You will include a Māori design influence into your design ideas as well as the influence from the international architect you have researched.
Modern Māori architects are leading a revitalisation of Aotearoa's built environment, integrating indigenous concepts like tikanga and mātauranga Māori with contemporary design, focusing on community-led, culturally relevant, and sustainable projects, exemplified by figures like Elisapeta Heta, Jade Kake, Raukura Turei, Rau Hoskins, and Prof. Anthony Hōete, building on pioneers like John Scott and Bill Royal. They champion kaupapa Māori design, creating spaces that connect with the land (whenua) and foster community well-being, from marae to urban developments.
Key Figures & Practices
Elisapeta Heta (Jasmax), Jade Kake (Matakohe Architecture + Urbanism), Raukura Turei (Monk McKenzie): Leading wāhine Māori in kaupapa Māori design.
Rau Hoskins (Design Tribe): Focuses on culturally appropriate housing (papakāinga) and wider community impact.
Anthony Hōete (University of Auckland): A professor advocating for a new narrative in Māori architecture.
Derek Kawiti (Victoria University Wellington): Explores contemporary Māori architecture and its cultural significance.
Matakohe Architecture + Urbanism: A studio focused on community-led, kaupapa Māori design, integrating cultural and technical expertise.
TOA Architects (Nicholas Dalton): Designs rooted in local cultural and environmental qualities.
Core Principles
Kaupapa Māori: A design philosophy rooted in Māori values, worldview, and cultural practices (tikanga).
Whenua Connection: Deep respect for the land (Papatūānuku) as part of Papatūānuku, influencing design.
Community-Led: Empowering communities to be central to the design process.
Sustainability: Creating environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable developments.
Historical Roots & Modern Impact
Pioneers like John Scott, known for incorporating Māori essence into modernist forms (like the Futuna Chapel), and Bill Royal, the first Māori graduate architect, paved the way.
Today, architects are moving beyond traditional styles, asking "what does contemporary Māori architecture look like?" by weaving past, present, and future.
These architects are shaping a distinct, culturally rich architectural landscape for Aotearoa, ensuring buildings reflect and support Māori aspirations and identity.