IMG 9135 51
About us
Our practice
Dave Pearson Architects, now known as DPA Architects, was established in 1996 with the intention of specialising in built heritage. That emphasis continues today, with a team now comprising 14 architectural and support staff. The practice has completed a wide range of projects since it was formed, involving churches, museums, art galleries, preschools, rural buildings, educational facilities, residential developments and industrial sites.

DPA Architects has been extensively involved in the Christchurch rebuild since the 2010-2012 Canterbury earthquake sequence and has accumulated considerable knowledge regarding the seismic upgrading of heritage buildings constructed of unreinforced masonry.

The work of DPA Architects has been widely acknowledged through the receipt of a large number of architectural and heritage awards. These have included UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards and National and Local Awards from Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects.
Our team
AWARDS
DPA Architects have received a number of prestigious heritage and architectural awards for a broad range of conservation projects. These include:
Bear Park Early Childcare Centre
Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects 2024 Auckland Architecture Awards Winner, Education Category
New Zealand Commercial Project Awards 2024,Gold Award Winner, Education Category
St Heliers Library
New Zealand Commercial Project Awards 2024 Silver Award Winner, Heritage Category
Townsend Observatory Tower, Christchurch
Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects 2023 Canterbury Architecture Awards Winner, Heritage Category
Hawke's Bay Opera House
Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects 2020 National Award Winner, Heritage Category
Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects 2019 Hawke's Bay/Gisborne Architecture Awards Winner, Heritage Category
Lyttelton Timeball Station
UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards 2019, Award of Merit
New Zealand Commercial Project Awards 2019, Bronze Award Winner Heritage/Restoration Category
Rose Chapel, Christchurch
Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects 2019 National Award Winner, Heritage Category
Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects 2019 Canterbury Architecture Awards Winner, Heritage Category
New Zealand Commercial Project Awards 2019, Gold Award Winner Value Award ($2-$5 million) and Heritage/Restoration Category
The Arts Centre, Christchurch
Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects 2019 Canterbury Architecture Awards Winner, Heritage Category
Supreme Winner, 2016 Canterbury Heritage Awards - The Great Hall
St Bartholomew's Church, Kaiapoi
New Zealand Commercial Project Awards 2018, Silver Award Winner, Heritage/Restoration Category
Canterbury Heritage Awards 2018, Highly Commended, Seismic Award
Church of Scientology, Auckland
New Zealand Commercial Project Awards 2018, Gold Award Winner, Heritage/Restoration Category
Orange Coronation Hall, Auckland
Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects 2016 Auckland Architecture Awards Winner, Heritage Category
Jean Batten Building, Auckland
Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects 2010 Auckland Architecture Awards Winner, Heritage Category
Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa
Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects 1999 Local Award
Tasman Architectural Awards 1999, Heritage Category, Highly Commended
Auckland High Court
Carter Holt Harvey Heritage Award, 1991