Crafting quality for all New Zealanders 

Arête Architects was founded at the start of 2021 with a simple yet purposeful idea in mind. “The goal at that stage was to design architecture that was more intrinsically responding to its environment,” says director Sam Brown. 

As the practice evolved, so did its ethos. When Johnny Fletcher joined as a business partner in early 2023, the firm further refined its direction. “Since then, our focus has actually become more about promoting conscientious architecture,” Sam explains. “Obviously, environmental aspects are at the forefront of that, but it goes beyond now, more of a holistic view.” 

This shift in identity was the driving force behind a recent rebrand. “In March this year, we started on a rebranding process, which we launched in May/June,” Sam says. “We’re five years into business, and what we thought we were going to be on day one is not necessarily what we are now. We wanted to realign our emerging voice and how we present ourselves as an architecture firm to reflect better the work we do.” 

One of their standout projects, The Restricted Section, marks a key moment for the practice. “That was our first foray into SIP construction and a chance for us to deliver good quality, high-performing architecture at a price point that’s available to everybody,” Sam says. “A big focus for us is bringing better housing to New Zealand, because there’s a lot of stuff out there that is not up to scratch. The Restricted Section was our first attempt at that, and a pretty successful one.” 

Although residential projects are their core focus, Arête has also made a mark in the hospitality scene. “Mojo café on Brandon Street is probably our flagship hospitality project to date,” says Sam. “Through the design of Brandon Street, we worked hand in hand with Mojo to create a new image for them, and we’ve since established a common aesthetic across their stores.” 

With a growing portfolio of projects in Central Otago and originally being from Dunedin, Sam is planning on making the move down south to support that work more directly and be close to family. “Since 2022, we’ve been doing work in and around Central Otago, and that area of growth has been a big one for us.” 

While Arête still operates primarily from the North Island, the move signals an exciting new chapter. “One of our main drivers is wanting to deliver quality architecture to all of New Zealand,” Sam says. “So, I think having a base, in the North and South Islands, is pretty key to that.”

Photo credit to: David Hensel