Irving Smith Architects has been developed as a niche Architecture practice based in Nelson, and works in a variety of sensitive environments.

We demonstrate an ongoing commitment to innovative, sustainable and research based design, backed up by national and international award and publication recognition, ongoing research and teaching at the University of Auckland, and regular invitations to lecture on our work, including winning an Award of Distinction at the 2019, UNESCO Asia-Pacific Cultural heritage Awards, presenting for World Building of the Year and winning World Villa of the Year at the 2017 World Architecture Festival in Berlin 2017, being Highly Commended in Singapore 2015, and a finalist in Barcelona 2011, Singapore 2013,2014,2015, Berlin 2017 and Amsterdam 2019. In 2018 we were also awarded in the International design Awards and Architecture Masterprize Awards out of California.

We have secured in excess of 50 New Zealand Institute of Architecture Awards for work around NZ, including NZIA New Zealand Awards for Public Architecture in 2012 and 2013, 2018 and residential projects in 2004,2018 and nomination as a finalist for the 2013 NZIA New Zealand Architectural Medal (the highest award in NZ architecture). Our national architecture awards for public work have been praised for their sensitivity and community understanding, and our residential work for their environmental suitability. We represented New Zealand at the 2015 and 2018 Prague International Architecture Festivals, where our Soft Context : Soft Architecture exhibition developed an approach of looking to understand and participate with existing landscapes rather than generating new contexts.

Recognition received for Timber Design includes NZ’s highest Residential, Commercial and Engineering awards and ongoing experience with Government agencies and the University of Canterbury developing timber systems, that reduce damage during seismic events and allow immediate reoccupation. Property Council awards for excellence, received in 2011 and 2013 include a Best in Category and nomination as a Supreme Finalist.

We have experience in Masterplanning and Tertiary design, garnered from extensive work on the campus at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) and a broad variety of multilevel Commercial Development, and adapting and seismically strengthening existing buildings.

Our ongoing work includes Residential, Public and Structural Timber work throughout New Zealand, and overseas.