Emerging Practices: ĀKAU | First Light Architects

Ana Heremaia and Jo Walsh, ĀKAU (Kaikohe)

Community is central to the work of this female-run, kaupapa Māori office. Their built work includes public spaces, housing, educational institutions and cultural centres, all created with sustainable design principles, passive design strategies and environmentally friendly materials. Committed to collaboration and community engagement in their Te Tai Tokerau Northland base, their work seeks to transform the lives of tamariki through learning about architecture and design.

Nick Officer and Ben Jagersma, First Light Studio (Wellington)

Nick and Ben will present two transformative projects, each addressing community needs at different scales and stages of development: a small Wellington church that used seismic strengthening as an opportunity to redefine its role and relevance to a portfolio of public housing solutions for Te Āhuru Mōwai, New Zealand’s largest Māori-owned community housing provider. These projects demonstrate how thoughtful design can foster stronger, more connected communities.

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