Description:

TOA Architects were engaged to provide a cultural design review and implement design changes into the base build fit out for Ernst & Young's (EY) new office located on Bowen Street Campus Pipitea Wellington. EY Tahi is the indigenous Māori firm within EY that seeks to accelerate Māori success. The design approach started with a cultural assessment of Gensler's fit out followed by an authentic cultural design process that looked into engaging with Mana Whenua, first to listen and then, to incorporate significant cultural narratives into the very fabric of the design ensuring that the Mana Whenua values are embedded and is grounded by tikanga and purpose which uplifts the pūrākau through a contemporary approach, highlighting EY's commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ao Māori.

EY's new purpose-built fit out within the Wellington Bowen Campus development provides a workplace that optimises efficiency and technology and supports their strategic priorities in accordance with the EY Global Standards while successfully binding Matauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) through TOA Architects' knowledge on Te Ao Māori (Māori world view) and design skills with Mana Whenua (Māori people of the land) with contemporary design. In close partnership with the EY Tahi team, Black Interiors, Gensler and Mana Whenua, TOA Architects ensured that from design to completion, the cultural values and narratives were honoured, delivered and reflected those of Mana Whenua and the uniqueness of Te Whanganui-ā-Tara.