Cottee Parker Architects Launch in New Zealand

Award-winning architectural and urban design practice Cottee Parker has announced its trans-Tasman expansion.

Its first international studio, the firm’s New Zealand operations will be based in Auckland and led by industry leader and equity director David Thornton, with plans to expand into Aotearoa.

The practice has a reputation for innovative architecture, world-class mixed-use precincts, and exceptional living spaces, which will only be enhanced by its experienced local team.

“Our growth into New Zealand will only strengthen the practice's expertise across the mixed-use, hotel, residential and commercial sectors, enhancing our ability to service our existing client base of developers and commercial clients,” Cottee Parker managing director Matthew Caswell, pictured above with Thornton, said.

The new Auckland studio launches with full design services including architecture, urban design, master planning, interior design and BIM management

“We have already attracted some of New Zealand's best design talent to ensure our New Zealand clients get the exemplary level of service our Australian partners have come to expect,” Caswell said.

“With studios across Australasia's major cities, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, we are thrilled to add Auckland to the fold and look forward to becoming a trusted design partner to our Kiwi stakeholders.”

The New Zealand studio will be led by the firm’s newest equity director, David Thornton.

No stranger to the local market, Thornton has enjoyed a career spanning more than 25 years, building a reputation for exemplary standards in both large and small-scale project with his ability to get the best out of his team.

Thornton has a legacy of leading mixed-use, retail, commercial and residential projects, as well as developing retail master-planning with strategic outcomes that have been the catalyst for bringing international brands to New Zealand's shores.

As a former managing principal and director of a global architecture practice, he is excited to turn his hand to accelerating Cottee Parker's presence and success in the New Zealand market.

“After nearly three decades in the practice of architecture, it is exciting to be launching a studio as well renowned as Cottee Parker in New Zealand,” Thornton said.

“As the practice's first international office, the Auckland team is looking forward to collaborating with our Australian studios to deliver design solutions that provide both international reach sought by New Zealand clients with the confidence of local expertise and delivery capability.

“I am humbled to stand alongside an exceptional team of architects and designers who all share in Cottee Parker's vision and culture of delivering creative design solutions with sustainable, commercially sensitive outcomes.” 

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