DAA – Aucklands newest architectural firm

27 May 2014

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Announcing the formation of DAA - Aucklands newest architectural firm

In recognition of the appointment of Sam Atcheson as a co-director of the company, Dorrington Architects and Associates has rebranded. The new name of the business is DAA, the acronym for Dorrington Atcheson Architects.

The architectural studio based in Newton, Auckland employs a team of six and together, the directors have 30 years experience in the industry.

The pair met at the University of Auckland in the late 90s and originally worked together at Fearon Hay Architects. In 2007, Atcheson joined Dorrington Architects and the first project they teamed forces on a house in the central North Island was recognised in the Residential category of the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) Awards.

While Dorrington will take the lead in the design direction of DAA, Atcheson will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the practice.

The DAA vision is of architecture with a reduced aesthetic. As Dorrington explains, Details are pared back to a minimum so reading the componentry of the building is as clear as possible. Atcheson: Each element is distinctive: were striving for an honesty of structure and material, and buildings that are carefully composed.

The duo has already scooped awards for houses in Auckland, and holiday homes in Taupo and Raglan. In the retail sector, the team worked with design studio Veneer on Shoebox, a store for shoe designer Kathryn Wilson which was a Best Design Awards finalist. Similarly, their collaboration on Britomarts Tyler Street Garage was recognised both by the NZIA and the Best Design Awards.

DAA recently turned their reduced aesthetic philosophy to the renovation of a 70s house in Herne Bay. The layout of this multi-gabled home was proving impractical for a family with three children. They retained the roof and many existing materials, but simplified the internal planning to create spaces that were open-plan, light and a lot more workable.

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DAA - Aucklands newest architectural firm