Mason & Wales Architects
About us
Mason & Wales Architects is an award-winning Registered New Zealand Institute of Architects practice based in the South Island of New Zealand.
Mason & Wales is the first Architectural practice in the country, founded in 1862 by William Mason, the first Architect to live and work in New Zealand and the first Mayor of Dunedin.
During its history the firm has been responsible for the design of a large number of notable buildings throughout New Zealand, and has established valued relationships with clients, consultants and contractors alike.
Mason & Wales work with clients from all over the world on a range of projects of all sizes and types, including Master Planning, Institutional, Hospitality, Commercial, Multi-Residential, Houses and Interiors.
The team works collectively from their Dunedin office, and from Queenstown and Wanaka, with a commitment to making a positive contribution to the built environment. Mason & Wales designs and delivers architecture which strives to be enduring and sustainable to enrich the lives of our clients and the community.
Mason & Wales have built a reputation on the enduring principles of quality, value and professionalism, which is evident in their portfolio of completed work.
Our People
Hamish M. Muir, Architect Director
REGISTERED ARCHITECT
B. ARCH (Hons), ANZIA
hmuir@masonandwales.com
+64 21 704 263
Hamish M. Muir is a third generation Otago Architect, who is proud to be leading New Zealand’s first architectural practice.
With over 20 years professional experience, he has been responsible for a wide range of project types and sizes, for discerning clients of all types throughout New Zealand, and overseas.
He enjoys being personally involved with projects from concept to completion, and encourages a collaborative and integrated approach to all stages of the architectural process, with clients, contractors and consultants alike.
Hamish has been recognised by various awards and publications for his built work including world leading sustainable design and high quality houses, and in 2024 was recognised as a Fellow Member in 2024 by the New Zealand Institute of Architects, for his high standing in the profession, degree of eminence, and service to the Institute.
Hamish is dedicated to the practice of architecture, with a vision to enrich people’s lives and make a positive contribution to both built and natural environments.
Matthew Barbour, Registered Architect
Matt grew up in the rural North Island, and graduated from Victoria University, before joining Mason & Wales in 2007.
Due to his attention to detail in design and documentation as well as office processes and systems, he is an invaluable member of the team.
Involved in projects from initial briefing, through concept design and to completion, Matt is adept at both freehand drawing as well as CAD, which enables him to enrich the craft of architecture.
Matt is involved with a wide range of projects across the office and around New Zealand, and has been responsible for the delivery of some of the more progressive projects in the firms recent history.
Ruth Whitaker, Registered Architect
Ruth is a second generation architect, who graduated from The University of Melbourne in 2010, and worked in Australia before returning to Mason & Wales in 2012.
A composed and talented designer who is particularly skilled in freehand drawing to communicate and develop ideas to reality, from large-scale planning studies to small and intimate interior details.
Ruth is involved with projects from conception through to completion, and has successfully delivered many high quality, and award-winning projects whilst fostering valuable client relationships.
Get in touch
Business details
- Category:
- Architects
- Business focus:
- Residential & Commercial
- Verified ArchiPro member since:
- 2014
- Award winning professional:
- 15 awards
Awards
Local Award for Architecture
NZIA Southern
Manukard Gard | Project of the Month
Local Award for Architecture
NZIA Southern
Marina Terrace Apartments
Enduring Award - Mason & Wales Office Building (1973)
NZIA
Mason & Wales Building (1973)
Top 100 | Regional Category Winner | Regional Gold
New Zealand Registered Master Builders Awards
Maihara Residence
Local Award for Architecture
NZIA Southern
Maunga Ora
Local Award for Architecture
NZIA Southern
Jacks Retreat
Regional Category Winner, Regional Gold and National Top 100
New Zealand Master Builders
Blueskin Bay Retreat
Local Award for Architecture
NZIA Southern
The Cliffs House























