JK. You have been practising architecture since 1991. What initially drew you to this path?

CA. My journey began in my grandfather’s workshop in North Canterbury. Watching him work as a joiner with meticulous precision – every saw stroke followed a deliberate pencil line was inspiring. He taught me that executing something beautiful requires a clear starting point and intention. When he passed away in 1985, I inherited his pencils and some of his hand-crafted tools; I often say I found my path simply because I got his pencils. This early influence, paired with my interest in drawing and the sciences, made architecture an obvious choice.

JK. After more than three decades, what keeps you curious and energised every time you start a new project?

CA. What keeps me energised is the constant discovery found in experiential moments – like observing how people inhabit a city or interpret a building’s details. I love building genuine relationships to help clients create unique, sustainable designs. Architecture allows me to merge technical precision with creative exploration, whether I’m drawing inspiration from international travel or solving a site’s specific challenges. I feel incredibly lucky to have found a career I truly love; it makes every project feel like a fresh discovery.

JK. Designing and building a home is a deeply personal, high-stakes experience for clients. Having designed, built and renovated your own family homes, how has being on the other side shaped how you work with people?

CA. Living through my own projects has been a priceless experience that informs my practice. I know firsthand how daunting and stressful this journey can be for a family. That personal experience directly shapes how I communicate. I ensure clients feel understood and never rushed. I accommodate this by facilitating frank and necessary discussions about costs and site challenges early, helping people make informed decisions that reflect their values at a pace that is comfortable to them. Ultimately, my job is to absorb the complexity so clients can move through the project feeling supported, confident and free from stress.

JK. For someone standing right at the start of a project, what’s some guidance you can offer them?

CA. Starting this journey can feel daunting, so my best advice is to sit down prior to any conversation and reflect on how you actually live. Seek an architect whose values match yours and welcomes your questions. Focus on finding a partner where you feel comfortable discussing budgets openly and challenging ideas. When you establish that alignment early, every decision down the road becomes significantly easier.

JK. Sustainability and environmental care has shifted from a niche consideration to a central part of how we live. How do you embed those values into a project right from day one?

CA. For me, sustainability is fundamental to good decision-making. I believe architects have a duty to be energy and carbon-conscious, but that begins long before specifying technological add-ons. My process starts with site analysis – focusing on orientation and natural light to harness available energy. These principles have underpinned design for millennia, but refining how we apply them is an ongoing process. With every build, we carry forward the wisdom of the last, allowing us to approach the next site from a higher baseline of clarity, intention and restraint.

JK. Christchurch has a distinct architectural heritage. How does regional context influence your work?

CA. While I’m inspired by and deeply respect Christchurch’s modernist heritage, I do not believe in adhering to one rigid style. Architecture should belong to its specific site and the people who live there. My work responds to local materials, the surrounding landscape and the way Canterbury light hits a building throughout the day. The goal is always to create welcoming, contextual spaces that feel entirely authentic to this place.

JK. Construction methods and technologies evolve rapidly. How do you gather ideas and translate them into your designs?

CA. Beyond mandatory professional development, I stay relevant through real-world observation. Seeing and studying global landmarks – such as Gaudí’s Sagrada Família in Barcelona, where traditional stone masons work alongside advanced 3D stone cutting. This shows how technology can propel traditional craft forward. I bring those insights home to test against local conditions, combining research with practical craft so every building remains technically sharp and deeply personal.

JK. Looking ahead, how do you see the practice evolving in its next chapter?

CA. The focus remains on creative exploration; creating enduring architecture that genuinely belongs to its location. I will keep advocating for smart environmental choices and hope to find fresh ideas that help solve local challenges. Ultimately, the work is about building long-term relationships to craft spaces that serve families well for decades.

Portrait image by Samuel Hartnett