10 Questions with Eva Nash of Rogan Nash Architects
What drew you to architecture?
For as long as I remember I always wanted to be an Architect. When I was in primary school I used to draw house plans and design houses for all my friends. The thought never left me.
Which creators, artists, designers inspire you?
I find music my most inspiring source, it has the ability to enliven and delight. My playlists cross a wide range of genres from Florence + The Machine to Yumi Zouma, Paul Simon to Maribou State. After music, I am inspired by bold, colourful designs, such as those of Mardi Doherty, Studio Doherty (Australia) and mesmerising art such as NZ artist Karyn Taylor.
How does your home reflect you?
My home is currently under construction! When its complete it will reflect both myself and my family. I am a lover of natural timbers, so I am using timber in a number of different ways including flooring, ceilings, walls and cabinetry without making it overwhelming in any one space. I also love colour, so I’m using subtle colours to personalise spaces including a restful snug and playful children’s rooms.
I am a believer that what we do changes peoples lives. Your home environment has a huge impact on both mental and physical health. Our designs are carefully crafted to be unique to our clients, we like to understand how they live and what is most important to them. We set out to create a home that is both healthy and a delight to live in - Eva Nash
Eva says "I love this cabinet so much that I have purchased it for my own house".
An elegant, spacious wood and wicker cabinet with a simple metal frame. The cabinet’s unique design and choice of classic materials light up the home—its combination of French rattan and oak exuding a lovely sense of warmth.
The classic references are further highlighted by the rounded corners, which invest the Be My Guest cabinet with a touch of softness. Together with the simple black metal frame the organic design makes for a light appearance on the outside while the delicate, solid glass shelf lends a sense of airiness to the inside of this spacious cabinet.
What is sustainable in your eyes?
There is no question we all need to work on protecting out planet for both current and future generations. I think there are many different ways we can do this and every little bit helps. Energy use is something I think about. When building a house I always consider the things people can’t necessarily see, but make a huge difference. Getting the insulation right, making use of natural ventilation, sun shading, orientation and room layout. These are simple principles of passive design that have a big impact on the energy efficiency and thermal comfort of a house. In our office we also consider the NZGBC HomeStar targets including hot water heating, ventilation and healthy materials.
What are the best and most challenging things about what you do?
I am a believer that what we do changes peoples lives. Your home environment has a huge impact on both mental and physical health. Our designs are carefully crafted to be unique to our clients, we like to understand how they live and what is most important to them. We set out to create a home that is both healthy and a delight to live in.
What aspects of the process of designing a home do you feel most satisfying?
We believe every project is unique and requires a bespoke design response. We listen to want a client wants and design a house that matches that brief. It is deeply satisfying when our considered design solution is in harmony with their requirements. Of course the most satisfying aspect is when we return to the house, at the end of the project, and our clients tell us how much they love their home!
What principles are essential trademarks of your visual language and aesthetic? And why?
We don’t just design the shell of the building. We design the rooms and items which also make up the architecture: like the kitchen and cabinetry, pool and fireplace. We look at materials and colours – we think these spaces greatly affect your love for your home, and reflect the way you like to live. These elements are often where we like to push the creative barriers to add vibrancy and fun. We love colour, both bold and subtle and enjoy bringing it into interior elements.
We don’t just design the shell of the building. We design the rooms and items which also make up the architecture: like the kitchen and cabinetry, pool and fireplace. We look at materials and colours – we think these spaces greatly affect your love for your home, and reflect the way you like to live - Eva Nash
What changes have you noticed over time in interiors?
There has been a move to add more colour into interiors, which we are thrilled to see!
What’s the top architectural site on your travel wish list?
I have travelled a lot, but never been to Scandinavia. With so much amazing art and architecture on offer its definitely on my to-do list! I would like to visit the great architecture of Alvar Aalto and Arne Jacobsen as well as the contemporary works by Bjarkle Ingels of BIG and Norm Architects. I certainly wouldn’t forget to visit all the classic furniture showrooms, plus it’s the home of HAY design. And since I have Norwegian ancestry there is no excuse not to head to Scandinavia next!
What is your top 5 picks at Good Form / Mr. Bigglesworthy right now?
I have been a fan of the CC-Tapis rugs since they were released in 2016 and Patricia Urquiola is a design hero of mine:
CC Tapis Visioni A Rug
I love this cabinet so much that I have purchased it for my own house:
Warm Nordic Be My Guest Bar Cabinet
This chandelier is stunning and would look amazing in a large entry, sadly it won’t fit at my house!
Astep Flos Lesfere Pendant Lamp Model 2109
A modern classic, this is on my Christmas wish-list:
Nedre Foss Ildhane Candle Holder
Love Seat: the name says it for me!
L. Ercolani Ercol Love Seat
A big thank you to Eva Nash for sharing insights into her work.
View more Rogan Nash Architects projects at rogannash.com
We believe every project is unique and requires a bespoke design response - Eva Nash
