First Principles Constructors Head Office

Te Aro Seismic Strengthening and Workplace Design‍ ‍Te Whanganui-a-Tara | Wellington

  • Seismic strengthening, and comprehensive building upgrade including change of use, fire, accessibility and thermal considerations

  • End of trip facilities and staff social hub

  • Workplace design and interior design

  • Adaptive reuse

I led the transformation of a precast concrete and steel workshop into a modern 400 m², two-storey head office for 30 staff. Working closely with the client, I oversaw briefing, design, and construction to deliver a seismically strengthened, code-compliant building with a new mezzanine, roof, fitout, and vibrant social hub, aligning functionality, safety, and staff wellbeing.

This consisted of:

  • Closely understanding the Wellington City Council District Plan rules and liaising with Council to ensure that changes to the building - including the facade - did not trigger requirements for a Resource Consent

  • Working with the right consultants to ensure that fire and accessibility upgrades were compliant, practical and fit for purpose

  • Ensuring the successful integration of HVAC system upgrades, retrofitted insulation, and new windows, while balancing practicality and cost-effectiveness. The result transformed an open workshop into a comfortable, energy-efficient open-plan mezzanine office and office space.

  • Designing a space that retained the industrial character of the original building, while showcasing the builder client’s craftsmanship, by including elements such as the industrial steel stairs.

Project completed while at Studio Pacific Architecture

Photo credits: Studio Pacific

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