8 October 2010 Dear Lindsay RE Gina Jones: 1002MC I am founder and principal of a Wellington practice of 15, Accent Architects (www.accentarch.co.nz) . I remember hearing a Radio New Zealand interview with Glenn Murcutt following his winning of the 2002 Pritzker Architectural Prize. Glenn made a comment that an Architect wasn’t really producing good work until they were in their 40’s and had been in practice for 20 years. I was about to turn 40 the following year and the comment resonated with me. My career started with great promise, at University (VUW) I had won the Alexander Crawford Scholarship (1984) for top placement in a science degree (BBSc) and was later awarded a Senior Scholarship (1986) for top students in a post-graduate degree (BArch). I then started work with the highly regarded Wellington practice, Toomath and Wilson, and quickly became an Associate of that firm, and later a director of one of the two firms that emerged post Derek Wilson’s retirement in the early 1990’s. When I heard Glenn’s interview in 2002, I felt that my career had somehow stalled since my heady start and so I made steps to get back on track. I completed an MFA at Melbourne’s RMIT in 2005, which has uncovered a new line of enquiry for me that includes an art career (www.ginajones.co.nz). Personally I have been the recipient of a number of recent New Zealand construction industry awards including the 2009 New Zealand Institute of Building (NZIOB) Gold Medal, and the 2006 National Association of Woman in Construction (NAWIC) ‘Helen Tippett’ Award for the woman who has made the greatest contribution to the construction industry for the decade 1996-2006. As a practice we are starting to produce some work that is receiving attention (this week we received a Local Branch NZIA Award for a small project). I am now at a point where my career is getting back on to the trajectory set by the younger version of myself and I view the Glenn Murcutt Master-class as a catalyst to make the next push to becoming a great architect. I have attached some recent practice Newsletters and Project Image Sheets that will give you a feel for the type of work I do. You could also have a look at the Accent website (www.accentarch.co.nz ) and my art website (www.ginajones.co.nz ). Also attached is the most recent version of my CV. Kind regards Gina
Gina Mary Frances JONES (nee Utting) Architecture Accent Architects Ltd (1995 - ) www.accentarch.co.nz Gina founded Accent Architects in 1995, and has spent the subsequent period progressively building Accent Architects into one of Wellington’s foremost Architectural brands. High Profile projects undertaken in the past ten years: x 2009: Redevelopment of three former Tobacco warehouses into new commercial spaces in Napier’s historic Ahuriri district. x 2008: New purpose-built Cityfitness buildings in Kapiti and Nelson x 2007: Redevelopment of 1970’s office building into a Compassion House care centre x 2006: Development of a new school - Masterton Primary School x 2005: Redevelopment of the heritage listed Tower Block, and a new classroom block at Queen Margaret College x 2005: Redevelopment of the derelict heritage listed Hyams building into the Nomad Capital Hotel x 2002: Redevelopment of Wairarapa College heritage administration building x 2001: Tararua College Technology x 2000: St. Mark’s Church School - Calder Block Rebuilding, Hall Redevelopment, Coffey/Kirby Blocks x 1999: Queen Margaret College – Performing Arts Centre x 1999: Comprehensive site redevelopment of heritage listed St. John’s Presbyterian Church, including undercroft car-parking and two new buildings on the site
Ampersand Architects Ltd/Toomath Wilson Irvine Anderson Ltd (1984 - 1994) Gina was approached in 1984, while still a student, to work for Toomath Wilson Irvine Anderson Ltd (Architects and Consulting Engineers). In 1986 Toomath Wilson Irvine Anderson was renamed TWIA Architects on the retirement of Derek Wilson. Gina was invited to become an Associate of TWIA Architects in 1987. In 1988 TWIA Architects spilt into two firms - one was Ampersand Architects Ltd of which Gina was a co-director. Key Projects undertaken at Ampersand Architects Ltd/Toomath Wilson Irvine Anderson Ltd: x St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Willis Street x St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Willis Street x St. Mark’s Church School x Wesley Church Taranaki Street Redevelopment x Queen Margaret College x Hunter Precinct at Victoria University of Wellington x Government House Exterior Refurbishment x New Clubhouse for the Tasman Bay Cruising Club x New Zealand Post, Beaurepaires Building fit-out for New Zealand Post, Palmerston North x Bank of New Zealand Te Aro, Rehabilitation and Refitting x Feasibility Studies and Reports
Gina Jones/Page 2
Academic Master of Fine Arts (2005) Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University (RMIT)
Bachelor of Architecture, First Class Honours (1987) Victoria University of Wellington (VUW)
Bachelor of Building Science (1984) Victoria University of Wellington (VUW)
Senior Scholarship (1986) For top students in a post graduate degree VUW
Alexander Crawford Scholarship (1984) For top placement in a science degree VUW
James Hardie & Coy Pty Ltd (1984) Award for top placement in Construction Technology, Environmental Science and Structures
Rotary Youth Leadership Award (1981) Johnsonville Rotary Club
Other Education Entrepreneurs Success Programme (1999-2001)
Teaching Central Institute of Technology, Heretaunga
Lecturer in Business Communication and Management 1991 - 1992 Interior Design Course School of Architecture, Victoria University of Wellington (VUWSoA) Tutor in Professional Practice 1998, 1996, 1990 and 1988
Tutor in Management and Communication 1988 Tutor in Construction Studies 1987 Tutor in Computer Applications 1986 Paper with Grahame Anderson, Design Constraints Particular to Wellington, SAHANZ 1991 Conference
Gina Jones/Page 3
Professional New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) 1984-present Fellow 1997 National Investigation Committee, 1997-1998 National Incorporation Committee, 1996 Secretary, Wellington Branch 1994-95 Wellington Branch Committee 1993-1996 Continuing Professional Development, Branch Representative 1992-1994 Juror Wellington Branch Awards 1993
New Zealand Institute of Building (NZIOB) 1984-present
NZIOB Medal 2009 Fellow 2001 Education Trust Trustee 2005-2009 Convenor Building Excellence Awards 2002 - 2007 Central Chapter Honour Award 2000 Director National Practice Committee 1996-1998 Immediate Past President 1999 – 2000, 2001-2002 National President 1998 – 1999, 2000-2001 National Vice President 1996 - 1998 President, Central Chapter 1994-1996 Conference Committee 1993-1995 Chapter Board Member 1991-2002
National Association of Women in Construction 1996 – present Co-founder 1996 Co-winner of the ‘Woman who has made the greatest contribution to the construction industry for the decade 1996-2006’ New Zealand Registered Architects Board Assessor, NZ Registered Architects Board (NZRAB) (2006-) Examiner, Architects Education and Registration Board (AERB) (1994-2006) Joint Visiting Board (Victoria University) 2001, and NZRAB representative from 2005 –
Miscellaneous ICOMOS NZ member 2009DoCoMoMO member 2009Zonta Club of Port Nicholson 1992-1998 Service Committee Convenor 1995–1998 Super Achiever Award 1997 Wise Women 1994-2000 Clear Self Employed Woman of the Year – Winner Newly Emerging Business, Porirua and Hutt Valley 1997 Greytown Community Heritage Trust, Trustee 2007 – present, Architectural Advisor Friends of the New Dowse, Committee Member 2007 – present, Convenor of NZ Student Craft Design Award 2008 – present
Gina Jones/Page 4
Art www.ginajones.co.nz Arts Qualifications 2005 Master of Fine Arts (Painting) (RMIT)
Selected Exhibitions
Upcoming Sept 2009 Oct 2009 Dec. 2009 June 2010 Oct. 2010
Milford Gallery, Dunedin (Group) Seen this Century, Group Show, Judith Anderson Gallery Aratoi, Wairarapa Museum of Art and History, Masterton (Solo) Sanderson Contemporary Art Gallery, Auckland (Solo) The Cat Street Gallery, Hong Kong (Solo)
Solo Exhibitions: 2008 Gina Jones, Page Blackie Gallery 2007 Gina Jones, Tinakori Gallery 2005 Light Perceptions, Wellington Art Centre Gallery, Wellington
Selected Group Exhibitions Auckland Art Fair, Sanderson Gallery, Auckland Scale, Sanderson Gallery (group show), Napier Furniture, Judith Anderson Gallery (group show) 2008 Wallace Award Finalists, Aotea Centre and The New Dowse, Wellington Melbourne Art Fair (group exhibition with Page Blackie Gallery), Melbourne 2007 Clean Machine, Group Exhibition, Gus Fisher Gallery, Auckland Sculpture, Tinakori Gallery, Wellington Auckland Art Fair, Tinakori Gallery, Wellington
2009
2006
2005
2004 2003
Finalist Waikato Contemporary Art Award, Hamilton Finalist Norsewear Art Award, Hastings Tinakori Gallery, opening group exhibition, Wellington Melbourne Art Fair (group exhibition with Tinakori Gallery), Melbourne Group Exhibition (MFA Candidates), RMIT University, Melbourne Dark Room – Light Travels, Group Exhibition (Vivien Atkinson, Helen Jones, Gina Jones), Faculty Gallery, RMIT University, Melbourne Inverlochy 2004 Group End of Year Exhibition, Wellington Accent Architects Artists – World Architecture Day, Wellington Creative Photography, Inverlochy Art School, Wellington Visions and Views, Inverlochy Art School, Wellington
Gina Jones/Page 5
Selected Bibliography Seen this Century. Warwick Brown. Random House. 2009 The Artists 2009. Sanderson Contemporary Art Gallery. 2008 Two Ziggurats in Wellington, John Daly-Peoples, National Business Review, 7 March 2008 Gina Jones Tinakori Gallery Wellington, NZ Art Monthly, 29 September 2008 Too Clever by Half, Salient, Douglas Crane,14 July, 2008 2007 Gina Jones 2007. James Blackie. The galleries: Remarkable riches in Auckland shows, T.J. McNamara, NZ Herald, 9 August 2007
accent architects’ newsletter
number four
Accent Architects Principal Wins Prestigious award Accent Architects principal and founder, Gina Jones has been awarded the prestigious New Zealand Institute of Building (NZIOB) Medal for her contribution to the building industry since 1986. The medal is awarded bi-annually to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the industry.
Gina Jones accepting the NZIOB Medal
NZIOB President, Martin Fahey presenting Gina Jones with the NZIOB Medal
Gina is the second woman to win the medal since its inception in 1984. The
tion to the industry may have been considered by
first was Professor Helen Tippett, Dean of Architecture at Victoria University
those who bestowed the award on me”.
and Gina’s mentor.
That Gina now joins building industry legend
Gina joined NZIOB while still a student in the mid-1980’s at the suggestion of
Helen Tippett as the only two women to win the
Helen Tippett, and progressively become more involved at branch level, and
award is fitting in that Helen played an influential
subsequently national level. Gina served as NZIOB as National President for
role on Gina’s early career. “Helen made an im-
two terms (the only one to have done so) and until very recently had a long asso-
mediate impression on me and encouraged me to
ciation with the NZIOB Awards both as a judge and as the Awards Convener.
enter architecture school. Helen was an inspiration
When asked why she felt the NZIOB had decided to present her with the award, Gina commented “I would like to think that I made an impact with the
to me through my studies and throughout my career until her death in 2004” says Gina.
NZIOB in terms of getting things done and raising the Institutes profile. As a
The recognition cements Gina’s position as the pre-
female in the construction industry I am aware that I am often cited as a role-
eminent woman practitioner in the New Zealand
model for younger woman in the building sector. That aspect of my contribu-
construction industry.
P E R S P E C T I V E S
A Perfect Match
Transforming an Unused Space into a Property Highlight
The refurbishment of the 600m2 historic Kourarau Homestead is a project that rep-
The new Artists Studio is sited at the rear of a half acre Lot on Greytown’s
resents the perfect match of property and owner. Kourarau Homestead had been
historic Main Street, and sits behind an original Working Man’s Cottage.
held within the same Wairarapa farming family for generations (est 1885), and
An elegant and simplistic design was sought for a small Artist Studio and
had become very tired, with considerable maintenance issues needing attention.
garage.
Original mono-pitch shed on site
The new mono-pitch artists studio on site
A studio space was required for the artist owner, Kourarau Homestead refurbished exterior
Kourarau Homestead Dining Room
while a garage also formed part of the brief. The new building therefore needed to provide a
The new owners have a large young family and do a great deal of en-
stimulating creative space on one hand, while ac-
tertaining, and so it was important that the house became a home with a
commodating the utilitarian needs of a household
central hub. As Phillipa Paviour-Smith commented “the motivation behind our
on the other.
purchase of Kourarau Homestead was to have a place for weekends and
There had been an existing dilapidated shed in the
holidays but big enough for our growing family and to comfortably host visi-
south-east corner of the property and that building
tors. Kourarau offered all of this with the added feature of it being a grand
served as a design reference with its simplistic
historic home”. The feeling of the house as a grand homestead was retained
rectangular form, mono-pitch iron roof, and vertical
and emphasised. The new kitchen and pantry have farmhouse character, the
timber weatherboards. The original shed was
dining room has richness, and the billiard room possesses old world grandeur.
located off the boundary and the space around
A new main entry provides added drama to the building’s exterior, giving an
it was overgrown and didn’t make a positive
obvious and grand entry which the house previously lacked.
contribution to the property’s landscaping or usable
The project was all about the detail, and about not compromising. The
outdoor living. A key driver for the design of the
matching of existing timberwork, the product selection and the finishing was
new building was that the floor-plate occupied
meticulous. The house has been transformed from one that is cold, damp and
‘unused’ land only. In doing so, the new building
dark to one that is warm, airy and light filled.
had to work around, and engage with the trees in the area.
Neil Paviour-Smith commented “we had undertaken a large renovation before so were prepared for what this project entailed, but you invariably underestimate the significance of the job. We were very fortunate to have Accent
The garage is located in the corner of the site and Kourarau Homestead Hallway
anchors the overall composition with the studio
The interior of the artists studio
This provides a dramatic aesthetic while more practically, providing much needed shelter from the harsh Wairarapa summer sun. The building creates a black shape in the shadows of the trees, which renders the studio indiscernible to pedestrians looking across the site from the street. For the property owner, the new buildings have created considerable amenity value without causing loss of treasured usable outdoor spaces.
engaged, as they shared our vision for the property and were dedicated to
manship, management and professionalism. With
appearing to use the garage as a base from which
ensuring the finer details were seen to right through the project. Credit too to
the house now complete we are delighted with the
to launch itself off with a black mono-pitch roof that
At the time of writing the Artists Studio was selected as a finalist in the small
D.R. Borman, the builders, who have demonstrated their considerable work-
outcome and will be for the many years ahead.”
soars into the branches of the nearby Walnut tree.
project category of the 2009 NZIA Wellington Local Branch Awards.
P E R S P E C T I V E S
Stimulating Student learning and Engagement
Students expectations of their school environments has changed enormously
As well as incorporating leading edge educa-
over recent times. Unfortunately, many school built environments haven’t
tional design aspects, the proposed new building
changed and opportunities to provide students with a contemporary educa-
needed to fit into its built environment. The Queen
tion experience are being lost.
Margaret College site is a magnificent inner-city leafy campus with traditional style buildings centred
The Educational design elements that Accent Architects have incorporated
around the heritage listed Tower Block. It was con-
into the design of Queen Margaret College’s proposed new Gymnasium and
sidered important to create a building that facili-
Language Block reflect the practice’s commitment to leadership in the educa-
tated the leading edge Education and Environmen-
tion design sector. Accent Architects director, Malcolm Fleming, believes that
tally Sustainable Design (ESD) functions required,
“great design is a tool for achieving higher educational outcomes for students,
while providing a form that sat well aesthetically
as a practice we want to provide our clients with buildings and campuses that
amongst the existing character building stock on
enhance the educational experience by engaging students and allowing our
the campus.
young people to thrive and fulfil their potential”.
Making schools places that kids want to go to
1 Excavated soil re-used on site where possible or re-use off-site in a meaningful way 2 Solar panels used on various roofs for water heating 3 Natural light from high level windows fills a large area, reducing energy costs 4 Natural light from various levels reduces glare and dark areas 5 Rainwater from roof collected in underground tank for WC flushing 6 Large roof overhangs protect classrooms overheating in summer sun 7 Low level winter sun allowed to enter building, warming concrete floors 8 Cross ventilation allows for natural cooling and fresh air exchange 9 Double glazed windows and doors control heat loss 10 New landscaping to suit area, use of native plants 11 High quality insulation used throughout building 12 Sustainable/ recycled and or recyclable materials used for flooring 13 Bathroom and showers use low flow tap and shower fittings 14 All artificial lighting controlled by sensors to conserve energy
11 3
13 1
to developing engaged learners. A number of Queen Margaret College’s senior students were in the audience at a presentation of the new building proposal at the College’s recent 90th Jubilee celebrations. The audible excitement from the girls to the prospect of the new building confirmed that great design does indeed provide a stimulus to student learning and engagement.
8 2
14
rather than a place they have to go to is a key
6
4
258 Thorndon Quay, Wellington
12
9
7
10
P O Box 3591, Wellington 6140 tel: (04) 939 8222 fax: (04) 939 8221 30 Main Street, Greytown P O Box 44, Greytown 5742
5
tel: (06) 304 7006 fax: (06) 304 7008
P E R S P E C T I V E S accent architects’ newsletter
number three
A Splash of Colour
Wellington’s Sisters of Compassion
brane transformed a leaking building
transformed Compassion House into a
were seeking to rationalise their
into a dry one.
bright spot in an otherwise dull part of
activities into one central location.
Lukes Lane is a bleak environment, and
the inner City”
The former Federation of Labour build-
the existing building blended into the
ing in Lukes Lane was purchased and
mediocrity of its location. The design
Accent Architects were commissioned
team chose a daring colour scheme to
to convert the run down building into a
lift the spirits of the Centre’s user
centre that could accommodate the var-
groups as well as make a positive contri-
ious community groups and services
bution to onto what was a dark and
that Sisters of Compassion support.
unwelcoming Lane.
The interior of the building was refur-
As Sisters of Compassion Congrega-
bished to meet the needs of a diverse
tional Leader Sister Rae Berry comment-
user group, while re-roofing and the
ed “Accent Architects have adopted a
application of a water-proofing mem-
very creative use of colour, which has
P E R S P E C T I V E S
Wairarapa Houses
Masterton House before extension
Martinborough House
Designing new houses and large
opportunities to be involved in new
scale house extensions is a very per-
house commissions and large scale
sonal process that relies on a close
house extensions throughout the
bond developing between architect
Wairarapa region.
and client. New house design is all about expressing the client’s individuality within the context of the sites terrain, landscape and/or streetscape.
these commissions are for Wellington based people requiring a weekender. The ability to utilise an architect with local area knowledge and contextual
Through its Greytown office, Accent
design sympathy, while being able to
Architects is getting a number of
interact regularly in Accent’s
Masterton House decking
Masterton House after extension
A number (but certainly not all) of
Greytown House
Martinborough House
Wairarapa House
Wellington office, has proven to be a
scale house extensions as being
successful combination.
among the more challenging and sat-
The comparative small scale of individual housing enables a concentra-
isfying projects that are undertaken by the practise.
tion on detailing to be undertaken that
There is no common design signature
is often not possible in large scale
running through Accent Architects
commercial and education projects. It
domestic architecture, and that is
is the personalisation of domestic
exactly the way the practice likes it.
architecture as well as the highly
After all the results need to be individ-
focused attention to detail that marks
ual to the client not the architect.
new house commissions and large Wairarapa House kitchen
Greytown House Sofitt
Wairarapa House Interior
P E R S P E C T I V E S
Accent Architects move to Thorndon Quay WOW is the word on the lips of first time visitors to Accent Architects new office and studio space at level 1, 258 Thorndon Quay. Accent Architects had outgrown their previous premises and required a high profile location that would accommodate their steady growth in numbers. The new space is an amalgamation of interior design and practical art installation. The result is a dynamic open plan space that leaves visitors and team members in no doubt that they have entered a creative environment. Thorndon Quay has long been considered Wellington’s building design precinct, and Accent Architects arrival further enhances that reputation. 258 Thorndon Quay, Wellington P O Box 3591, Wellington 6140 tel: (04) 939 8222 fax: (04) 939 8221 30 Main Street, Greytown P O Box 44, Greytown 5742 tel: (06) 304 7006 fax: (06) 304 7008
www.accentarch.co.nz