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Mason & Wales Architects

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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.

Services
ResidentialArchitectural DesignCommercialMulti ResidentialAdditionsNew BuildsResidential Projects

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Business details

Category:
Architects
Business focus:
Residential & Commercial
Verified ArchiPro member since:
2014
Award winning professional:
15 awards

Awards

2025

Local Award for Architecture

NZIA Southern

Manukard Gard | Project of the Month

2025
AwardLocal Award for Architecture
OrganisationNZIA Southern
ProjectManukard Gard | Project of the Month
View Project
2024

Local Award for Architecture

NZIA Southern

Marina Terrace Apartments

2024
AwardLocal Award for Architecture
OrganisationNZIA Southern
ProjectMarina Terrace Apartments
View Project
2024

Enduring Award - Mason & Wales Office Building (1973)

NZIA

Mason & Wales Building (1973)

2024
AwardEnduring Award - Mason & Wales Office Building (1973)
OrganisationNZIA
ProjectMason & Wales Building (1973)
View Project
2023

Top 100 | Regional Category Winner | Regional Gold

New Zealand Registered Master Builders Awards

Maihara Residence

2023
AwardTop 100 | Regional Category Winner | Regional Gold
OrganisationNew Zealand Registered Master Builders Awards
ProjectMaihara Residence
View Project
2023

Local Award for Architecture

NZIA Southern

Maunga Ora

2023
AwardLocal Award for Architecture
OrganisationNZIA Southern
ProjectMaunga Ora
View Project
2022

Local Award for Architecture

NZIA Southern

Jacks Retreat

2022
AwardLocal Award for Architecture
OrganisationNZIA Southern
ProjectJacks Retreat
View Project
2022

Regional Category Winner, Regional Gold and National Top 100

New Zealand Master Builders

Blueskin Bay Retreat

2022
AwardRegional Category Winner, Regional Gold and National Top 100
OrganisationNew Zealand Master Builders
ProjectBlueskin Bay Retreat
View Project
2020

Local Award for Architecture

NZIA Southern

The Cliffs House

2020
AwardLocal Award for Architecture
OrganisationNZIA Southern
ProjectThe Cliffs House
View Project