This year's judging panel is comprised of architects Tina Williams, Murali Bhaskar, Karl Wipatene and Institute President Huia Reriti.
Tina Williams
Wellington Branch Chair
Tina Williams is an architect working and living in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, and is the current chair of the NZIA Wellington Branch. Her time in practice has dwelled in small scale developments where every detail has an emotive impact for clients. It's not the capital 'A' architecture of shiny magazines, but through this work she has developed an appreciation of the subtler nuances of buildings.
Outside of work Tina has devoted nearly a decade to industry engagement and community building in the architectural profession, helping to organise City Talks, Aotearoa Festivals of Architecture, Garage Talks among others. She believes that progress comes from breaking down our industry silos and finding strength in diversity.
Murali Bhaskar
FNZIA, Design Director, Boon Architects
Hailing from Kerala in South India, Murali is deeply fascinated by the art of storytelling through architecture — exploring how buildings can embody the narratives of place, people, and culture.
With over 30 years of experience across master planning, civic, community, cultural, urban design, and residential projects, his work often blurs the boundaries between art, interpretation, media, and architecture.
Murali’s practice reflects a strong commitment to expressing cultural narratives and fostering collaborative engagement. He believes these processes not only enrich design but also help restore balance where important stories and identities have too often remained invisible.
He believes that meaningful relationships — particularly with mana whenua — are central to shaping authentic design outcomes. Having long called Taranaki home, Murali is based in Ngāmotu New Plymouth. A national design judge on numerous panels, Murali brings a broad perspective to his assessments and holds a deep appreciation for Aotearoa’s vernacular architecture.
Karl Wipatene
Director, a.k.a Architecture
Karl (Taranaki, Te Ātiawa) has over 30 years of architectural experience across a broad spectrum of building types, including hospitality, workplace interiors, cultural, and residential projects. His career includes roles with some of New Zealand’s leading practices, including Herriot Melhuish O’Neill and Warren and Mahoney, as well as six years in London broadening his architectural perspective.
Karl is a partner at a.k.a Architecture, working alongside his wife and fellow architect, Anne Kelly. Their design approach centres on creating buildings that employ a clear composition of form, a strong sense of materiality honesty, and the thoughtful use of light to refine spatial experience.
Huia Reriti
FNZIA, Perehitini of Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects, partner at MAP Architects, Ngā Aho representative
Huia Reriti (Ngāi Tahu) assumed his role as Perehitini in May 2024. He completed a Bachelor of Architecture at Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland and worked for William (Bill) Tuarau Royal’s practice and Warren and Mahoney in Ōtautahi Christchurch. In his capacity as a trustee for the Matapopore Charitable Trust, Huia contributed to Shifting Foundations, Post-quake architecture of Ōtautahi Christchurch (Freerange Press). The trust was mandated by his runanga, Ngai Tuahuriri, to provide cultural advice on the Christchurch Anchor Projects following the city’s 2010-2011 earthquakes.