Respond Architects

Following the recent Building Science Summit, our Architectural Graduate Ju An Teo was invited to contribute a summary for the NZIA Future Fabric newsletter.

The overall message - delivered by experts from around the globe - was clear: high-performance buildings work best when all elements work together.

This integrated approach to building performance has long underpinned how we design. It’s not about individual products or systems, but how the entire building envelope performs as one.

Ju An’s full summary unpacks all the key insights from the summit - well worth a read:https://mcusercontent.com/3560731166d09cf3a5f258f4c/files/3f16cd3e-9996-a1d8-d261-a2d473e1df80/Report_from_the_Building_Science_Summit_2026.pdf

Great to see one of our projects providing the backdrop for yesterday’s announcement from the Prime Minister and Education Minister. They chose Albany Junior High School - where our team is currently leading design and delivery of a major upgrade - to confirm a $413m accelerated funding package, including $58m in new funding, for school property maintenance across New Zealand.

Respond’s Wendy Ryan had the pleasure of meeting Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Education Minister Erica Stanford MP during their visit. We’re proud to be supporting the Ministry of Education in creating learning environments that are modern, resilient and fit for the future.

You can read the full announcement in the Herald article here:
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/government-accelerates-413m-school-property-upgrades-with-new-58m-funding/XTC4FA2WQZGPZJOBM6D2GZAB4Q/

We’re pleased to introduce Steven Woodman as the new Chief Operating Officer for Respond Architects and our parent company, Prendos.

Steven brings extensive experience in driving business growth and operational excellence, and he’ll be helping guide our team as we continue creating thoughtful, practical design solutions for our clients.

Welcome to the team, Steven – we’re looking forward to working with you.