A few weeks ago, Auckland architect Richard Naish, founder of RTA Studio, was named the recipient of the 2026 Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects Gold Medal.
Awarded annually, it recognises an architect who has made an outstanding and lasting contribution to the practice, development and advancement of architecture in Aotearoa New Zealand, and is the industry’s highest individual honour.
For Richard, the honour is a reflection not only of his own work but of the people around him. Admitting being “truly humbled by the award”, the iconic architect is quick to praise the “esteemed company” who have joined his journey, too: “I am very thankful to all the RTA Studio team and our great clients that have all supported and contributed to the body of work that represents this point of my practice.”
Inspired by the teachings of the legendary Claude Megson who instilled in him “the importance of the human spirit in architecture”, Richard began his career at Jasmax before moving to London where he worked for Orms on major heritage commissions as well as mentoring younger staff which “deepened his commitment to the profession”.
Continuing his “evolving romance” with architecture, Richard established RTA Studio in 1999, and over the past three decades the practice has secured more than 100 local, national, and international architecture awards.
The studio’s work ranges from residential and community projects to large-scale commercial buildings, including Fisher & Paykel’s global headquarters and Ironbank on K’ Road. Alongside practice, Richard has contributed to architectural education and the wider profession, and has been a prominent voice on a range of issues.
After more than 30 years in the business, “seeing the appreciation of clients and users” still gives him the biggest buzz, while he also admits to appreciating how his understanding of building design – and meaning – continues to evolve.
“I have more and more understood that the purpose of architecture is to improve people’s lives and progress our community’s understanding of the big issues we live with,” he tells Verve. “Namely, housing affordability, the climate crisis and cultural reconciliation.”
It is a philosophy that applies regardless of scale.
“I think the architectural issues are the same on smaller and larger projects,” he says. “If buildings are about enhancing human environments and improving people’s lives, scale doesn’t affect that other than the bigger the building, generally, the more people we are affecting.”
The next generation of architects, Richard believes must continue the evolution.
“Construction and buildings contribute up to 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions,” he says. “Everyone deserves a dry and healthy home to live in, and human diversity requires its built environment to respect them equally. Architects have an immense social responsibility.”
On 15 October at the Auditorium of Fisher & Paykel’s new Global Headquarters, the Architects no Architecture stage will host Richard Naish and Julie Stout (of Mitchell Stout Dodd Architects) to share insights into their personal journeys, focusing on the key moments that shaped their careers.
For tickets, head to architectsnotarchitecture.com
