A Decade of Design: Alex Dunnigan celebrations 10 years at Chow:Hill

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Ten years at Chow:Hill Architects have given Interior Designer, Alex Dunnigan, the opportunity to shape her design style, build a strong understanding of architectural process, and develop deep professional relationships.

She's seen many projects evolve from concept to completion on site and had the privilege to collaborate with a variety of people—clients, fellow designers, architects, and contractors.

Alex reflects on a decade of design, shares some of her standout projects over the years, and reveals what she's looking forward to in the years ahead.

Passion becomes a profession

Inherently creative with a love of tone, texture, and materials, Alex is passionate about interior design and the ambience it can create. Armed with a Bachelor of Media Arts (BMA) in Digital Design from Wintec, Alex began working at Chow:Hill when a pink and green palette dominated interiors.

A decade on and Mocha Mousse, a rich, warming brown hue, is the Pantone Color Institute’s chosen colour of the year. It’s a colour reflective of Alex’s personality and her work ethic, recognised by clients and colleagues alike.

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“I have been fortunate to see Alex develop her skill over the years and also to work with her on some amazing projects in the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and further afield. Committed, engaging and thoughtful - that's Alex.” – Brian Squair, Senior Principal, Chow:Hill

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Blending style and strategy

From spatial planning to interior fitouts, Alex’s experience in digital design has seen her develop an expertise in workplace strategy and design. One of her largest projects of the past decade was the Waikato Regional Council, which saw staff from eight different sites come together into one new location in central Hamilton.

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Recognised in the 2021 Hamilton CBD Awards as the Best New Space over 250m2, this truly Waikato workplace has Alex’s design flair on display throughout, from the neutral colour palette to the use of natural fibre fabrics, statement artwork to a stunning kowhaiwhai pattern in the carpet which doubles as a strategic wayfinding tool.

Attention to all aspects of detail

Alex also has an ability to create imagery that showcases a design’s concept, enabling her to exceed clients’ expectations and produce interiors that delight and succeed. Undertaking comprehensive stakeholder engagement for Fonterra’s new workplace hub in Hamilton contributed to a spectacular commercial fitout that showcases the region’s environmental diversity.

“The fitout of Fonterra South Bloc provided me with an opportunity to work alongside a team of designers who have enabled me to grow and refine my interior design to a new level. I immensely enjoyed the experience,” says Alex.

Project highlights

Other project highlights of her decade in design at Chow:Hill include: H B Williams Library in Gisborne, MetLife Care in Tauranga, Fertility Associates, the University of Waikato Management School Building (MSB), Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Raukura Hauora, Whakatane District Council, Taupo District Council, Laidlaw College, and Baker Tilly Staples Rodway.

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“I am grateful for the amazing opportunities and work I get to do at Chow:Hill and look forward to seeing how Kirikiriroa Hamilton grows and develops over the next 10 years.”