Candid Company: NZ Architect Ken Crosson Talks Business
New Zealand architect Ken Crosson brings old-school style to design's digital age
Julia Fairley
28 May 2019
Chief Sub-Editor and Writer, Houzz Australia and New Zealand. I love design and architecture that is thoughtful, sophisticated and champions an element of the unexpected. Before graduating with a Bachelor of Arts at UNSW and becoming a journalist, I studied interior architecture. For over a decade I have interviewed inspiring creative minds from around the world to write about design in its many different forms. Recently, I have also become an accidental gardener, to everyone's surprise.
Chief Sub-Editor and Writer, Houzz Australia and New Zealand. I love design and architecture... More
Ken Crosson of Crosson Architects may not know much about the latest design software, and he admits he’s not the person to ask about cutting-edge technological developments. But this New Zealand architect knows how to design a building with heart, how to respond to the form of a natural landscape, and how to bring some old-world analogue soul to architecture’s burgeoning digital age. Houzz caught up with the principal architect of this practice to learn his professional story.
Ken Crosson, principal architect at Ken Crosson Architects
What do you do?
Here at Crosson Architects the intention is that we create architecture that can play a significant role in improving people’s lives. We want to facilitate a better living environment for all.
What do you do?
Here at Crosson Architects the intention is that we create architecture that can play a significant role in improving people’s lives. We want to facilitate a better living environment for all.
Kuaotunu House, NZ
What distinguishes your work?
Within the studio, our starting point for the design is an intuitive response to site, informed by cultural and contextual references relevant to client, site and community.
What distinguishes your work?
Within the studio, our starting point for the design is an intuitive response to site, informed by cultural and contextual references relevant to client, site and community.
Hut on sleds, Coromandel Peninsula, NZ
How did you enter this field of work?
I attended the Auckland University School of Architecture and received a Bachelor of Architecture.
I grew up in a farming family in rural New Zealand, but after a visit on a school careers day in Christchurch, just after the Christchurch Town Hall was built, I realised that I wanted to pursue architecture.
Find a local architect on Houzz and browse images of their work
How did you enter this field of work?
I attended the Auckland University School of Architecture and received a Bachelor of Architecture.
I grew up in a farming family in rural New Zealand, but after a visit on a school careers day in Christchurch, just after the Christchurch Town Hall was built, I realised that I wanted to pursue architecture.
Find a local architect on Houzz and browse images of their work
Hut on sleds, Coromandel Peninsula, NZ
When did you start Crosson Architects?
After working in London for a couple of years once I had finished university, I set up Crosson Architects in 1987. The studio has been through a couple of changes over the years, but the core principles have stayed the same.
When did you start Crosson Architects?
After working in London for a couple of years once I had finished university, I set up Crosson Architects in 1987. The studio has been through a couple of changes over the years, but the core principles have stayed the same.
Kuaotunu House, NZ
How has your business changed?
When I started in 1987 there was one employee – me. I was very fortunate that Cook Hitchcock and Sargisson offered me work on several small projects. This gave me time to develop an office while my own client base was evolving.
Gradually, over the years, people were added as projects allowed. Today, our studio numbers 12 with a mix of graduates, architects, urban designers and technicians. I am very fortunate to have an extraordinary talent base within the team.
How has your business changed?
When I started in 1987 there was one employee – me. I was very fortunate that Cook Hitchcock and Sargisson offered me work on several small projects. This gave me time to develop an office while my own client base was evolving.
Gradually, over the years, people were added as projects allowed. Today, our studio numbers 12 with a mix of graduates, architects, urban designers and technicians. I am very fortunate to have an extraordinary talent base within the team.
Hut on sleds, Coromandel Peninsula, NZ
In the early days the jobs were small – alterations, additions, and renovations to many villas and bungalows. Gradually, the projects grew in scale, scope, budget and complexity. I was very fortunate in 2003 to win the Home of the Year award, and two years later the Home of the Decade. This opened the door on a series of new projects.
Personally, I have not entered the digital age. Having said that, I have now mastered emails and I’m a dab hand with my iPhone! The studio, however, is very skilled in multiple software platforms, enabling collaborative workflows and great productivity.
In the early days the jobs were small – alterations, additions, and renovations to many villas and bungalows. Gradually, the projects grew in scale, scope, budget and complexity. I was very fortunate in 2003 to win the Home of the Year award, and two years later the Home of the Decade. This opened the door on a series of new projects.
Personally, I have not entered the digital age. Having said that, I have now mastered emails and I’m a dab hand with my iPhone! The studio, however, is very skilled in multiple software platforms, enabling collaborative workflows and great productivity.
St Heliers House, Auckland, NZ
Can you identify a turning point for your company?
There were a couple of turning points for the office – I designed a small commercial office that got some recognition and had some interesting spaces in it, then I designed a bach (the NZ word for a holiday house) for the family, which received some national and international awards. This recognition gave us credibility.
We started small (just me) with not many bad habits and progressed very cautiously.
Can you identify a turning point for your company?
There were a couple of turning points for the office – I designed a small commercial office that got some recognition and had some interesting spaces in it, then I designed a bach (the NZ word for a holiday house) for the family, which received some national and international awards. This recognition gave us credibility.
We started small (just me) with not many bad habits and progressed very cautiously.
Kuaotunu House, NZ
What has proven the greatest professional challenge?
I am very fortunate that up until now I have not have had any insurmountable professional challenges.
What has proven the greatest professional challenge?
I am very fortunate that up until now I have not have had any insurmountable professional challenges.
Valuvalu House, Auckland, NZ
What have you learnt about your industry that you wish you knew when you started?
Mentors. I was lucky to be mentored by the late Jim Fletcher in terms of establishing robust business practices. I’ve also patterned my life at various stages on other professionals and inspirational people.
What have you learnt about your industry that you wish you knew when you started?
Mentors. I was lucky to be mentored by the late Jim Fletcher in terms of establishing robust business practices. I’ve also patterned my life at various stages on other professionals and inspirational people.
St Heliers House, Auckland, NZ
When choosing sub-contractors or clients, what do you look for?
It must be people with the same attitude and ethos. The values that we at Crosson Architects uphold are collaboration, bravery and responsibility. If we don’t have clients who aspire to this, as well as personalities that resonate with us and the teams that we put together, the opportunities or the result is not as fulfilling.
When choosing sub-contractors or clients, what do you look for?
It must be people with the same attitude and ethos. The values that we at Crosson Architects uphold are collaboration, bravery and responsibility. If we don’t have clients who aspire to this, as well as personalities that resonate with us and the teams that we put together, the opportunities or the result is not as fulfilling.
Kaipara House, Kaipara Harbour, NZ
What are the deal breakers that make you reluctant to work with clients?
Opposite to the prior.
What are the deal breakers that make you reluctant to work with clients?
Opposite to the prior.
Raglan House, Raglan, NZ
What’s the best advice you can offer about managing a team?
Surround yourself with superb staff.
What’s the best advice you can offer about managing a team?
Surround yourself with superb staff.
Kaipara House, Kaipara Harbour, NZ
How do you plan to grow or maintain your level of success?
My old dad used to say, “If a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing well”.
This is the attitude that we have within the office, from design through to documentation to on-site. We strive for the highest levels in our output.
How do you plan to grow or maintain your level of success?
My old dad used to say, “If a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing well”.
This is the attitude that we have within the office, from design through to documentation to on-site. We strive for the highest levels in our output.
Bay of Islands House, Bay of Islands, NZ
Any recommendations for software or apps that help you run your business well?
Software – is that a merino jumper?!
Any recommendations for software or apps that help you run your business well?
Software – is that a merino jumper?!
Kaipara House, Kaipara Harbour, NZ
Your turn
Which points in this interview resonate with your own professional experience? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save your favourite images and join the conversation.
More
Did you miss last month’s Candid Company? Catch up here on our interview with the founder of Tim Davies Landscaping
Your turn
Which points in this interview resonate with your own professional experience? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save your favourite images and join the conversation.
More
Did you miss last month’s Candid Company? Catch up here on our interview with the founder of Tim Davies Landscaping
Related Stories
Most Popular
What Was Life Like for Australia's First Female Architect?
As a pioneering architect, engineer and urban planner, Florence Taylor built a foundation for female architects to come
Full Story
Trade Shows
In Conversation With 2020 Designer of the Year, Franklin Azzi
This year's Maison & Objet Designer of the Year envisions cities on a human scale and puts durability first
Full Story
Trade Shows
"No Salone Without Milan": In Conversation With Claudio Luti
The president of Salone del Mobile in Milan discusses the future of trade fairs post-Covid-19 and the plans for Salone
Full Story
Designer Profiles
Open Book: How 3 Interior Designers Hit the Big Time
Three interior designers, six questions – discover the challenges, turning points and must-have tools for these pros
Full Story
Designer Profiles
Meet the Women Who Want to Revolutionise Swedish Design
By Sara Norrman
A new exhibition has stirred up questions about design and gender in egalitarian Sweden
Full Story
Designer Profiles
Meet Quentin Hirsinger, Innovator and Founder of MatériO’
By Elen Pouhaer
Houzz talked with the founder of MatériO’, a global database of thousands of innovative materials and technologies
Full Story
For Pros
Open Book: 3 Architects' Advice... That They Didn't Learn at Uni
Three architects, six questions – discover the challenges, turning points and must-have tools for these professionals
Full Story
For Pros
Open Book: 3 Bathroom Designers on Life Balance & Lessons Learned
Three bathroom designers, six questions – discover the challenges, turning points and must-have tools for these pros
Full Story
Trade Shows
Q&A With Michael Anastassiades, 2020 Designer of the Year
By Elen Pouhaer
Maison et Objet trade fair names iconic lighting designer Michael Anastassiades Designer of the Year for 2020
Full Story
For Pros
Open Book: 3 Joinery Designers on Reducing Risk, Rebranding & ROI
Three joinery designers, six questions – discover the challenges, turning points and must-have tools for these pros
Full Story
A fantastic article and body of work!
Having sub-consultants and clients that share a similar attitude and vision resonates with us too. It tends to create a positive energy and enthusiasm that results in a successful project outcome.
Dear Ken & staff, magnificent dreamy homes. The more I viewed your designs I forgot what the article was about. I thought I was booking my next holiday. Your designs captured the views, I’m sold!