Design inspiration can often find significance from the context and culture of surrounding areas. Located on Hingaia Rd, Karaka, Hingaia Early Childhood Centre pays homage to Hingaia, a Maori chieftainess who lived in the area. The roof and wall cladding drape over the building in a singular form is similar to that of the Kakahu (Maori cloak) and the viewing orientation towards the south-east looks towards Te Maketu.

Blockhouse Bay, Auckland

The interior palette of the Blockhouse Bay Library refurbishment references and evokes memories of the Bay. It speaks of the transition from the land folding around the beach, to the water, which then connects to the Manukau Harbour.

The walls are a lush palette of vibrant colours reminiscent of the Bay on a summer's day - the red of the pohutakawa flowers in full bloom, flax yellowing in the hot summer sun, the varying tones of green within our dense native bush with its filtered light, and finally the murky teal of the bay itself.

Carpet tiles selected for the library were chosen from Interface's Net Effect collection - a collection made from recycled fishing nets, the tile design tracing tidal patterns. Using this pattern, the carpet traces the Manukau Harbour, tracing the water, the shoreline and the land - a lighter tile giving way to darker expanses of water, the Harbour. 

Visitors enter the library through the mouth of the harbour - green and red channel markers on either side, located close to the shoreline. Throughout the library, these bold, bright channel markers work to indicate a series of key areas within the library - including the service desks, self issue, the children's zone. In the Children's Space, the monochromatic palette of the main tiles gives way to a playful array of green, the subtle textural variations adding interest and encouraging interaction.

New Lynn, Auckland
A key element of the refurbishment of New Lynn Library was a reorganisation of the layout, with shelving realigned to open up the library and create visibility through to the exterior environment. The previously solid bulk of the service desk was lightened through the creation of a new breathable, interactive service zone.

Interior colour selections are a nod to Crown Lynn Potteries, a key part of the local history of the area. Crown Lynn's colour glaze range inspired the vibrant shades of orange, teal and pale blue used throughout the library.

Closer to home in Mangere, MAKE has designed a new Gymnasium complex and Office area for EFKS Puaseisei Magele I Sasa'e Mangare East Congregational Christian Church in Samoa.  Working either side of the existing steep triangular geometry, the new forms reference the softer curves of the Samoan fale and timber interior panelling.

Papatoetoe, Auckland

A project for Auckland Libraries, this design pays homage to the original 1970’s interior architecture/structure and features a bold and playful modern carpet design layout, new service spaces featuring stunning David Trubridge overhead lighting, and customised Service desks. The refurbishment also includes a new Staff kitchen and Meeting Room, along with a refurbished mezzanine Teen space featuring panellised Autex acoustic wallcovering.

In conjunction with Establish, MAKE have enjoyed designing a new Early Childhood Centre in the Rodney District.

In conjunction with Establish, MAKE have enjoyed designing a new Early Childhood Centre for 100 children in the rural Clevedon community. The Centre encourages connections to the outdoors, interaction with animals and horticultural engagement. The design form of the building draws inspiration from the barn structures found in the surrounding areas.