Q & A with Finn Tate

Tell us about the inspiration behind your career in architectural design.

I come from a family of builders. My dad and uncles were all involved in construction so I was exposed to the practical side of how things are put together from a young age. At the same time, there was also a strong creative thread in my family, which naturally drew me toward design.

What is your architectural inspiration?

A lot of my inspiration on comes from everyday living, how people move through spaces, and the small moments that happen within a home. I’m really interested in how design can support those in a subtle, almost unnoticed way. I’m also strongly influenced by my contemporaries, particularly within New Zealand. There’s a strong sense of shared thinking around landscape, lifestyle, and restraint that naturally feeds into my own approach.

Which materials are you favouring in your current projects?

Lately, I’ve been using a lot of wide, painted vertical shiplap, along with horizontal timber shiplap with battens over the top. I’m also really interested in anything that can be used on curved walls. It’s a nice way to soften spaces and make them feel a bit more considered. I’ve also been bringing in more refined brick finishes, but using them quite sparingly, more as a feature than a main material.

What are some new things that clients are asking for in their homes now?

There’s definitely been a growing focus on more sustainable living. Clients are increasingly asking about eco-friendly elements. Things like solar are becoming much more common, along with a broader awareness of how homes perform over me. I’m also seeing more interest in flexibility within the home. That often comes through in multigenerational living, or incorporating additional spaces that can evolve for future use.

Published by Distinctive Designs.