Andrew Tu’inukuafe and Barrington Gohns are a powerful pair who, together and separately, have made a profound difference to architecture in our region. Each epitomises the ideal of a Luminary, creating change that is inclusive, diverse and culturally aware.
The two practice architecture at Warren and Mahoney (WAM), Tu’inukuafe in Auckland and Gohns in Sydney. Their visions are united, intertwined and evident across Aotearoa/New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific.
Andrew Tu’inukuafe, of Tongan descent, studied at The University of Auckland. A love of language, craftsmanship and tradition has remained influential in his life. After completing his Bachelor of Architecture, he studied at the Architecture Association in London before joining Warren and Mahoney in 2015. He is now Chairman of the WAM Group, leading with sound principles embraced throughout the practice.
Barrington Gohns was born in Auckland and also studied at The University of Auckland. With a background in lighting, events and art installations, his transition to architecture came through working with the visualisation team at WAM. A key turning point was his involvement with the 119 Great North Road project. He later relocated to Sydney and is now Principal and Head of Design in Australia.
Warren and Mahoney, founded in 1958 by Sir Miles Warren and Maurice Mahoney, is in its third generation. With studios in Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown, Dunedin, Sydney and Melbourne, its culture underpins every project.
That culture is led by Tu’inukuafe and Gohns, who ensure projects stay true to people and place. Under their leadership, WAM won three consecutive World Architecture Festival Awards for the Alexandria Health Facility, North-East Link and University Technology of Sydney First Nations College, each reflecting lessons learned from Aotearoa/New Zealand.
The creation of Te Matakīrea, WAM’s Indigenous Design Unit, ensures deep cultural understanding and co-design across all sectors. Gohns reflects on this transformation, noting the firm’s significant growth and cultural reset since he joined in 2009. Tu’inukuafe and Gohns have been instrumental in shaping Te Matakīrea and a practice-wide commitment to understanding all people and places within design. WAM has become a template for others to follow, making architecture more reflective of Country.
Tu’inukuafe says, “There are systems of knowledge and stories rooted in place… we have a responsibility to listen, understand and respect those and express this in a contemporary architecture that is of place.”
Together, they champion heritage and forge meaningful relationships. Across Australia, they consult with First Nations communities; in the Pacific, with elders; and in Aotearoa/New Zealand, connection is integral. Through their leadership, Tu’inukuafe and Gohns are guiding WAM to create architecture that matters – for everyone, wherever they reside.
The Luminary category at the 2025 INDE.Awards is proudly partnered by .
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