19 May 2023
Studio Pacific is delighted to announce that Chapman Tripp's Wellington workplace was named a winner in the Interior Architecture category at the 2023 NZIA Wellington Architecture Awards.
Thirty-two outstanding projects have taken home prizes in 10 categories at an awards ceremony held at the St James Theatre in Wellington on May 18. The winners showcase the exceptional talent of architects in a wide range of categories, including Commercial Architecture, Heritage, Hospitality, Housing, Interior Architecture, and Small Project Architecture.
“We were impressed with the ways in which we saw architects as problem solvers," said jury convenor Karl Wipatene of a.k.a Architecture. "Each of these projects had challenges with the brief, planning rules, budget and other considerations, and we saw innovative and creative ways of overcoming those challenges in the finished projects. It reminded the jury that, actually, architects are problem solvers, and that design challenges provide opportunities as well,” adds Wipatene.
The panel of judges also included David Melling of Melling Architects, Linda Wong of Wong Workshop, and Rohan Collett of Rohan Collett Architect.
The judge's citation for Chapman Tripp reads:
"A fantastic setting over two floors in the middle of the recently completed Deloitte building on Customhouse Quay maximises views over the harbour to the eastern hills. The selection of finishes from spaces at the back to the front create a legible narrative that relates to the layered hills seen in the evening light. Advantage was taken of a hole between the two floors made during construction and the result is a triumphant open stair with a double-height wall of books – a centrepiece that links both floors. Carefully considered lighting of stair treads and books adds significant impact. Materials, furniture and lighting come together to create an environment of exceptional quality."
Whakamihi nui kia koutou (congratulations) to all the 2023 Wellington Architecture Award winners and to Chapman Tripp, our collaborators, and our project team.
Read the full list of awarded projects on the Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects website.
