Practice
Background
The practice was established in 1982 in Christchurch by David Sheppard and Jonty Rout. In its 42 years the practice has carried out a wide range of projects covering many types and in numerous geographic locations. The founding partners brought to the practice extensive design and construction experience gained while working with other offices in both New Zealand and overseas. Tim Dagg joined Sheppard & Rout in 1986 and Jasper van der Lingen in 1993 and they both joined David Sheppard as Directors in 2006. With David Sheppard now retired and Jonty very sadly passed away, the practice is led by Directors Jasper van der Lingen and Tim Dagg and three Associate Directors; Matt Gutsell, Jonathan Kennedy and Steven Orr.
Founding Director David Sheppard
Founding Director Jonty Rout
Ethos
For us architecture is about creating places that lift the spirit.
A place that enhances the quality of life for not just the inhabitant but the community and the broader public.
A place you enjoy and want to be in that respects a particular site, history, culture and environment.
The built environment is the stage and backdrop of our lives and should contribute to making life a meaningful and beautiful journey.
Sheppard & Rout especially adhere to a set of values including:
Kaitiakitanga respect and nurturing of the environment.
Manaakitanga respect for all.
Kairangi excellence and quality.
We strive to ensure all our work is as sustainable as possible within the constraints of a specific project. In particular Sheppard & Rout are pioneers in developing mass timber engineered architecture; from the world first of its type, post tensioned multistory timber office building, Young Hunter house. Through to the first full multistory mass timber classroom block for the Ministry of Education, Waimea College, and the double carbon zero timber build, Dolomite Point Visitor Centre in Punakaiki.
Services
Sheppard & Rout offer planning, urban design, architectural and interior design services. The practice has extensive experience and competency in a diverse range of architecture, from large scale complex commercial and institutional projects to individual homes and alterations.
A focus for Sheppard & Rout is to foster a team approach to practicing architecture that maintains ready and effective communication between client, consultants and contractor. We frequently advise clients on the formulation of the project brief as well as the appropriate options available for their specific development. Furthermore, we have the ability and experience to advise on urban design and planning projects at all scales.
Studio
Sheppard & Rout practice with a 24 strong team out of our central Christchurch studio. We ensure close working relationships between all staff and partner involvement in every commission to retain a high design quality and technical competence on all projects.
While we hold a close interest and involvement with Christchurch and its re-build following the earthquakes, we also work on projects across New Zealand, notably in Queenstown and Wellington. The practice moved back to 104 Salisbury Street in 2015 after extensive renovations were undertaken to the original villa and a new studio pavilion was added at its rear.
