Delia Bellaby

For Delia, Architecture has always been about people; not just creating spaces for people to inhabit, but also making spaces that have positive impacts on communities and society as a whole: Architecture can either reflect the values of its time or influence change by demonstrating other ways to live and other values to live by.

Delia studied Architecture at Edinburgh University and worked in London & Dublin on a range of projects, before emigrating to New Zealand over twenty years ago. Here, she gained extensive work experience, predominantly based in Queenstown (Archimedia, Crosson Clarke Carnachan Chin Architects and Anna-Marie Chin Architects), and was involved with a wide range of projects from high-end housing to the master-planning of commercial developments.

Recognising the need for good design to be made more accessible to the wider community, Delia established her own architectural practice, Design & Make Architects in 2012. Since then, her work is increasingly focused on low-carbon, high performance buildings with a particular interest in natural building materials and techniques.

Delia recently became Chair of the Earth Building Association of NZ (EBANZ), a network of professionals and owner-builders practising all forms of natural building techniques. Delia is leading the organisation through a period of growth and transition as it seeks to provide ancient solutions to today’s problems, including housing affordability, building quality, occupant health, economic circularity and community empowerment.