Architecture, Career and Fatherhood

Rajan Hira, a registered architect in our Chow:Hill Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau office, talks architecture both at work and at home. It goes with the territory when one is married to a fellow architect!

Rajan has made a successful career out of architecture. During the last 12 years, he has designed projects in the education sector, social housing and aged care facilities, as well as being involved in a number of commercial fit-outs.

For Rajan, the enjoyment comes from working on all parts of the design. “I really enjoy the engagement with clients and users of the environment I’m designing,” he says. “Architecture needs to work for people, first and foremost, to enhance and encourage work, life and play in a constructive manner.”

But designing environments that encourage engagement and collaboration with their users has taken on a whole new meaning since Rajan became a father – and it’s that balance of architecture, design, career and fatherhood that Rajan shared with A+W NZ Father’s Forum.

The panel event was held at AUT’s Auckland City Campus, hosted by A+W NZ, a non-profit society working towards supporting a diverse architectural community.

“As an architect, regardless of gender, we want to support and be involved in our family’s lives,” says Rajan. “The panel’s aim was to open up conversation on traditional roles, turn them on their head and start a different type of design-thinking on how to balance family life, relationships, and work.”

“The more we, as parents, become involved in the ‘care’ of our families, the greater our opportunity to impact their lives.”

Raj says Chow:Hill has worked with him over the past three months since becoming a father to achieve work/life balance. “Chow:Hill has fostered a wonderful culture where family is recognised,” says Raj. “As new parents, we’ve been working through being able to balance our careers while still being able to have the time – and energy –to dedicate to the youngest member of our whanau.

“Now all we need to work on is the sleep routine!”

About A+W NZ

Architecture+ Women NZ is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to shine the spotlight on women working in the field. Chow:Hill Auckland director, Anner Chong, is responsible for the network strategy of the organisation.