About us

William Samuels is the founder of WILLIAM SAMUELS ARCHITECTS, an emerging architectural practice undertaking projects throughout New Zealand. He is also the chair of the Nelson & Marlborough branch of Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects.

Originally from Nelson, William moved to Melbourne in 2012 where he began working for Kerstin Thompson Architects (KTA), one of Australia’s leading architectural practices. At KTA William was the project architect on numerous award winning projects at both state and national level, including East Street, the recipient of the 2020 Robin Boyd Award, Australia’s highest architectural award for New Houses.

In 2020 following a move back to New Zealand WILLIAM SAMUELS ARCHITECTS (WSA) was founded. This practice builds upon William’s extensive experience at KTA to bring passion, innovation and design excellence to their local projects. As an emerging practice WSA views the relationships that they build as being integral to their work, and looks to engage with local communities and organisations to provide a bespoke, design focussed architectural service. 

Awards

Professional engagements:

  • 2022-24 Chair of the Nelson & Marlborough branch of Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects

  • 2021 NZIA Nelson Marlborough Architectural Awards (Jury convenor)

  • 2020 NZIA National Student Awards (Jury member)

  • Cofounder of NelsonTasman2050, an urban design and housing advocacy group

  • Facilitator of What if Whakatū Nelson? community ideas hub

  • Te Ramaroa Nelson Light Festival Board Member

Talks & Lectures

  • 2023 City Gallery, Wellington. City Talks - Rethinking Home

  • 2023 NZILA National Conference - Speaker, ‘Retaining the Identity of Place’

  • 2023 Local Matters - Rethinking Home (With NelsonTasman2050)

  • 2021 Monash University - Construction Detailing (joint lecture with Kerstin Thompson)

  • 2021 NZIA Nelson Marlborough Architectural awards - Convenor’s comments

  • 2020 CAN Housing Forum - Alternative Housing Typologies

  • 2020 NZIA National Student Awards - Guest juror’s lecture

Articles