Join us at Hobson Wharf for an immersive exploration of art and physics, set against the backdrop of Auckland’s waterfront. This exclusive event features the iconic Rainbow Machine on display, offering a rare look at its vibrant, interactive mechanics. Guests can enjoy a featured talk by acclaimed artist Shahriar Asdollah-Zadeh, Sarosh Mulla and Patrick Loo. The artists will delve into the conceptual foundations of the installation, sharing the unique narrative behind its creation and the intersection of industrial design and public joy. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the story behind the spectrum.

Success in high-end residential architecture relies on the seamless transition from conceptual intent to physical reality. Join Mark Andrews (CASA Construct), Jack O’Neil (Strata Architects), and Annabel Smart (Studio 11:11) for a transparent look at the mechanics of the collaborative design-build model. This session moves beyond the “handoff,” exploring how early-stage integration between builder and architect preserves design integrity and mitigates project risk. Through the lens of recent case studies, the panel will discuss the highs and lows of complex builds, revealing how a unified approach solves technical challenges and delivers a more refined experience for the client.

Join Shiv Narandas, Design Director at Saatchi & Saatchi, for an exploration of design as an act of cultivation rather than control. Moving beyond static solutions, Shiv introduces a ‘gardening’ mindset – planting ideas with empathy and allowing collaboration to take root. Drawing on impactful projects, he discusses how cross-pollinating diverse perspectives leads to bold, unignorable work. Discover how embracing unpredictability and ‘composting’ old habits can transform design into a living ecosystem, creating deeply human connections that grow far beyond the initial brief.

Join HOME Magazine for an exclusive journey through some of Auckland’s most compelling residential architecture. The tour begins with a rare, behind-the-scenes visit to Echelon, the personal apartment of acclaimed architect Ken Crosson in Ponsonby. From there, attendees will travel to the meticulously crafted Angle Grinder by Frazerhurst Architects in St Heliers, A Diaphanous Design by Lloyd Hartley Architects in Auckland’s CBD, and 339 – the home of Strachan Group Architect’s Director Dave Straachan in Mt Eden.

These curated homes exemplify the synergy between site and structure. This intimate day of discovery concludes back in Ponsonby with drinks and canapés, offering a unique opportunity to discuss design innovation and the evolution of the modern Auckland home. Transport provided.

Attendees will start at Echelon then split into three groups to visit the other properties before returning to Ponsonby for drinks and nibbles at Jacuzzi.

Echelon

by Crosson Architects.

A landmark development designed and built by architect Ken Crosson. Crowning the Ponsonby ridge, the building features a world-class penthouse that serves as his home, showcasing his signature precision and “architectural humanist” style. Defined by dramatic floor-to-ceiling glazing, the residence offers a 360-degree panorama of the harbour and city skyline. The interior is anchored by a sculptural black-iron staircase and reflects Crosson’s commitment to raw, honest materials and modern medium-density living.

Angle Grinder

by Frazerhurst Architects

This sculptural, four-storey home in Saint Heliers, Auckland, designed by architect Mark Frazerhurst for his parents on a steep, overgrown site was inspired by a twisting form seen on Waiheke. The black-clad and cedar-detailed house was developed over a decade and carefully stacked to work with the terrain, connecting living spaces, bedrooms, and work areas through smart spatial planning.

A Diaphanous Design 

by Lloyd Hartley Architects

A Diaphanous Design is a comprehensive refurbishment of a 100m² apartment in Auckland’s CBD – transformed by stripping back and revealing the building’s original structure, enhancing its industrial character while creating a soft, textured, light-filled home. The design explores transparency, privacy, texture and modularity, thoughtfully integrating steel beams, bespoke and modular cabinetry, and exposed conduit so that, despite the use of robust materials, the apartment feels light, adaptable and cohesive.

339

by SGA

An award-winning home designed by architect-owner David Strachan, in Mount Eden, designed for a narrow site with close neighbours and a busy road. The home centres on a covered entry courtyard that leads into open kitchen and dining spaces, with double-height living areas beneath a gabled roof. Sustainability is integral to the design, incorporating solar panels, water tanks, high insulation and passive cooling strategies.

Image credit: Simon Devitt

Join Olivia Moon (Nodi) and husband Jeremy Moon (Icebreaker, Animals Like Us) for an honest conversation about disrupting tired categories through brand, design, and commercial strategy. Drawing on their recent work launching Nodi into carpet and Jeremy’s experience building Icebreaker Clothing and Animals Like Us pet food into global category-leaders, they’ll unpack how purpose organises everything, from product and brand to business model and market positioning. Discover what it actually takes to challenge established markets, why great product is only the prerequisite, and how design thinking shapes commercial strategy. This is an essential session for anyone building something distinctive in a competitive category.

Explore the transformative role of exhibition design in connecting people to the past, present, and future. Focusing on Ngā hau a Tāwhiriangi at MOTAT’s Aviation Hall, this session reveals how architecture and visitor experience converge through deep collaboration. Discover how the integration of architects, artists, and fabricators reenergised the space, imbuing it with wairua and a deepened cultural kōrero. Learn how narrative-driven design development can breathe new life into heritage sites, creating immersive environments that go beyond mere display to foster a profound sense of identity and place.

Step into the new Muuto store on Kent St for an immersive exploration of neuroaesthetics – the intersection of neuroscience, design, and human emotion. Guided by David Mansfield, this intimate gathering delves into how our sensory and emotional responses to space shape our wellbeing and creativity. Through the lens of Muuto’s human-centred Scandinavian philosophy, we will examine how subtle shifts in colour, light, form, and texture transform how we think and feel. Discover how beauty and function converge to create environments that feel as good as they look, reimagining design as a vital catalyst for human flourishing.

Step off busy Wellesley Street into a multi-sensory passage by Hotel Grand Chancellor and discover the transformative power of nature in design. This session explores how green infrastructure shifts our cities from Concrete to Calm, using living systems as a functional, restorative design element. Experts will unpack the science behind nature-led design, highlighting how native planting contributes to human health, productivity, and connection to place. Attendees will gain practical inspiration on managing technical aspects like irrigation and maintenance, rethinking how thoughtfully designed green spaces become the glue connecting people to the heart of the city.

This session moves beyond static aesthetics to explore design longevity and resilience, addressing how architecture can genuinely support busy, imperfect lives over time. We will examine the critical shift from designing for single moments or fleeting trends to designing for “The Long Middle” – the decades where homes and spaces truly evolve. The discussion will focus on practical strategies for creating flexible, durable, and resourceful environments that absorb the chaos of real life, adapt to changing needs (family growth, aging), and quietly support the physical and emotional wellbeing of their inhabitants. Learn how to design spaces that are not just beautiful, but deeply and resiliently human.

This is an exclusive, invitation-only networking dinner hosted by Dulux, connecting 20 established industry leaders with 20 emerging designers. Focused on the disciplines of architecture, interiors, and spatial design, this intimate event embodies the “pay it forward” philosophy. Hand-selected guests will engage in targeted conversation and mentorship, fostering essential connections between generations. Attendees will enjoy a substantial roaming dinner with a complimentary drink on arrival. This is a rare, curated opportunity to invest in the next wave of Aotearoa’s design talent.

Submissions close 15th February.

Image credits:
Stylist: Bree Banfield @breebanfield Photographer: Lisa Cohen @lisacohenphoto
Colours features: Dulux Waitiki Landing (ceiling) and Dulux Lake Camp (walls)
Artwork: Peter Summers ‘Thulium Pink, Returning Home on a Setting Sun’