Our Story
Studio26 Architects Ltd is the current form of a local practice established 28 years ago, and still led, by Registered Architect Gary Pidd. Gary is joined by our team of Architectural Technicians, Luke McCarthy, Caleb Heard and Max Chrétien, Office Manager, Heather Kelland and our Architectural Graduate Selena Martin who is currently gaining further experience in the UK.
We work collaboratively as a team, and this includes everyone – clients, designers and contractors. It is important everyone feels valued and has buy-in for the best results. We all want the same thing – an easy process that delivers beautifully crafted, purpose-built designs, and sustainable designs, within budget.
We are based in Napier/Hastings and have a strong connection to the wider Hawke’s Bay and East Coast, Gisborne regions. We are also experienced at delivering projects throughout the North Island. We value and draw on longstanding relationships with high-quality contractors and consultants to meet the challenges of a wide range of projects.
With our combined experience in Residential, Commercial, Community, and Education projects we are used to working with large client groups as well as individual homeowners.
Our People
Gary Pidd
DIRECTOR AND REGISTERED ARCHITECT – BBSC, B.ARCH, ANZIA, AERB
With over 30 years' of experience in the industry, Gary is well established in delivering innovative and cost-effective solutions in all facets of Architecture. He is particularly experienced with education, residential, and commercial projects of all sizes. His approachable and relaxed, yet professional manner benefits clients and contractors by enabling fast and free-flowing communication vital to any project's success. Gary knows budget is all-important and ensures the right level of detail is obtained to provide accurate budget forecasts during the early stages. Always on the lookout for ways to improve the design process, Gary is the driving force behind our technological innovations within the practice and our projects.
Luke McCarthy
SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL TECHNICIAN
Luke has worked in the industry alongside Gary since 2001. He is highly experienced with the technical elements of Architectural Design including 3D modelling using ArchiCAD. Renowned for his attention to detail, Luke is an indispensable member of our design team and is very experienced with a wide range of projects including residential, education, and commercial. Luke enjoys time with his young family and, when he gets time, enjoys mountain biking.
Caleb Heard
SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL TECHNICIAN – DIP DESIGN TECH, LBP Level 2
Caleb has been with us since 2010, albeit with a year break working in Palmerston North. He has gained significant experience in the practical side of Architectural Design which complements his Diploma in Design Technology from the Eastern Institute of Technology. Quick and eager to learn, Caleb has become extremely proficient using our 3D CAD modelling system and is now focusing on further developing his natural design skills. With his growing experience in residential and commercial projects Caleb has established himself as a highly valued member of our team. Outside of work, Caleb enjoys time with his growing family, football, and hunting.
Max Chrétien
ARCHITECTURAL TECHNICIAN – BACHERLOR of ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES
Max joined our team in early 2024 having completed a Bachelor of Architectural Studies at Ara Institute in Canterbury supplemented with two years' experience as an Architectural Technician. Keen and interested in technology and graphic design, Max enjoys the process of architectural imagery and the benefits it provides clients. Max enjoys high-level football, playing at an inter-regional level for Napier City Rovers and having attained a Master of Arts in Sports Management at University of San Francisco where he also played Division 1 College football.
Selena Martin
ARCHITECTURAL GRADUATE
Having joined our team in 2021 Selena is an experienced Architectural Graduate who has worked 4+ years on residential, commercial, and industrial projects in the Wellington region. Selena is highly motivated to work towards becoming a Registered Architect and has enjoyed developing her skills working with the team on a range of different projects to provide architectural solutions that contribute to a better quality of life in and around our buildings. Originally from Napier, Selena enjoys playing squash and mountain biking. Selena is currently gaining further experience in the UK.
Heather Kelland
OFFICE MANAGER
Prior to starting work in the building industry Heather worked for 10 years in the Banking industry and has a Diploma in Business Studies. Heather has been our invaluable Office Manager for over 15 years and handles our accounts, office procedures, and assists with administering projects. Heather is known to enjoy experiencing the wonderful offerings of our local wineries.
Contact us today to discuss your next project!
Phone: (+64) 06 844 0223
Email: info@studio26architects.co.nz
Address: 26 Guppy Road, Greenmeadows, Napier 4112 , New Zealand
Visit our Facebook page