Irving Smith Architects

Irving Smith Architects has been developed as a niche Architecture practice based in Nelson, but working in a variety of sensitive environments. We demonstrate an ongoing commitment to innovative, sustainable and research based design, backed up by national and international award and publication recognition, ongoing research with both the Universities of Canterbury and Auckland, and regular invitations to lecture on our work, including World Architecture Festivals in Barcelona 2011, Singapore 2013 and 2014. We have secured in excess of 30 New Zealand Institute of Architecture Awards for work around NZ, including NZIA New Zealand Awards for Public Architecture in 2012 and 2013, and nomination as a finalist for the 2013 NZIA New Zealand Architectural Medal (the highest award in NZ architecture). Our national architecture awards for public work have been praised for their sensitivity and community understanding, and our residential work for their environmental suitability. Recognition received for Timber Design includes NZ’s highest Residential, Commercial and Engineering awards and ongoing experience with Government agencies and the University of Canterbury developing timber systems, that reduce damage during seismic events and allow immediate reoccupation. Property Council awards for excellence, received in 2011 and 2013 include a Best in Category and nomination as a Supreme Finalist. We have experience in Masterplanning and Tertiary design, garnered from extensive work on the campus at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) and a broad variety of multilevel Commercial Development, and adapting and seismically strengthening existing buildings. Our ongoing work includes Residential, Public and Structural Timber work throughout New Zealand, and overseas.