‘Expanding the View’. 

While we were not successful in winning the project, we still celebrate the process and the design outcome. Over many years we have grown our knowledge and capability with coastal environments and we were able to draw on our collective intelligence and rich network of collaborators. Using a digital whiteboard and video conferencing we worked as one studio, running kanohi ki te kanohi (face-to-face) workshops locally in each studio. We let the best ideas rise to the surface and developed them further drawing on specialist input as required to test every aspect of our thinking. You can read all about the competition entry in the project section of our website—above are some of the sketches that lead us to our final answer.

NZILA President Award Winner Gavin Lister.

We are proud to share that Isthmus Founding Principal Gavin Lister has been presented with the NZILA President’s Award for his contribution to the profession of Landscape Architecture through his work in developing the Landscape Assessment Guidelines. 

The inaugural NZILA President’s Awards recognise individuals and groups who have gone above and beyond, who have engaged with a wide range of issues, or who have worked diligently to provide benefits to and for the greater good of the profession. 

Ka pai Gavin!

Te Wānanga Grove Springs to Life.

After 40 years on Quay Street and a 22-month sojourn away from the downtown construction site, a 6-metre, 8-tonne pōhutukawa tree now takes pride of place in the city’s new Te Wānanga waterfront space. This mighty pōhutukawa is accompanied by eight other mature pōhutukawa, four Nikau, and two Puriri trees that will form part of the urban ngahere (forest) of Tāmaki Makaurau.

The largest tree was carefully uplifted from its original position in Quay Street more than a year ago and moved to a temporary home in Teal Park where it, along with the other trees lifted from Quay Street, were looked after by a dedicated team of Auckland Council arborists. The other Pohutukawa were hand-selected from nursery sites, transplanted, and grown on to their current size before being planted. We’ve been on-site nearly every night this past week to awhi the lifting of each tree by crane into their new locations with improved growing media, larger planters at the water’s edge.

Reaching out over the water and reuniting the city centre with the sea, Te Wānanga and the much-awaited Quay Street enhancements will open for Aucklanders in June.

Onwards and Upwards: Six Promotions

Our team continues to grow in breadth and depth; this week we announced the promotion of six designers who have thrived despite the challenges and uncertainty of the past year.

Intermediate to Senior

Oriane is a committed urbanist. She joined us in 2016 from France. Thanks to her intelligence, design talent and organisational skills she has become a well-trusted team member; she always delivers over-and-above expectations. Oriane has amazing vision; she can challenge and stretch a team on complex projects with her ability to perceive the next steps and knock-on effects well in advance.

Ashley lives in the overlap between Architecture, Masterplanning and Urban Design with a huge passion for the people and projects she works on at Isthmus. She never hesitates to take on a challenge or stretch herself. She has proven her project management and team management skills across several Auckland Housing Programme neighbourhoods.

Gabrielle rejoined Isthmus last year ago after taking time out for her OE (back when that was a thing). Gabrielle hit the ground running, embracing every experience as a learning opportunity to broaden her experience and skill set. She has been a key part of the Ferry Basin team as well as numerous other projects.

Ivy started at isthmus in 2016 as an enthusiastic graduate. She brings enthusiasm, curiosity and passion to her work and has developed into a highly trusted and confident team member. Ivy has been working mostly on community regeneration projects within the Auckland Housing Programme; this is a higher purpose that goes right back to her final year thesis.

Senior to Associate

Linda brings a thoughtful, detail-focused approach to everything she does. She goes both deep and wide, seeing the big picture and the smallest detail. In the three years since Linda joined our studio she has worked on community housing projects at all stages. Beyond the studio Linda sits on the Auckland committee of NZIA where she leads the Environmental Portfolio as well as being part of the team that has put on NZIA events including Architecture Week.

Associate to Principal

Travis has been with Isthmus since he graduated back in 2006. Over the years he has gained extensive experience designing, managing and delivering streets, plazas, large-scale parks, sports infrastructure, and skate parks. Travis has supported the studio as it has grown and evolved over the last few years, and is currently a member of our Studio Management Team. With experience Travis has mentored others to do the detailed design that he used to thrive on so that he can see the bigger picture. Travis believes in asking the right questions, and listening—meaningful design input from the client and end users is the key to success.