Newly Appointed Principals Champion Design Quality

Chow:Hill architects Arthur Joe and Sam Thomas enjoy the challenges of their profession. One creatively striving for cost-effective and sustainable solutions for his clients; the other constantly testing the boundaries of design and function. Both of these committed designers are tuned to thinking strategically and collaboratively while championing design quality.

It is this dedication and expertise that has seen both registered architects appointed to the role of Principal at Chow:Hill Architects.

Director, Brian Squair, says Arthur and Sam’s creative commitment to their projects, including some of Hamilton’s landmark buildings, has led to positive design success for both them and Chow:Hill. “Sam and Arthur bring strategic thinking and clarity of vision to their work, which is reflected in the collaborative design concepts they deliver for clients and stakeholders. Add to that their local knowledge and international experience and we here at Chow:Hill are extremely fortunate to have their talent in our studios.”

Arthur, who led the design of the NZIA award-winning headquarters of Te Puna o Waikato, Trust Waikato, says the challenge of translating narratives into a design ensures a variety of influences come to the fore. “Every project is different and that’s because every client has a different story they wish to express through a building’s design. The expressing of these stories makes for an exciting and varied portfolio of work and certainly keeps the creativity fresh.”

Sam, whose extensive experience inanimation and virtual reality (VR) allows him to actively engage clients in the concept design process, has excelled in the design of tertiary, public sector and commercial spaces. “I really enjoy creating design outcomes which are sustainable on multiple levels - environmental, cultural, social – and that allow the user to be central, both to the process and to the final project.

“There’s been a significant shift towards functional design and that has seen us adapt to emerging trends, whether designing student accommodation or commercial workspaces. The dynamic nature of these environments keeps the design process and the outcomes fresh and inspiring.”