Whitaker Architects

Whitaker Architects was established in 2026 to create a personal, design-led architectural practice where clients can work directly with experienced architects throughout every stage of their project.

After many successful years at Mason & Wales Architects, Francis and Ruth Whitaker founded Whitaker Architects to establish a boutique studio built on close collaboration, thoughtful design, technical excellence and strong client relationships.

For over 45 years, Francis Whitaker was the Lead Design Director at Mason & Wales, leading many of the firm's most significant and award-winning projects. He was pivotal in establishing the high standards of architectural design excellence for which the practice is now recognised for today. Ruth Whitaker, formerly an Associate Director, is respected for her outstanding design capability, project leadership, communication and delivery of complex projects from concept through to completion.

They are supported by an experienced team of associates, designers and technicians, many of whom worked alongside Francis and Ruth for many years, providing the expertise and capability to successfully deliver projects of all scales and complexity.

As demonstrated throughout the practice's portfolio, this collective experience spans a diverse range of projects delivered to an exceptionally high standard of architectural design.

Every project is approached as a unique response to its site, landscape, climate, budget and the aspirations of its clients. Through a collaborative design process, the practice creates architecture that is highly resolved, elegant, enduring and strongly connected to place.

Whitaker Architects' portfolio showcases four decades of expertise across residential, hospitality, commercial and public projects, demonstrating a diverse body of work delivered to an exceptionally high standard of architectural design. The practice combines the capability of a large firm with the responsiveness, agility and personalised service of a boutique studio.

At Whitaker Architects, sustainability is an integral part of both our practice and our design philosophy. We believe the most sustainable buildings are those that are thoughtfully designed, enduring, and responsive to their environment.

Our approach begins with understanding each site's climate, landscape, orientation and natural characteristics. We integrate passive design principles from the outset, considering solar gain, natural ventilation, thermal performance and shelter to create comfortable, energy-efficient buildings that perform well throughout the year.

We consider sustainability at every stage of the design process, recognising the relationship between design, material selection, energy use and the long-term performance of a building. We design for longevity, considering how each building will be constructed, occupied, maintained and adapted over time.

We carefully select durable, low-impact materials, favouring locally sourced and natural products where appropriate. This reduces environmental impact, supports local industries and strengthens each building's connection to its place. Thoughtful detailing also helps minimise material waste and ongoing maintenance.

Where appropriate, we incorporate water-sensitive design measures such as rainwater collection, stormwater management and water-efficient fixtures, while ensuring our buildings are resilient and adaptable to future environmental conditions.

Where appropriate, we are experienced in collaborating with specialist sustainability consultants to achieve recognised environmental certification, including Green Star NZ and the Living Building Challenge.

Rather than treating sustainability as an added layer, we weave it into every project. Our aim is to create timeless architecture that enhances the wellbeing of its occupants, sits lightly within its landscape and delivers lasting environmental, social and economic value.