Prof McPherson was described by his peers as an outstanding leader in his field, a facilitator and connector of people and communities, and a highly valued and productive researcher who applied his architectural approach to problem solving in everything he did.

Peter joined Unitec in 2010, returning to Aotearoa in the wake of the global financial crisis after spending three years in London working for the global architecture firm, Foster & Partners.

But his ties with the institution go back even further having completed a Bachelor of Architecture with us in 2003, followed by a Master of Architecture in 2014.

In 2016, Peter was appointed Head of School to lead the architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design disciplines.

During that time, he not only navigated his school through significant change, he remains an active influencer across his vocational sector.

“The awarding of Peter's full professorship recognises the implied, impactful nature of his research, and the deep sector connections that it relies on to be effective,” says Rosanne Ellis, Director, Research and Enterprise Tamaki.
“But it also acknowledges a tremendously grounded educator in academia, a true professor in every sense, a leader in his school, but also in his discipline.”

Dr Ellis described him as a highly productive and valued researcher who was an immense contributor in the research environment.
“His performance and practice-based transdiplinary research is exemplary as are his achievements in teaching and academic leadership.”

Prof. McPherson says inspiring others to reach their own heights was what led his management approach.

“A key aspect of my academic leadership is to connect people and to encourage activity and exploration they might not otherwise see or have the confidence to pursue themselves.”
“As a head of school, I place great importance on engagement with the architecture profession and advocating the value that education brings to the underpinning of our knowledge and continued learning.”

Prof. McPherson was elected to the Executive Committee of the Association of Architecture Schools of Australasia (AASA) in 2016, becoming President from 2017-2021.

He is a member of the Auckland Branch Committee of the New Zealand Institute of Architects and was appointed to the New Zealand Registered Architects Board Accreditation Management Panel in 2022.

In 2023, Prof. McPherson was awarded the President’s Award by Te Kāhui Whaihanga, New Zealand Institute of Architects.

According to Dr Ellis, “these roles and relationships allow him to connect the school with the profession and pursue opportunities for our students and staff to engage, and always advocating for the graduates as they transition into practice.”
“I believe that it's critical for ākonga to step outside of the academic environment and to understand that they are working towards being part of wider professional communities,” he says.

DCE – Academic, Professor Martin Carroll says, “It was a fitting end to the series because this is really about showcasing what excellence in academia is all about.”

Prof. McPherson’s entire career was about bringing the whole community together with a “parity of esteem.”
“That iterative approach to learning – academics from time to time need to be reminded to be patient with learners and to remember that they are on an iterative journey of learning, and you just emphasise that beautifully.,” Prof Carroll says.

Exploring options

In his address entitled ‘Exploring Options’, Prof. McPherson chose to reflect on his iterative approach to problem solving from his architectural roots, and the impact it had on his career and leadership style.

“With my research spanning pedagogy, architectural education, and applied projects integrating teaching, research, and professional practice, it is iterating, exploring options, that is key to these and my approach to academic management,” he says.

Prof McPherson explained that solutions best present themselves when they address a clearly defined problem.

“My training as an architect led me towards a desire, to search for a clear set of rules or guidelines to approach a problem. I’ve come to some realisation that any solution we have is most relevant to that particular moment in time. Yet with each solution comes a greater clarity about the questions being asked. As we explore these problems further, the solutions become richer.”

Prof. McPherson explained that any architectural endeavour is a prototype which requires people with varying skillsets to will a piece of architecture into being.
“Not only is a technical, artistic, or financially-minded approach required, but also one that understands people, their motivations, and an ability to weave those disparate groups together.”

He also alluded to the relationship between people and the buildings they inhabit and the importance of design in enhancing that experience.
“My time working in London emphasised that idea that a building has a long life and to create spaces that can be adapted to whatever comes in that building is most important.

“So in many ways, the materials are secondary, and the spaces that we create in those buildings are the most important thing. And to make sure that they are well designed and that they do the right things for the people that use them. There’s a phrase we shape our buildings and our buildings shape us. That sense of having a place, having a home familiarity, I think is really important.”

His move into academic management after a relatively short academic career and architectural practice also taught him to recognise the academy as a place of enquiry to support architecture practice and the wider construction industry.
“I have cultivated connections with the architecture profession to ensure the school is able to understand its place as a school most fundamentally focussed on the practice of architecture,” Peter explained.
“Underpinning all of this is an understanding of the importance of being surrounded by good people, widely skilled and diverse of thought. And to enjoy the moments alongside them to bring greater meaning to the work we do.”

Prof. McPherson summarised his career as largely about exploring options and “the result of thoroughly rewarding outcomes of several options I’ve explored over the last 25 years or so.”

Peter also acknowledged it was a journey helped by many people.
“I give thanks largely to this institution and those that lead it who have cultivated an environment that permits exploration, risk taking, and supports a wide range of endeavour.”
“There have been several moments in my career where I have been able to pursue new challenges and remain fulfilled in my time.”

Prof McPherson also paid tribute to his colleagues in the School of Architecture.

“I do believe truly that our school operates at a high level. My colleagues are engaged with each other, their discipline specialties, and the profession. We can have several areas where we can be rightly proud of our achievements. And some of these include conferences, symposiums, exhibitions, the things that stretch us and motivate us,” he says.

“While I maintain teaching and research as part of my role, I think more significant is my work with colleagues and supporting them in their own explorations. My value now is about setting direction. and working with others to get there.”

Peter also gave heartfelt thanks to his mother, wife Anna and his two sons, Thomas and Max, who have supported him throughout his career and keep him grounded.

Following his address, there was a presentation of a taonga by kaihautu Hohepa Renata and a Q&A session where one person asked if he had ever solved a problem, he was proud of. Appropriately, he responded true to his practice.

“I don't believe that we ever truly get to a solution, but something like an iteration of it. There’s always something new to learn and to respond to as things change. So I don't think anything is solved. There is always more to do.”

Professorial series a scccess

This year's inaugural Professorial Lecture series saw five wonderful events that honoured our professors and provided a significant boost to the profile of our research and academic leadership.

"The feedback has been universally positive," says Prof. Carroll.

"The inaugural Professorial lectures demonstrate that thought and practice leadership thrives in the VET sector.

"All five professors this series demonstrated how applied research is helping industry, professions and communities solve real world problems.

"They showcased the collaborative nature of applied research, building capability and capacity among peer academics, ākonga, and the partners with whom we engage.  Plus, they were very enjoyable! Thanks and congratulations to them all."