Our Philosophy
Strachan Group Architects is a multiple award-winning Auckland practice. Grounded in a specific and detailed first-hand knowledge of construction the team brings a highly developed sense of craft to the task of creating sustainable buildings with precision and elegance.
The keen sense of attention that the practice brings to the interpretation of a client’s brief is equalled by a rich and complex understanding of how to respond to the subtleties of site, the impacts of the natural environment, and all the many contexts within which a building must operate. To these qualities, SGA adds a precise understanding of the requirements of construction, with an advanced level of experience of prefabrication and the use of digitally controlled machinery in the fabrication of building elements under tightly controlled conditions.
SGA takes pride in its ability to communicate ideas about building as they develop in conversation with clients, consultants and contractors. This skill has been honed in the extensive involvement the practice has had in education where it has delivered a number of design/build projects with architecture students that have been recognised by the New Zealand Institute of Architects by a series of Awards.
Recognised by their peers as an innovative and exciting practice SGA consists of a group of highly skilled people with a diverse range of complimentary skills. This flexible team is highly attuned to new developments in the building industry, appreciated by their many clients and capable of undertaking work at any scale.
Directors
Dave Strachan
2020 NZIA Gold Medal, FNZIA M.Arch (Hons) 2001, Reg. Arch. 1999, B.Arch. 1979.
As design director of SGA, Dave has over 40 years’ experience in the fields of building, interiors, teaching and architecture. Dave is particularly passionate about pre-fabricating sustainable buildings for challenging sites and has extensive experience in this area. In the pursuit of finely crafted buildings, Dave also retains his Category 2 Licensed Building Practitioner Licence.
SGA, the practice he founded in 1980, has received more than 35 awards from the Te Kahui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA), including New Zealand Architecture Awards for a variety of bespoke homes, prefabricated houses, community facilities and commercial buildings. In 2020 Dave received the NZIA Gold Medal, the highest architectural award in NZ which reflects the passion and the quality of his design and contribution to architecture in NZ.
Enthusiasm, energy and experience are brought to the practice through Dave’s commitment to creating innovative contemporary architecture, appropriate to New Zealand and its unique landscape.
Kelly O’Sullivan
ANZIA Reg. Arch. 2018, B.Arch (Hons) 2010.
Kelly is a registered Architect with experience in residential, multi-unit housing and master planning projects as well as small commercial and community buildings. Kelly is currently responsible for our medium density projects from masterplanning and conceptual design phases through to completion.
Kelly joined SGA in 2016 and has since become an integral member of the team developing her skills through design projects of all scales. Educated in Ireland, Kelly brings a discovered appreciation of the New Zealand lifestyle and an understanding of the importance of connectivity through architecture to the context of daily life, whether urban or rural.
Kelly is an exceptional problem solver and well used to working with wider groups of consultants, client groups and contractors. She is also works closely with development managers to produce clever solutions and alternative project delivery methods. Kelly has been responsible for the realisation of some of SGA’s award winning coastal homes like Tent House & Waipapa. She brings a fresh perspective to projects.
Senior Associate
Roy Tebbutt
ANZIA Reg. Arch. 2010, B.Arch.
Roy is a Registered Architect with extensive residential experience, and has also delivered multiple community buildings, public work, education and retail projects.
Roy joined SGA in 2007, and has a design driven approach, balanced by practical construction knowledge and project management experience. Roy has been involved in, and led a number of SGA’s key projects, including NZIA Award winning projects.
Roy leads a team of staff simultaneously across a wide variety of projects types. He has an interest on working at all scales, masterplanning jetties and large coastal developments right down to designing bespoke accessories. Roy has expertise in design, specialist timber construction (CLT), detailing and site management as well as interiors and furniture placement. He thrives on relationships, collaborating completely with all involved to deliver exceptional and sometimes unexpected results.
The Team
Shane Tregidga
Architect - Northern (Whangārei Based)
ANZIA Reg. Arch.
M.Arch (Prof), BAS.
