Our Local Chapters

Get in touch: manawatu-whanganui@passivehouse.nz

As an architect specialised in sustainability and Passive House design, I see the role of Chapter
Lead at PHINZ as both a stewardship and advocacy position.

To me, this role is about upholding technical integrity while encouraging collaboration within the Passive House community in New Zealand. It involves creating space for knowledge-sharing, supporting emerging practitioners, and fostering connections between designers, consultants, and builders.

A Chapter Lead should help translate rigorous building science into everyday practice — making
Passive House not only aspirational, but achievable and relevant across Aotearoa’s diverse climates and communities.

Get in touch: canterbury@passivehouse.nz

Engineering happy healthy homes for people and planet.

It’s become my mission to change the way we design and build homes in Aotearoa.

Housing is a health issue. We need to improve our housing to improve our collective health and healthy homes are a wonderful way to do this.

As a Certified Passive House Consultant with over 25 years of engineering experience and a passion for property, I’m uniquely placed to provide the particular skills needed to help house the transformational change required, in the residential construction industry.

Leading the Canterbury Chapter of PHINZ is the best way I can lend a helping hand to educate Kiwi’s to move to happy healthy homes.

Get in touch: tauranga@passivehouse.nz

With over 30 years in the building and architectural industries, I’ve built a career on designing spaces that are not only visually compelling, but also deeply comfortable, efficient, and enduring. My focus is on high-performance, sustainable architecture—projects that stand the test of time both technically and aesthetically.

​I established my own practice in 2002, originally as Imagine Building Design. In 2021, we rebranded as Imagine Architecture to reflect our evolution into a design-led, future-focused studio. From our bases in New Plymouth and Tauranga, we deliver residential, commercial, and civic projects across New Zealand—tailored to meet the needs of modern life.

​My experience includes significant work in both Australia and Italy, where I led and delivered large-scale architectural projects, gaining valuable insights into international standards, design management, and commercial delivery. I’ve also overseen nearly 160 projects for a multinational client over a seven-year period—experience that sharpened my focus on quality, efficiency, and accountability.

​I’m a Certified Passive House Designer and a strong advocate for performance-based design. My work centres on buildings that are well insulated, airtight, and properly ventilated—ensuring year-round comfort, low energy bills, and long-term resilience. Whether it’s a bespoke home or a large-scale commercial facility, my aim is always to combine form, function, and environmental responsibility.

​Alongside my Passive House credentials I am studying in the field of Biophilic Design with the Oliver Heath Design School (UK). This specialisation allows me to bridge the gap between rigorous building science and human-centric well-being. By layering natural patterns, organic textures, and rhythmic light onto the technical precision of a Passive House, I create high-performance environments that don’t just function efficiently—they feel restorative. My goal is to evolve the “airtight box” into a living sanctuary, ensuring that while the structure protects the planet, it also actively nourishes the mental health and vitality of those within.

​From 2011 to 2018, I served on the National Board of Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ), including three years as Chair. That role gave me the opportunity to help shape policy, governance, and the future direction of the profession—an experience I value deeply.

​I’ve also spoken regularly at seminars and industry events since 2006, including as a featured presenter on the 2012 “Design to Inspire” national tour alongside renowned Australian architects Lindsay and Kerry Clare. My recent speaking opportunities have taken me around New Zealand presenting my philosophy of “Life Changing Design”. Sharing ideas and encouraging better design outcomes has always been a rewarding part of my work.

​Outside of architecture, I’m a keen cricketer and family man. I play competitively for the Papamoa Cricket Club and  Northern District’s Over 50’s rep team. In 2025 I represented the New Zealand Masters cricket team on its a tour of India.

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Get in touch: nelson-marlborough@adminpassivehouse-nz

As a long-time local of both Nelson and Marlborough, I’m thrilled to step into the role of Chapter Lead. With 20 years in the industry, I’ll happily admit to being a “building nerd” with a serious love for architecture.

I believe great design must be backed by genuine performance, a philosophy proved by our team’s delivery of a Homestar 10 and Certified Passivhaus Classic project. Currently, I’m taking this passion public with the Ice Box Challenge, a visual experiment demonstrating the undeniable power of airtightness and insulation to our community.

When I’m not talking about window quality or mechanical ventilation, you’ll find me thriving in the outdoors, making the most of everything our regional backyard has to offer. I’m looking forward to connecting with you all and growing the Passivhaus community here at the Top of the South!

Get in touch: wellington@passivehouse.nz

I’m thrilled to step into the role of Chapter Lead for the Wellington Passive House community. When I’m not running Mac Architecture Ltd or working with the eHaus team, I’m usually on-site for my own Passive House build in Wellington.

Being a Certified Designer and Homestar Assessor is one thing, but building my own home has given me a whole new perspective on the design and build journey from a client’s perspective.

I can’t wait to seem everyone at our next chapter meeting!

Get in touch: otago@adminpassivehouse-nz

Arthur has been devoting his career to sustainable buildings since the completion of his higher education in Wellington and Denmark. He is an experienced passive house designer, and has delivered many high quality, energy efficient residential developments in the past 7 years. His specialised areas include Passive House design, Homestar, whole of life carbon assessment, prefabrication construction, and education. Arthur is a co-author of NZGBC’s Homestar Design Guide. He now works for the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust, promoting energy efficient affordable housing at a larger scale.