Meet the Team

Having collaborated with one another for more than 25 years, we share an understanding of architecture as both a creative and disciplined endeavour — one that balances ambition with delivery rigour and values clarity in decision-making.

Our experience within large, well-organised practices has shaped an approach grounded in structure, governance and process. We understand that complex projects require clear leadership and well-defined systems. At Archbold Brown, we apply that discipline with the focus and direct involvement of a smaller practice.

We maintain a sustained interest in construction technology and the realities of building. Our engagement with contractors, consultants and clients is direct and continuous. For us, technical resolution, buildability and risk management are not secondary considerations — they are fundamental to design quality.

Archbold Brown is founded on this alignment: clear leadership, structured process, informed decision-making and professional accountability. Our long collaboration provides continuity and trust — for each other and for the teams we lead.

Mat Brown

Director

Registered Architect

Mat sees architecture as the organisation of complexity. Over three decades he has refined an approach that brings structure to uncertainty — aligning commercial objectives, design intent and delivery risk from the outset.

He has particular expertise in medium and high-density residential development, including projects with significant operational and stakeholder demands. His work in student living, retirement living and build-to-rent housing has contributed to the evolution of these models in New Zealand, often at scale and within challenging urban contexts.

Mat is known for his ability to frame problems clearly, structure decision-making, and maintain momentum across multi-disciplinary teams. He brings steadiness to complex environments and a strong sense of accountability to every stage of a project.

Notable Projects (with Warren and Mahoney Architects and Wingate Farquhar)

  • Waiparuru Hall

  • Quad 7

  • Summerset Parnell

  • Summerset Halfmoon Bay

  • Takapuna Gasometer

  • Kathleen Kilgour Centre

  • New World Browns Bay

Awards

  • NZIA National Award - Waiparuru Hall, 2020

  • NZIA Regional Award - Quad 7, 2017

  • NZIA National Award - Kathleen Kilgour Centre, 2015

  • Property Council of New Zealand, Excellence - Kathleen Kilgour Centre, 2015

  • Property Council of New Zealand, Excellence - ANZ Centre Tauranga, 2013

Richard Archbold (Arch)

Director

Registered Architect, FNZIA

Arch specialises in project leadership. His strength lies in guiding complex teams through uncertainty — aligning stakeholders, resolving technical challenges and maintaining momentum from inception to delivery. He brings clarity to process and confidence to decision-making.

His experience spans commercial, civic, defence and multi-unit residential projects. This breadth enables him to adapt quickly, understand competing pressures and provide steady direction across a wide range of briefs and procurement environments.

For over 25 years Arch has contributed to architectural education across Auckland’s three schools of architecture as a teacher, guest lecturer, critic and external examiner. He co-hosts 76 Small Rooms, a podcast about architecture, with Mat Brown. In 2025 he was appointed a Fellow of Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects — in recognition of his contribution to the profession.

Notable Projects (with Warren and Mahoney Architects)

  • New Zealand International Convention Centre - Project Architect / Project Principal 2013-2018

  • 90 Devonport Road, Tauranga - Project Principal

  • Horizon Hotel - Project Principal

  • Omahu Mixed Use Development - Project Principal

  • ANZ Centre Refurbishment, Auckland - Project Architect

Awards

  • Fellow of Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects, 2025

  • Property Council of New Zealand Auckland Property Professional of the Year, 2022

  • Keystone Trust Outstanding Mentor Award, 2021

  • NZIA Auckland Architecture Award, Commercial Architecture - ANZ Centre, 2013

  • Property Council of New Zealand Supreme Award Winner - ANZ Centre, 2013