As one of the leading architectural design firms in Wellington, our team offers stylish and functional design solutions for residential and commercial clients throughout New Zealand.
We bring practical knowledge and expertise to each project combined with innovation and a focus on future-proofed eco-friendly buildings.
Holmes Architecture works with clients throughout New Zealand, with award-winning contemporary architecture in Queenstown, Hawkes Bay, Wellington and Martinborough – each one with their own unique style and character, balancing modernity with functionality. Our team can come to you or you can visit us in our Wellington office. Contact us to arrange your consultation today.
Meet the Holmes Architecture team. We are a small collaborative design studio with a diverse range of skills and interests that we bring to each project…
Director
With a family background in construction and as a qualified builder himself, Mike established Holmes Architecture in 2011 while completing the Master of Architecture programme at Victoria University.
Founded with an intimate knowledge of the construction process and a passion for architecture and design, Mike’s approach is fluid and intuitive, paired with identity, purpose and process.
“Establishing identity is fundamental to the creative process, and establishing who you and your clients are will ensure a clear project vision.”
Mike believes that architecture is communication in both practice and product – “The spark that delivers an initial design insight is a relatively brief moment in the process. The practise of architecture is then the communication of this brief and intense moment. What elevates buildings to architecture is when a designer has something worthwhile to say and does so in an insightful and honest way.”
His ultimate aim with Holmes Architecture is to achieve elegant, unexpected and delightful design solutions through balancing function, construction and efficiency with deep empathy for site, context and client.
When he’s not busy growing the practice, Mike enjoys catching up with family and friends, getting out of town and dabbling in a bit of DJing.
Favourite quote: “The secret of getting ahead is getting started” – Mark Twain.
Director
With a background of over 20 years working in the construction industry, Ben brings strong business acumen and a forward thinking approach to all of his endeavours. Ben’s strengths also include his ability to communicate, relate to and build trusted relationships with people at all levels and from all backgrounds. He can also be relied on to get things done!
Director
With strengths in budgeting, estimating and cost planning, Marc is renowned for his ability to successfully and accurately price large, complicated projects and for his strong relationship management and governance skills.
Senior Design Lead
Following a transformative year in Scandinavia which sparked his Architectural journey, Chris studied Architecture in Wellington and graduated in 2012. He spent the next decade working on a range of Residential and Commercial projects. These have included bespoke homes, apartments, hotels, surf lifesaving clubrooms, car showrooms & office fitouts among others.
Chris gets involved in all stages of projects from concept design, through to construction detailing and site observation. He enjoys interacting with clients, consultants and contractors to ensure projects are delivered as intended.
Beyond the realm of architecture, you’ll find Chris enjoying time with his young family, exploring nature, indulging in LEGO creations, and he’s always game for a quiz.
Favourite Quote “People are normally happiest at home” – William Shakespeare.
Senior Architectural Technician
Starting his career ‘on the tools’ in the UK, James quickly realised working in a warm office was a better long-term objective. In 2008 he gained a Diploma in Construction and Architectural Technology, followed by on-the-job experience in residential projects involving small alterations, extensive complex rebuilds, high-end homes and commercial work such as multi-unit developments, large warehouses and office fit-outs. James is a Licensed Building Practitioner (Design 2) who has amassed extensive hands-on knowledge and is currently involved in “a bit of everything”. His key objective is to ensure each project runs smoothly by keeping everyone informed along the way thanks to his wealth of industry experience.
Outside of the architecture world, James can be found making memories with his family – camping, surfing or trying to catch a fish.
Favourite quote: “There are things known and things unknown and in between are the doors” – Jim Morrison, The Doors
Architectural Designer
After graduating from Victoria University School of Architecture in 2015, William gained experience across a broad range of projects, from designing and developing off-site modular housing systems to high-end greenfield residential developments. He brings this strong, all-around knowledge to Holmes Architecture, alongside a deep-rooted value of viewing architecture as a holistic process extending well beyond the client’s brief.
Off duty, you’ll find William soaking up the unique taonga of New Zealand’s wilderness – disconnecting from the digital world and going back to basics.
Favourite quote: “Always design a thing by considering it in its next larger context – a chair in a room, a room in a house, a house in an environment, an environment in a city plan” – Eliel Saarinen
Architectural Technician
With a background in visual communication, design and illustration, Patrick went on to receive a Diploma of Architectural Technology at WelTec. His design skills have quickly become a key asset within the Holmes Architecture team in his role as a CAD technician.
Patrick brings a unique sense of patience, empathy, irony and humour to the Holmes Architecture team, alongside a penchant for stories like Joy Cowley’s classic The Fierce Little Woman and the Wicked Pirate and Mary Oliver’s thought-provoking New & Selected Poems: Volume 1.
When he’s not in the office, Patrick is often found surfing, cycling or reading reviews of esoteric films (he’ll happily leave the viewing to someone else).
Favourite quote: “Cladding fixed over drained and vented cavity” – BRANZ House Building Guide
Office Manager
Marie is our incredible office Manager. With over 25 years of experience in the build industry, Marie is a born organizer with a knack for efficiency who ensures that our office runs smoothly at all times.
When she’s not orchestrating the day-to-day operations of our office, Marie is planning her next adventure. She loves traveling and discovering new places, often with a dram of whisky in hand, shared with her Scottish husband. Whether she’s exploring new destinations or enjoying quality time with friends and family, Marie brings her warm personality, passion for life and meticulous attention to detail to everything she does.
Health and Safety Manager
Renee brings ten years’ relevant industry experience and a high responsive and conscientious approach to her work. With her ability to relate to staff at all levels of the organisation and her approachable nature, Renee excels at building strong and effective relationships.
She believes in the importance of teaching good practice in a way that people who are most at risk can understand. Her practice is strongly influenced by the principals of hauora (holistic health and wellbeing) and practice of whakawhanaungatanga (establishing connections). She uses these skills to create a positive health and safety culture among Holmes and our wider project team.
Wellness Officer
Casper, our fluffy wellness officer, takes his job very seriously (most of the time). With a wagging tail and a heart full of enthusiasm, Casper is dedicated to ensuring that every member of our team is happy, relaxed, and occasionally covered in dog hair.
When he’s not busy boosting morale, Casper enjoys long walks in the park with his human Hannah, making new furry friends, and dreaming about chasing rabbits.
Chief Fetch Officer
Peanut brings a dose of enthusiasm and joy to the workplace. Always ready to give our team some quiet companionship, he loves being around our staff, making even the busiest days a little brighter. Peanut’s favorite activities include lounging in sunlit spots, receiving gentle pats from our team and treato’s from his human Will.