FAQ
Frequently asked questions
If your question is not here, get in touch and we will talk it through.
How does a commission begin?
It begins with the site and a conversation. Before any drawing, the place is visited and read for its light, materials, traffic and history. From there a proposal is developed that fits the setting rather than being dropped onto it.
What materials does the studio work in?
The work is built mostly in concrete, steel and stone. These are chosen because they age honestly, hold detail and belong in the public places the work is made for.
Is the work made for specific sites?
Yes. Most pieces are site-specific and made for one place. Line, pattern and surface are worked out against the real ground, so each finished work reads as part of its setting.
Who commissions this kind of work?
Public work is usually commissioned by councils, developers, architects and landscape teams. The studio is used to working inside a wider project and to the drawings, budgets and timelines that come with it.
How long does a commissioned work take?
It depends on scale and consent. A material detail can move quickly, while a large public piece with engineering and approvals is measured in months. A realistic programme is set out early so there are no surprises.
How durable is the finished work?
Concrete, steel and stone are chosen to last outdoors for decades with little upkeep. Where a piece meets weather or wear, the detailing is designed for that from the start.
Can you work to an existing set of drawings?
Yes. The studio often comes in alongside architects and engineers and works to their documents, adding the surface, pattern and hand-finished detail that the drawings leave open.
Where can the work be seen?
The pieces shown here are public works in and around Auckland. Details of where each one stands are recorded with the project entry, and site visits can be arranged for a serious commission.