Famed both here and abroad for their authentic approach to architecture and design, Maggie Carroll and Jessica Walker are the creative forces behind Bureaux. We chatted to the duo over a cup of Dilmah tea about how far their award-winning design studio has come in eight short years.
How did you come to collaborate?
M: We worked in a shared studio space with our own architecture practices and after collaborating for a few years on each other's projects (and realising just how well we worked together) we decided to join forces and established Bureaux.
What skills does the other person bring to the business?
J: We have a similar skill base but the difference in our personalities creates a complementary dynamic that there is some magic in. We are both Registered Architects and can deliver everything from large scale architectural projects through to interiors. We are both strong communicators and we pride ourselves on this and our professionalism. Where we have found a real strength in the partnership is our ability to take critique from each other from a place of respect and belief that the combined outcome will be better.
M: Jess and I have a different design approaches and the fusion of these approaches is what makes our projects, and our day-to-day work together, so interesting. I really enjoy working with someone who looks at a design challenge totally differently to the way I do and I think our work benefits from this. We have a mutual passion (nearing on obsession!) for detail and the tactile nature of materials, and this focus on both aspects forms the seed for all our projects.
How has Bureaux changed and developed over the past eight years?
J: Bureaux started with just the two of us back in 2010 and has since grown to a team of nine architecturally trained staff. The number of projects we deliver and their scale only continues to grow. We are incredibly grateful to a number of our clients who have continued to support us over the years, some of whom we have worked for the entire existence of Bureaux on various projects.
Why do you feel collaboration is important in the architecture industry?
M: Collaboration is a given in the architectural industry — in our roles as professionals we are expected to know something about everything. There are so many talented and knowledgeable people in New Zealand that we have sought to build relationships with, from specialist consultants to craftsman and builders, to achieve the best outcome for the project and our clients. In our role as architects, putting together the best team and facilitating clear lines of communication is essential in the project's success.
What is one of the biggest barriers to success for architects?
J: People not understanding the value that architects bring and their ability to see all the different aspects of the project beyond just cost and time.
M: As we've seen with the recent collapse of some major players in the construction industry, the focus on price rather than value is dangerous. The value of good design that has been carefully executed has the ability to contribute back exponentially, beyond just the site and the client specific to the project.
What has been your proudest business moment to date, and why?
M: We are proud of the trust, respect and relationships we have established both with our clients and colleagues. We have a great culture within our office and have a number of staff we hired straight out of architecture school who have gone on to gain registration and grow to become highly competent professionals.
J: In our work, we have had the satisfaction of completing a number of projects in which clients have trusted us to deliver a full service, from the architecture of the building through the interiors and right down to designing custom furniture and styling.
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Advertise with NZME.You've been celebrated for your work both at home and abroad. What do you have on the horizon to conquer next?
M: We are so spoilt in New Zealand with the incredible sites around the country we have the privilege to work with — we will never tire of this work and hope to cast our net wider with projects like these abroad.
J: We would also love to take all of the knowledge we have gained from the design of luxury homes and translate that into a boutique hotel or spa project.
Now, onto tea! Do you have any tea rituals?
M: Being working mothers of young children, getting the time to sit down with a hot cup of tea and having the time to finish it, is an absolute luxury that we both enjoy when we can!
• For more information, visit: Bureaux.co.nz
