Research estimates that between almost zero and 30 percent of the hours worked globally could be automated by 2030. This means that the skills needed today in our working environment will quite possibly not be the skills required by 2030. Automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are changing the way we use data and make decisions, the way we operate within our business and home and the expertise we will need to be successful in the future. A quick glance though history from a design perspective illustrates the shift from hand drawing and design to CAD systems – a quantum shift in skill base. Today’s design community need to be computer savvy as well as understand excellence in design and core design concepts.

With Wellington based Holmes Construction as the family business, going back 60 years to his grandfather’s time, it was perhaps inevitable that Mike Holmes should forge his own way. After a brief but eventful high school career Mike found himself in the family trade, but resisted completing an apprenticeship, opting to travel around New Zealand and Australia working in hospitality instead.

For those who have dreamed of extensively renovating a rundown villa or bungalow, a project of this magnitude can seem daunting. The labour of love and commitment required to restoration to make it a success, is enough to put some people off.

The brief was to create three inner-city Christchurch homes, that felt more like houses, breaking away from the typical one- and two-bedroom city units you traditionally spy in the central city. Kelly Rush of Krush Architecture exceeded expectations. Not only designing three modern, light and bright, high-spec townhouses, he was also awarded the 2018 Residential Multi-Unit Dwelling Architectural Design Award for his efforts.

A coastal Mt Maunganui home on a small, complex site that utilises an ingenious kiwi creation called ‘Kaynemaile Architectural Mesh’ has won the 2018 ADNZ | Resene Residential New Home between 150m2 and 300m2 Architectural Design Award.