The NZIA Auckland Branch Awards were held last night at the ASB Waterfront Theatre. We were thrilled to take home three awards for the three projects we were shortlisted for.

Jury conveyor, Dave Strachan, summed up the evening, “The awards hold a mirror up to Auckland’s significant issues. They show how to house people well in greater numbers, how to deal with our built heritage appropriately and how to provide focal points for communities.”

“Above all, the awards show how well-crafted environments can bring some joy into people’s lives.”

It wasn't just our projects shining last night, Technical Specialist and Architect, John Sutherland, and former Principal, Richard Harris, were also honoured with medals in recognition for past service as NZIA President.

Ngā Wai Hono, AUT’s School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences (ECMS) Building took out an Education Award, Auckland Airport won a Commercial Architecture Award for the departure experience, and B:Hive in Smales Farm, Takapuna which is changing the face of co-working won in the Interior Architecture category.

Congratulations to all winners and shortlisted projects. See the full list of winners here.

Here’s what the Jury had to say about the projects:

B:Hive

"With B:Hive, BVN and Jasmax have brought 21st-century office planning to a 20th-century business park. The grand unifying factor is the central staircase, a sweeping, curving, magnificently inspirational bright orange ribbon that connects the floors and – at least as important – challenges the building’s occupants every day to be their best creative selves.”

Ngā Wai Hono 

"This is engineering celebrated as a profession of the humanities as well as the sciences: art adorns the walls leading to laboratories and workshops containing machines large and small; the big lecture theatre is designed to double as a group work space and the front wall has picture windows to each side: a dull lecturer must rise to the challenge of competing with the view outside."

Auckland Airport International Departures Experience

"Airports are exciting. When everyone knows where they’re going and how to get there, architects have a deeper job: to celebrate the journey. Leaving Auckland has never been this good.”

This project was delivered by Jasmax and Gensler.