Architectus Aotearoa and ŌRUA announce strategic partnership to advance Māori design excellence

Architectus and ŌRUA are proud to announce an innovative partnership, marking an important step toward further advancing culturally responsive, place-based architecture that reflects the unique identity of Aotearoa. This partnership brings together Architectus’ established architectural practice with ŌRUA’s comprehensive mātauranga Māori and architectural expertise to further enhance meaningful design outcomes for Māori, and for Aotearoa.

Founded in 1986, Architectus has built a reputation for design excellence, place making, and a strong social agenda. With 75+ staff across four studios in Aotearoa and an 800+ strong presence through Architectus Australia, Architectus has been dedicated to designing culturally responsive architecture for over 30 years. ŌRUA, a  Māori architectural practice and consultation firm, was established in 2022 by Matekitātahi Rāwiri, Matangireia Yates-Francis, and Renee Smith-Apanui. As the first of its kind, ŌRUA is dedicated to promoting and achieving Māori excellence through architecture, leadership, and education with mātauranga as the foundation of their practice.

“Ki ngā tūhoto tāhuhu” – Join those who can join the ridge pole of a whare.

“A whare consists of many complex elements,” shares ŌRUA Director Matekitātahi Rāwiri. “Its craft and construction require deep knowledge, skill, and experience. This whakataukī reminds us that true leadership lies in seeking out others with the strength to connect, uniting diverse groups into strong, collaborative relationships.”

This partnership is built on a mutual commitment to advancing te ao Māori, design excellence, environmental sustainability, and architecture that nurtures the people and communities of Aotearoa. Together, Architectus and ŌRUA will pursue projects that shift architecture into the future and help to shape the built environment of Aotearoa.

Architectus Principal and Director Carsten Auer adds, “At Architectus, we have a long-standing commitment to mana whenua engagement and indigenous design excellence. Our unique partnership with ŌRUA enables us to deepen our capability and through collaboration with a young and independent Māori practice  contribute meaningfully to the evolution of Māori architecture.”

Together, ŌRUA and Architectus will advance the future of architecture in Aotearoa , that is both contemporary and deeply connected to te ao Māori.