Studio Tira is an architectural practice where mātauranga Māori,
te mana o te mareikura, te mahi a te māmā and te ao toi converge.
Our wānanga-led design ethos is grounded in tikanga Māori and centred on the needs and wellbeing of iwi, hapori and whānau. We listen first, build relationships and understand people, histories and whenua before design begins. This enables us to create enduring spaces that become part of a place’s ongoing whakapapa, strengthening wellbeing, belonging and connection.
Our practice extends beyond the built environment, serving as a tūāpapa for rangahau, toi, whakaako, mahitahi and wānanga. We explore traditional tectonics, knowledge and natural materials in contemporary ways, contributing to Māori architecture and design discourse in Aotearoa and abroad. Our process is creatively stimulating and highly collaborative.
We foster a supportive studio where creativity, care and whānau coexist. Architecture, art practice, research, parenthood and collaboration strengthen one another, while, over time, mentoring emerging Māori and Moana Nui graduates builds capability and continuity. Our tira feel valued and inspired to do their best mahi, while strengthening their own hononga-ā-ahurea.