Jade Kake
Director & Architectural Designer
Ngāpuhi (ngāti Hau me Te Parawhau),
Te Whakatōhea, Te Arawa. B Arch Des, Grad Cert Dig Des, M Arch (Prof), Dip Māori Language Fluency
Ka tū au ki runga i tō mātou whenua tūpuna, kei Pehiāweri, i riro mai i ngā tūpuna o Ngāti Kahu o Torongare. Ka whai au i te manga, mai i te kāinga tae noa ki te wairere o Otuihau, e maringi ana. Ka rere tonu te wai ki te taha o te pūtake o Parihaka, tōku maunga e tū rangatira. Ka puta te wai ki Whangārei-Terenga-Parāoa, te wāhi o te emiemi o ngā rangatira, o ngā parāoa hoki.
Ka rewa au ki te motu o Matakohe, te pā o ō mātou tūpuna nō Te Parawhau. Ka tū au ki te tihi o Matakohe hei uri o Ngāi Tāhuhu mai tawhito, me ngā hapū o nāianei e heke mai nei. Ka tirohia te tirohanga whānui o Whangārei e au, ka tīmata au ki te pohewa i ngā wā e heke mai nei, i te whakarauora, i te huringa tika o te taiao hanga kia noho pai mātou hei hapū hei whānau hei uri o tēnei whenua o tēnei moana.
As a descendent of Ngāpuhi, and, particularly, of the many hapū of Whangārei, my vision is for our people to be able to live well - as whānau, as hapū, as Māori. My contribution is through built environment projects that whakamana tāngata, whakamana ahurea, whakamana taiao, contributing to the wellbeing of our people, our culture and our environment.
What is an Architect?
An Architect is a professional who designs buildings and other physical structures. Architects design a range of structures, including houses, apartment buildings, schools, libraries and commercial buildings.
Architects can be generalists, working across a range of projects of different types and scales. While others are specialists, designing for healthcare, education or the workplace. Some Architects may specialise in heritage, whilst others will work with a cultural focus.
Regardless of building type or location, Architects are concerned with the ways buildings integrate with the environment and social and cultural context of the project site and wider area.
Architects typically work closely with clients to understand their needs and requirements. They use their technical skill, practical understanding, analytical ability and creativity to develop a design that meets those needs, while also taking into account factors such as the physical constraints of the site, aspirations of the community, cultural context and history, tīkanga, safety, functionality, sustainability, aesthetics, and economic feasibility.
Specific tasks an Architect might undertake include:
• Project planning.
• Assembling a suitable team for the project.
• Providing ongoing project management and coordinating all consultants for the duration of the project.
• Analysing site and environmental conditions.
• Master planning the site.
• Facilitating co-design wānanga.
• Developing design concepts and sketches.
• Preparing concept and preliminary design drawings (suitable for resource consent).
• Preparing detailed drawings and specifications.
• Preparation and lodgement of all documentation needed to obtain building consent.
• Running the tender process, engaging and supervising the general contractor.
• Managing construction contracts (contract administration) and on-site observation.
• Obtaining code compliance certificates (final sign-off) from Council.
• Collaborating with other professionals such as Land Surveyors, Planners, Landscape Architects, Civil and Geotechnical Engineers, Structural Engineers, Building Services Engineers, and Quantity Surveyors.
• Ensuring that designs follow the local and regional planning documents under the Resource Management Act, New Zealand Building Code, and all other regulations.
• Conducting research on building materials and construction techniques.
• Advising clients on budget, timelines, and project feasibility.
Overall, an Architect plays a critical role in the design and construction of the built environment. Shaping the way we live, work, and interact with our surroundings, using their skill and knowledge to synthesise diverse (and sometimes conflicting) opportunities and constraints to achieve a built outcome that meets or exceeds the requirements of the client brief and contributes positively to our built environment.
