asc architects : architects auckland : NEW ZEALAND

In a world where ‘business start-up’ is the latest buzz word, ASC Architects stands out for its tenacity to shine over six decades. The company’s dynamism is reflected in its people, its projects and its ability to keep succeeding in the face of ever-changing tastes, trends and technologies. And that’s not said lightly – from the time of its humble beginnings as a small practice on Auckland’s North Shore right through to the present day, ASC Architects has continued to win top projects and top awards.

When Nyall Coleman opened his practice in Takapuna in 1953, he concentrated on renovating local houses. In 1960, he partnered with Elmer Gibson, and Coleman Gibson Architects was born; their work grew to include commissions from the Catholic Church, schools and insurance offices. From their offices at 25 Symonds St, the operation continued to grow over the next two decades when it took on engineers as members of the 20-strong staff, and diversified into designing larger city buildings. Other partners were taken on board during the 1970s’, including Maurice Andrews, Warren Wilcox, John Hill and Graeme Scott.

During the financial downturn at the end of the 70s the engineering section was disbanded. But that didn’t stop the architects’ relentless quest to flourish. By 1986 the practice had well and truly become a company, its name changing to Andrews Scott Hill Architects. A few years later, in the early 90s’, a large commission for the National Bank allowed it to employ over 50 people and design a wide variety of building types that are characteristic of ASC Architects today.

Neil Cotton joined the company as a director in 1989, and a couple of years later the name changed again to Andrews Scott Cotton Architects. John Sofo and Brendan Rawson became directors in this era. In 1998, the organisation went a step further and joined Designgroup, a nationwide network of architects who bring economies of scale and expertise second to none to their clients.

ASC Architects left its long time Symonds Street base in 2001, and moved to its current spacious premises in Newton. Trevor Millen became a director in 2007. The company now employs over 40 people, with a wide range of skills and expertise, who continue to win exciting projects and a long list of accolades.

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In a world where ‘business start-up’ is the latest buzz word, ASC Architects stands out for its tenacity to shine over six decades. The company’s dynamism is reflected in its people, its projects and its ability to keep succeeding in the face of ever-changing tastes, trends and technologies. And that’s not said lightly – from the time of its humble beginnings as a small practice on Auckland’s North Shore right through to the present day, ASC Architects has continued to win top projects and top awards. When Nyall Coleman opened his practice in Takapuna in 1953, he concentrated on renovating local houses. In 1960, he partnered with Elmer Gibson, and Coleman Gibson Architects was born; their work grew to include commissions from the Catholic Church, schools and insurance offices. From their offices at 25 Symonds St, the operation continued to grow over the next two decades when it took on engineers as members of the 20-strong staff, and diversified into designing larger city buildings. Other partners were taken on board during the 1970s’, including Maurice Andrews, Warren Wilcox, John Hill and Graeme Scott. During the financial downturn at the end of the 70s the engineering section was disbanded. But that didn’t stop the architects’ relentless quest to flourish. By 1986 the practice had well and truly become a company, its name changing to Andrews Scott Hill Architects. A few years later, in the early 90s’, a large commission for the National Bank allowed it to employ over 50 people and design a wide variety of building types that are characteristic of ASC Architects today. Neil Cotton joined the company as a director in 1989, and a couple of years later the name changed again to Andrews Scott Cotton Architects. John Sofo and Brendan Rawson became directors in this era. In 1998, the organisation went a step further and joined Designgroup, a nationwide network of architects who bring economies of scale and expertise second to none to their clients. ASC Architects left its long time Symonds Street base in 2001, and moved to its current spacious premises in Newton. Trevor Millen became a director in 2007. The company now employs over 40 people, with a wide range of skills and expertise, who continue to win exciting projects and a long list of accolades.