Creative Industries & Business

Architecture

Architecture is not just a job. It’s not just a craft. And it’s not just about creating beautiful houses. It’s about reshaping the world. With buildings that are smarter, have a small ecological footprint, and feature thought-provoking designs. 

Study at the Department of Architecture and you’ll learn to produce designs that are inspiring, effective, sustainable and enhance the environment. You’ll spend most of your time in the design studio, working on a range of studio projects. Perhaps you even get to build one of your designs, like the holiday home that was designed and built by architecture students under the guidance of well-known architects and builders. And then there are design research projects at leading local architecture practices. And totally unique to Unitec is Te Hononga, the Māori studio with its ponga hybrid project, in which a traditional Māori building material is teamed up with the less traditional plywood. 

This practical and innovative approach is why we’re endorsed by the New Zealand Institute of Architects, the New Zealand Registered Architects Board and the Commonwealth Association of Architects. The calibre of our staff doesn’t hurt either. You’ll be in frequent contact with established architects from New Zealand and around the world – during guest lectures, critique session, project work or work experience.

Be warned: at times we’ll tell you to go away. On study tours to Australia, China, Italy and the Pacific Islands. Or on a student exchange to architecture schools across four continents. It’s a great way to see the best of contemporary world architecture or the architectural works of previous ages.

 

Architecture programmes

If you want to become an architect:

Professional development for architects (project-focused):

If you want to become an architectural technician or draftsperson:

 

View the 2012 Architecture Study Calendar (PDF).

 

Unitec TV campaign - Change Starts Here

Unitec lecturer Mark Mismash explains the challenges of the first year of the Bachelor of Architectural Studies.