DPA Architects
About us
DPA Architects was founded by Dave Pearson in 1996 with the aim of providing clients with expertise in heritage architecture.Since that time, DPA Architects has become one of New Zealand’s foremost architectural practices specialising in that area.
The practice continues to strive for excellence in architecture and seeks to provide the best possible outcome for its clients.
DPA Architects has also developed a high level of technical expertise through involvement with a large number of projects ranging from large commercial projects to small domestic alterations. Projects have included restaurants, churches, educational facilities, town halls, railway stations, dwellings, historic military buildings, museums, theatres, office buildings, community facilities, cemeteries, old hotels, and courthouses.
The practice has been closely involved with the Christchurch rebuild since the earthquakes in 2010-2012. As a result, we have developed considerable understanding of building behaviour during earthquakes as well as extensive experience in retrofitting buildings to resist seismic forces.
Heritage buildings are often required to meet current design standards. DPA Architects are experienced in the upgrading of these buildings including the provision of disabled access.
Philosophy
DPA Architects is committed to preserving New Zealand's built heritage and to providing the highest possible standards of architectural services for its clients.
We strongly believe that a historic building should have a viable use to enable it to survive for the future. A new use may require the building to be adapted and should be carried out in a way that preserves its heritage values. The combination of old and new can produce developments that are exciting and dynamic.
The practice is committed to seeing some of New Zealand's more humble buildings preserved. Simple structures such as stables and barns, corner pubs and village churches made an important contribution to the New Zealand way of life during the early years and should continue to play a part in New Zealand’s built environment.
Experience and Expertise
The practice was founded by Dave Pearson in 1996. He first worked for the Auckland Education Board and the Ministry of Works and Development. The Auckland Supreme Court was the beginning of a move to specialise in conservation architecture.
Dave is a registered architect, an associate with the NZ Institute of Architects and one of New Zealand’s leading heritage architects with over 25 years’ experience. He attended the University of York Centre for Conservation Studies and has acted as project and heritage architect for significant conservation projects such as the Waterworks building at the Auckland Museum of Transport and Technology. He is currently the heritage architect for the restoration of the Christchurch Arts Centre.
He has been involved in all aspects of heritage and character evaluation from single heritage buildings to the assessment of large scale heritage and character areas. This work has included the development of District Plan heritage objectives and policies, rules and design guides. He has prepared evidence and appeared as an expert witness for various Councils and private clients at Council and Environment Court hearings.
Awards
The practice has received a number of prestigious heritage and professional awards for various conservation projects. These have included:
Waterworks Building, Museum of Transport and Technology
UNESCO Awards, 2017
Arts Centre of Christchurch, The Great Hall
Canterbury Heritage Awards, 2016
Best Seismic Strengthening on a Heritage Building
Christchurch Heritage Trust Supreme Award
The Orange, Auckland
NZIA Auckland Architecture Award, Heritage, 2016
St Saviour’s Church, Christchurch
Civic Trust Award, 2015
St Paul’s Church, Christchurch
Civic Trust Award, 2014
Jean Batten Building (Deloitte Centre), Auckland
NZIA Auckland Architecture Award, Heritage, 2010
Waterworks Building, Museum of Transport and Technology
Unesco Asia Pacific Heritage Awards 2009, Award of Merit
NZIA Local Award for Architecture
St Michael’s Church, Christchurch
Christchurch City Council Heritage Award, 2009
Bach 38, Rangitoto Island
Unesco Asia Pacific Heritage Awards 2008, Honourable Mention
Remuera Railway Station
Rail Heritage Trust of New Zealand Award
Bath House Museum, Rotorua
NZIA Regional Award
Tasman Heritage Award
Scandrett’s Farm Buildings, Mahurangi
NZIA Local Award for Architecture
Old Supreme Court, Auckland
Carter Holt Harvey Heritage Award
Falls Hotel, Auckland
Property Council of New Zealand Auckland Building Award
Lake House Arts Centre
Auckland Regional Council “E” Award
Get in touch
Business details
- Category:
- Architects
- Verified ArchiPro member since:
- 2016