Warren and Mahoney takes initiative in Christchurch rebuild

National architectural practice Warren and Mahoney is establishing a group of leading New Zealand urban planning, design and property services experts to begin considering the best way forward for the rebuilding of Christchurch, following the devastating earthquake on 22 February.

Warren and Mahoney Director Peter Marshall, from the firm’s Christchurch office, says that whilst preliminary, the group has been formed out of a sense of responsibility to the city.

“We were founded in Christchurch in 1955 by Sir Miles Warren and in many ways Christchurch’s post-war building story is also our story. Its modern heritage is also our heritage.

“From this shared history we feel a profound sense of commitment to the city. Clearly though, a careful and collective response is required, and that’s why we have partnered with other experts who also care deeply about rebuilding our city”, Mr Marshall says.

Initial members of the group are:

Warren and Mahoney – architecture and interior design
Boffa Miskell – environmental planning and urban design
Holmes Consulting Group – structural and civil engineering
Colliers International – commercial leasing and sales services
Wareham Cameron + Co. – tenant advisory services
RCP – project management

Don Miskell, Managing Director of Boffa Miskell, says the formation of the group was a logical response from the local planning and design community.

“Civic leaders and government officials are rightly focussed on the immediate rescue and recovery mission. Forming the group and turning our minds to seeking integrated solutions by combining visionary thinking with a depth and breadth of development experience is one way that the interdisciplinary members thought we could contribute to the rebuilding of Christchurch”, says Mr Miskell.

As an initial outcome, the group will develop a set of key design principles and long term development scenarios for discussion with Christchurch stakeholders.

Mr Marshall says the group will seek to work closely with Christchurch City Council - as well as central government - to ensure a co-ordinated approach is taken, and will recruit other members as its role evolves.

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