Studio26 Architects Ltd is the current form of a local practice established 28 years ago, and still led, by Registered Architect Gary Pidd. Gary is joined by our long-serving team of Architectural Technicians, Luke McCarthy, Caleb Heard, Luke Percy, Office Manager, Heather Kelland and our new Architectural Graduate Selena Martin.
We work collaboratively as a team, and this includes everyone – clients, designers and contractors. It is important everyone feels valued and has buy-in for the best results. We all want the same thing – an easy process that delivers beautifully crafted, purpose-built designs, and sustainable designs, within budget.
We are based in Napier/Hastings and have a strong connection to the wider Hawke’s Bay and East Coast, Gisborne regions. We are also experienced at delivering projects throughout the North Island. We value and draw on longstanding relationships with high-quality contractors and consultants to meet the challenges of a wide range of projects.
With our combined experience in Residential, Commercial, Community, and Education projects we are used to working with large client groups as well as individual homeowners.
With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Gary is well established in delivering innovative and cost-effective solutions in all facets of Architecture. He is particularly experienced with education, residential and commercial projects of all sizes. His approachable and relaxed, yet professional manner benefits clients and contractors by enabling fast and free-flowing communication vital to any projects success. Gary knows budget is all-important and ensures the right level of detail is obtained to provide accurate budget forecasts during the early stages. Always on the lookout for ways to improve the design process, Gary is the driving force behind our technological innovations within the practice and our projects.
Luke has worked in the industry alongside Gary since 2001. He is highly experienced with the technical elements of Architectural Design including 3D modelling using ArchiCAD. Renowned for his attention to detail, Luke is an indispensable member of our design team and is very experienced with a wide range of projects including residential, education, and commercial. Luke is a new father and, when he gets time, enjoys mountain biking.
Caleb has been with us since 2010, albeit with a year break working in Palmerston North. He has gained significant experience in the practical side of Architectural Design which complements his Diploma in Design Technology from the Eastern Institute of Technology. Quick and eager to learn, Caleb has become extremely proficient using our 3D CAD modelling system and enjoys pushing the boundaries to maximise its potential. With his growing experience in education, residential and commercial projects Caleb has established himself as a highly valued member of our team. Outside of work, Caleb enjoys time with his growing family, football, and hunting.
Luke joined our team in November 2018 after completing his Diploma in Architectural Technology (CAD) at our local Eastern Institute of Technology. Keen and interested in all things technology, Luke has advanced our team’s experience in using all facets of CAD technology. Luke has quickly become a proficient 3D CAD modeller and is gaining rapid experience in a wide variety of projects including residential, commercial, and education. Luke enjoys gaming, playing football, and undertaking various building projects.
Having recently joined our team Selena is an experienced Architectural Graduate having worked 4+ years on residential, commercial, and industrial projects in the Wellington region. Selena is highly motivated to work towards becoming a Registered Architect and is looking forward to working with the team on a range of different projects to provide architectural solutions that contribute to a better quality of life in and around our buildings. Originally from Napier, Selena enjoys playing squash and mountain biking
Prior to starting work in the building industry Heather worked for 10 years in the Banking industry and has a Diploma in Business Studies. Heather has been our invaluable Office Manager for over 10 years and handles our accounts, office procedures, and assists with administering projects. Heather is known to enjoy experiencing the wonderful offerings of our local wineries.