Graeme Ricketts - Director

professional experience

Graeme began his architectural training as a drafting cadet for White & MacDonald, Hamilton (1981-1985), completing his New Zealand Certificate in Drafting (NZCD) in 1984. He worked for three more practices during the next nine years including the Ministry of Works, Hamilton, New Zealand (1985-88) and Peddle Thorp & Harvey, Brisbane, Australia (1988-1991).

Returning to New Zealand in 1991 he entered Auckland University and graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture (1994). Since graduation Graeme has worked for Worley Consultants, Hamilton (1995-1996) and Swan Railley & Associates, Auckland (1996-2010), becoming a director of Swan Railley Architects (Australasia) Ltd in 2010.

Graeme has been appreciated for the cleverness of his designs, presented with clarity and simplicity yet exhibiting a sophistication and aesthetic that is consistently pleasing to the eye. Within the office he is also considered a guru of construction detailing with his drafting background and experience of medium to large scale commercial work, and often assists other designers in achieving their specific goals.

His speciality is the design of commercial, multi-residential, institutional, governmental and tourism complexes but he enjoys balancing his career with the occasional individual residence which he delivers with sensitivity and verve.

Whilst skilful with traditional drafting tools and knowledgeable in construction technology he is proficient with AutoCAD and associated computer programs for drafting and presentation drawings and utilizes both highly developed manual drawing techniques and computer rendering in the initial concept design phase.

Graeme has been awarded three NZIA Regional awards for architecture during his career; Sacred Heart Girls' College Library, Hamilton (1995); Tokoroa Public Toilets (1997); Marama Street Apartments, Hamilton (2006).

significant projects

Samuel Marsden Hotel, Paihia, Bay of Islands, NZ

Mt Aspiring Chalets, Wanaka, NZ

Mt Pisa, luxury accommodation and spa, Wanaka, NZ

The Waterfront Suites, Paihia, Bay of Islands,NZ (Heritage Boutique Hotel)

Molesi Samoa National Provident Fund Redevelopment Concept, Tuamasaga, Samoa

Survivor Samoa Resort Hotel, Fagaiofu Falelatai Samoa

American Samoa Telecommunications Building, Pago Pago, American Samoa

Pago Pago Harbour Commercial Complex, Malaloa, American Samoa, (Farmers Market & Business Start-Up)

NZ Home Bond Motel and Conference Facility, Cambridge, NZ

Cable Landing Station, Nuku'alofa, Tonga (SPIN Cable Building)

Warkworth Commercial and Residential Development, Warkworth, NZ

Gulf Harbour Staged Town Development, Whangaparaoa, NZ

qualifications

1984 - New Zealand Certificate in Drafting (Arch)
1994 - Bachelor of Architecture - University of Auckland
1996 - Registered Architect - New Zealand Registered Architects Board
Associate Member - New Zealand Institute of Architects (ANZIA)