Our Team
Whitaker Architects is an experienced and collaborative team of architects, designers and technical specialists.
We combine design excellence with technical expertise.
Francis Whitaker
Francis Whitaker is a founding director of Whitaker Architects and brings over 45 years of architectural experience across a broad range of projects throughout New Zealand.
A graduate of the School of Architecture at the University of Auckland, Francis is a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Architects and a Registered Architect. Throughout his career, he has earned a reputation as one of New Zealand's leading architects, recognised for his design excellence, creativity and highly collaborative approach to practice. His work has been widely published in architectural and lifestyle publications, featured in New Zealand's Best Homes, as showcased on television, reflecting the high regard in which his architecture is held.
Francis’s expertise spans client engagement, briefing, master planning, concept design, project leadership and delivery. He is highly regarded for his ability to listen, interpret client aspirations and transform them into meaningful, enduring architectural outcomes.
His work encompasses master planning and urban design, small-town and subdivision planning, commercial and resort developments, and an extensive portfolio of high-end residential architecture. Across all project types, Francis is committed to creating buildings and places that are responsive to their context, enjoyable to inhabit and designed to stand the test of time.
A talented and expressive designer, Francis uses hand drawing as an integral part of the early design process. His sketches bring ideas to life, encourage meaningful engagement with clients and stakeholders, and help establish a clear, shared vision from the outset.
Francis has received numerous New Zealand Institute of Architects Awards for Architecture and Master Builders Awards, including three Supreme Awards. His passion for architecture, combined with his depth of experience and design leadership, fosters an inspiring and collaborative environment for clients, consultants and project teams.
Architect DirectorRuth Whitaker
Ruth Whitaker is a founding director of Whitaker Architects and a passionate, dedicated architect committed to achieving exceptional outcomes for clients, communities and the wider built environment.
Ruth graduated with a Master of Architecture from the University of Melbourne. She brings a composed and highly collaborative approach to practice, fostering strong relationships with clients, consultants, contractors and project teams throughout every stage of a project.
Ruth plays a central role in the design, development and management of projects, from initial concept through to completion. Her experience includes a broad range of contemporary residential and commercial architecture across New Zealand, often on diverse and challenging sites. She is skilled at balancing the practical, technical and design requirements of a project to deliver highly resolved and enduring architectural outcomes.
A talented designer and communicator, Ruth is skilled at working across scales from large-scale planning studies through to finely detailed interior spaces helping to establish a clear and cohesive design vision from the outset.
Ruth’s expertise extends across architectural design, project management and interior design integration. She is available to provide interior design leadership where required, ensuring that interior spaces are seamlessly integrated with the wider architectural vision to create refined, cohesive and highly considered environments.
Ruth has successfully delivered numerous high-quality and award-winning projects while building trusted, long-term relationships with clients. Her thoughtful leadership, attention to detail and commitment to collaboration contribute to an inspiring and harmonious project environment.
Architect DirectorPeter Tucker is an Associate Director at Whitaker Architects and a highly experienced architectural technician. He brings extensive technical expertise and a rigorous, detail-focused approach to delivering complex, high-quality architectural projects.
Peter’s experience spans high-end residential, multi-residential and large-scale commercial developments. His expertise includes BIM coordination, consultant collaboration, technical documentation, contract administration and project delivery through to completion.
His project experience includes complex residential apartment and hotel developments. Through this work, Peter has developed a strong understanding of the technical, regulatory and coordination requirements associated with projects of varying scale, complexity and location.
Peter provides technical leadership across projects, ensuring that architectural documentation is carefully developed, coordinated and delivered to the highest standard. He works closely with engineers, consultants, contractors and project teams to resolve technical matters efficiently, maintain design intent and support a seamless delivery process from documentation through to construction completion.
Associate DirectorPeter Tucker
Louis Deverson is an Associate Architect at Whitaker Architects, bringing a thoughtful and collaborative approach to the design and delivery of architectural projects.
Louis gained his degree in Architecture from Victoria University of Wellington and has developed broad experience working throughout the South Island and the United Kingdom.
A valued member of the team, he is involved in all stages of a project, from concept design and documentation through to construction administration. He is recognised for his composed, efficient and hardworking approach, making a meaningful contribution to every project.
Louis works closely with clients, consultants and contractors to deliver thoughtful, well-resolved architectural outcomes that are technically robust, responsive to their context and carefully considered in every detail.
Architect Associate Louis Deverson
Tukiteraki (Tu) Bull
Architectural GraduateTukiteraki (Tu) Bull graduated from Otago Polytechnic in 2024 with a Bachelor of Architectural Studies. He is experienced in architectural design, documentation and BIM coordination.
Tu brings a strong cultural perspective to architecture, with a particular interest in creating an authentic Architecture of Place informed by whenua, whakapapa and context. His thoughtful approach contributes a valuable dimension to the practice and supports the creation of meaningful, site-responsive design outcomes.
Tu's skills include concept design, graphic communication, BIM modelling and architectural documentation. An intelligent and enthusiastic architectural graduate, he is a valued member of the team and contributes across all stages of project delivery.
Sean Marr
Senior Architectural TechnicianSean Marr is a Senior Architectural Technician who contracts to Whitaker Architects. He has worked alongside our team for over 20 years. He brings extensive experience in the technical development and delivery of complex architectural projects, together with a practical, detail-oriented approach to project documentation and coordination.
Sean's expertise includes technical documentation, BIM modelling, consultant coordination and construction detailing across a broad range of complex residential and commercial projects. He works closely with architects, engineers and contractors to ensure projects are accurately documented, well coordinated and efficiently delivered throughout the design and construction process.
Sean is committed to delivering high-quality technical documentation and resolving complex technical and detailing challenges. His strong technical knowledge, attention to detail and collaborative approach contribute to the successful delivery of well-resolved architectural projects.
Phil Dawson
Senior Architectural TechnicianPhil Dawson is a Senior Architectural Technician who contracts to Whitaker Architects. He has worked alongside the practice for over 35 years. He brings extensive experience in the technical development and delivery of a wide range of architectural projects, together with exceptional technical knowledge and a meticulous approach to documentation.
Phil's expertise includes technical documentation, construction detailing, consultant coordination and project delivery across residential architectural projects. He works closely with architects, engineers and contractors to ensure projects are accurately documented, well coordinated and delivered to a consistently high standard.
Phil is highly regarded for his technical expertise, attention to detail and collaborative approach. His depth of experience and commitment to quality contribute to the successful delivery of well-resolved architectural projects and provide valuable support to clients and project teams throughout the design and construction process.
Alan Anderson
ConsultantAlan Anderson is a Senior Consultant to Whitaker Architects, bringing over 45 years of architectural experience across a wide range of residential, commercial and public projects. He has extensive technical knowledge and broad expertise in design, planning and project delivery, providing valuable support throughout all stages of a project.
Alan works with the project team to provide strategic advice, design review and technical guidance, helping to resolve complex challenges and maintain design quality. His collaborative approach, sound professional judgement and exceptional technical expertise contribute to well-considered, practical and enduring architectural outcomes.
As a Senior Consultant, Alan provides experienced oversight and quality assurance, supporting the successful delivery of projects while ensuring the architectural vision and client objectives are achieved.
Nelleke Calnan
Office ManagerNelleke Calnan is the Office Manager at Whitaker Architects and a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in financial administration and practice operations. She plays a key role in ensuring the efficient day-to-day running of the practice and supports the delivery of projects through financial management.
Nelleke is responsible for the practice's financial management, administration, and office operations. Her proactive, organised and friendly approach provides valuable support to the architectural team.
With excellent communication skills, sound financial expertise and a collaborative nature, Nelleke contributes to a professional and enjoyable working environment. Her attention to detail, approachable manner and commitment to quality underpin the smooth operation of the practice.