WHISKEY + WOMEN: DISTILLING THE DESIGN PROCESS

We had a fantastic turnout of around 45 people despite the cold and rainy weather.
Four speakers presented a short slide show each about their design practice, using three key words to ‘distil’ their own individual process.
Desiree Whitaker, founder of Cardrona Distillery spoke first, describing her journey opening her distillery and the positive experience she had working with an architect to design their building. She led everyone through the tasting of her own whiskey.
The other three speakers were from the architectural field.
A+W NZ member (and 2017 A+W NZ Dulux Award Jury Member) Sharon Jansen (Sharon Jansen Architect) spoke about her emphasis on hand drawing and creating meaningful relationships with her residential clients.

Following the first two speakers we partook in two more tastings, again led by Desiree. This was a popular part of the night and a real education for those who are whiskey beginners.
Ben Jagersma (First Light Studio) spoke about his practice’s unique process of utilising more team members at the concept stage to produce competing designs for their clients.
And finally, fresh graduate Jahmayne Robin-Middleton presented his award-winning Masters thesis topic, describing a collaborative design process that he created and in order to design community buildings for a rural settlement in Hawkes Bay.

A short Q&A session led by A+W member Sarah Bookman followed.
Our aim was to organise an event that was a bit different to the usual professional speakers evening format. This was definitely achieved – the addition of the whiskey as a theme for the night kept everyone interested (and merry) and provided good conversation material for all. We got a lot of positive feedback about both the speakers and the lively format of the night.
We are very grateful to Studio Pacific Architects, Warren and Mahoney Architects and Athfield Architects for their generous sponsorship.

Join us in Wellington to listen to four speakers 'distill' their ideas about the design process, with whisky tastings between.

We have the talented Desiree Whitaker of Cardrona Distillery as the headline speaker for the event. She has founded and continues to run a distillery in the Cardrona Valley that has been winning awards worldwide for their Source gin and single malt whisky.

All other speakers are from the Wellington architectural field, showcasing a diverse range of approaches to their personal and firm-wide architectural design process. An informal Q&A session will conclude the evening, giving both speakers and guests alike a chance to learn and be inspired by different approaches to design.

Complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and food will be served along with the whiskey tastings. Not just for whisky lovers!

This event wouldn't be possible without our generous sponsors: Studio Pacific Architecture, Warren and Mahoney Architects, and Athfield Architects.