Each site, be it unbuilt land or an existing structure, both suggests and resists the desired architectural solution. Each client is a key collaborator in the architectural relationship – the more that you commit, the more appropriate the solution is to you. Foundation Architects respect these starting points and then bring approaches both creative and pragmatic formed from a wealth of experience with the director’s combined 20+ years in practice.

In each project we resolve a solution appropriate to its circumstance. We value economy, by which we mean being careful and efficient with the resources at our disposal. We value craft, seeking the skillful transformation of resources into things that we want to be within. And we value durability, we aim to create things with lasting value in the built environment due to the care and skill invested in the process of their creation.

We care deeply for form and aesthetics but prefer not to ground our projects in these pursuits as a primary concern. We are of the mind that a project’s aesthetic arises from its particular requirements, its values and constraints. Within that framework we then work with a commitment to appropriate materials and well-detailed and crafted construction.

Whilst the design of something is an important starting point in the architectural journey its realisation in building becomes increasingly based on the communication of information. We take care in all our communications. In particular, with regards to setting and achieving project budgets, we implement a robust and honest approach to minimise risk and reduce uncertainty in the procurement and administration of construction services.

Sam Martin

Sam Martin

Principal

About Sam

Barch (hons) BA (art history)
ANZIA NZRAB Reg. No 4928

From Wellington, New Zealand, Sam Martin graduated from the VUW Schools of Architecture and Art History in 2002. Sam first worked at the Architects Collaborative before entering into sole practice in 2004. Sam has completed several residential and commercial projects, the most prominent being the Bowen Galleries and Milk Crate cafe, and recently has been instrumental at Egmont St Eatery. Since his graduation he has regularly tutored at the VUW School of Architecture in both design and construction.

Past projects
Wellington Access Broadcasting Society – Radio Station. Fitout. Ghuznee Street, Wellington. The Architects Collaborative, 2003.
Silverstream Residence – Residential Addition. Crofton Downs, Wellington. SM Architecture, 2005.
Prasad House – New Residential. Tawa, Wellington. The Architects Collaborative, 2005.
BowenGalleries & Milk Crate – Art Gallery Alteration & Cafe Fitout. Ghuznee Streett, Wellington. SM Architecture, 2005.
Brougham Residence – Residential Addition. Brougham Street, Wellington. SM Architecture, 2006.
Aro Residence & Office – Residential Alteration. Aro Street, Wellington. SM Architecture, 2006.
Tireti Residence – Residential Addition. Titahi Bay, Porirua. SM Architecture, 2007.
Rakau Residence – Residential Addition. Rakau Road, Wellington. SM Architecture, 2007.
Herald Residence – Residential Alteration. SM Architecture, 2008.

Arindam Sen

Arindam Sen

Principal

About Arindam

B Arch (Hons)
ANZIA NZRAB Reg. No 3408

After migrating to New Zealand in 1989, Arindam Sen graduated from the VUW School of Architecture in 2002. Arindam has worked at ideas driven practices; Architecture Workshop and Studio of Pacific Architecture. Arindam has contributed to a wide range of projects of residential, commercial, and urban scope. He achieved registration with the NZRAB in December 2006. Arindam maintains his interest in architecture education, and has been a regular tutor as well as guest critic at the School of Architecture at Victoria University of Wellington. Arindam is also a past member of the local NZIA branch Committee, and has been on the local awards jury and acted as the convenor of the jury in the past. At present, Arindam juggles his professional commitments along with his personal commitment to his young child.

Past Projects
Riverside Road Residence – New Residential. Martinborough. Architecture Workshop, 2004, 2007 NZIA Resene New Zealand Award
Bolton Residence – Residential Alteration. Bolton Street, Wellington. Architecture Workshop, 2005
Greytown Forum – Civic Alteration. Greytown. Architecture Workshop, 2006. 2008 NZIA Resene New Zealand Award
Park Whare – New Residential. Lake Rotoiti. Architecture Workshop, 2007. 2007 NZIA Local Award
Wellington International Airport Stage 1 – Commercial Alteration. Wellington. Studio Pacific Architecture, 2007
Holiday Inn Hotel Foyer & Restaurant. Fitout. Featherston Street, Wellington. Studio Pacific Architecture, 2007. 2007 NZIA Local Award
Kumutoto, Wellington Waterfront. Studio Pacific Architecture, 2007. NZIA Local Award 2008, NZILA Supreme Award 2008
Rawhiti Bach, Studio Pacific Architecture, 2008. NZIA Local Award 2015 – Housing

Sam Roberts

Sam Roberts

Architectural Technician

About Sam

LBP Des. Reg. No BP136048

Washed-up graphic designer Sam retrained in architecture in the early 2010s and joined the Foundation crew in 2013.  Sam’s architectural interests include simple forms and materials, co-housing and shared spaces, and maybe actually owning a house himself one day. In pursuit of these interests he has spent time getting his hands dirty on earth-building projects.  Outside of work hours Sam enjoys an active lifestyle and getting stuck on farms in the Outback during lockdown.

Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith

Graduate

About Joseph

M.Arch (Prof)

Phoebe Shilling

Phoebe Shilling

Graduate

About Phoebe

M Arch (Prof)

Phoebe joined the team in March 2020 after completing her Masters of Architecture at Victoria University. Her thesis re-imagined the social growth and liveability of residents in an under-utilised centre; where connections, engagement and cultural narrative drove the design for the on-going journey of a community and their village centre. When not in the studio Phoebe can be found biking the local mountain bike trails or hunting through the op-shops.

Sam McLennan

Sam McLennan

Graduate

About Sam

M Arch (Prof)

Originally from the Wairarapa, Sam McLennan is a recent graduate of VUW who spent his thesis year digitally recreating some of Wellington’s lost 19th-century timber Churches. Having previous experience in a small practice, Sam joined the Foundation team at the start of 2020. Sam also designed and fabricated the physical model of the Gordon Wilson Flats and its surroundings for the ‘Immersive Legacies’ exhibition at the Wellington Museum in 2019.

Roll of Honour

Roll of Honour

Past Employees

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  • Nick Genever
  • Ida Ibrahim
  • Karola Oesner
  • Kate Walker
  • Nicola Gliesen
  • Luca Pfiefer
  • Hattie Young
  • Dylan Kanagaranam
  • Julia Contessa