Holland Beckett’s Tauranga Workplace Wins NZIA Interior Architecture Award

Holland Beckett’s Tauranga office space has been awarded top honours in the Interior Architecture category at the 2026 Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) Waikato Bay of Plenty Architecture Awards.

The NZIA awards programme is widely regarded as the benchmark for architectural excellence in New Zealand, celebrating projects that deliver meaningful value to clients, communities and the built environment. Designed by Wingates, the award-winning fitout stood out among a strong regional field, having first been shortlisted among projects recognised for their contribution to contemporary architecture across the region.

A space with purpose

The space is located within the Northern Quarter development, which opened in October 2025. The firm’s move into the landmark building was driven not only by growth, but by a belief in Tauranga’s future – helping bring the project to life by signing on as anchor tenant in 2022 and signalling confidence in the rejuvenation of the city centre.

The workplace represents a deliberate shift away from traditional legal office design toward a more open, collaborative and human-centered environment that balances professionalism with warmth. An open-plan layout brings a legal team of more than 100 people together on a single floor, supported by a network of quiet rooms, flexible areas for training and events, and a variety of private client meeting spaces.

From sit-to-stand workstations to flexible collaboration zones and acoustically separated ‘phone booths’, the workplace has been designed to support different modes of working. This layered approach reflects a wider shift within the profession towards environments that are responsive, inclusive and capable of evolving over time.

Sharline Fitzgerald, Practice Manager at Holland Beckett, says the success of the project lies in how well it works day to day.

“From a practical point of view, this space was designed to support how our people actually work,” she says. “Wingates took our needs and created a space unique to us. Whether it’s access to quiet areas for focused work, flexible spaces for team meetings, or simply the flow of the office, everything has been considered to improve both efficiency and wellbeing. It’s a workplace that genuinely supports our team and, in turn, the service we provide to clients.”

Shaped by its setting

The design draws heavily on its coastal context, using a restrained palette of neutral tones layered with texture, natural materials and subtle colour, enlivened by lush, almost tropical planting. These elements create a calm and cohesive environment with moments of energy and identity throughout.

Natural light, harbour views and carefully integrated artwork – including the wonderful ‘Māramatanga’ installation by local artist Julie Paama-Pengelly, suspended in the atrium – anchor the workplace in its surroundings and reinforce a strong sense of belonging.

Partner Vanessa Hamm says the design reflects a clear intention to create something enduring and representative of both the firm and its hometown.

“We wanted a space that felt distinctly of Tauranga – calm, considered and connected to its surroundings,” she says. “The design balances functionality with a sense of personality, creating an environment that not only supports our work but also reflects who we are as a firm. It’s about creating a place people feel comfortable in, whether they’re working here every day or visiting for the first time.”

Sustainability has also been embedded in the project through adaptive reuse of furniture, energy-efficient systems, and its location within the 6 Green Star-rated Northern Quarter, aligning environmental performance with long-term business resilience.

Regional recognition

The award signals the growing importance of interior architecture in professional settings. As flexible and remote working arrangements become more common, creating workplaces people actively want to come to is increasingly important – supporting culture, connection and productivity, both within the office and to the city beyond.

Wingates has created a space for Holland Beckett which embodies this direction: a workplace that is contemporary without being transient, refined yet welcoming, and forward-looking while remaining deeply connected to the community.

For Holland Beckett, the award marks more than a design achievement. It reflects an ongoing commitment to innovation, people and the region the firm has called home for nearly nine decades.