Julia Mercer

I established Elbow Architects in 2019 after a successful career in New Zealand and abroad. My experience is focused on individual residential and commercial projects, working for award winning architectural companies.

Graduating with a Masters of Architecture (professional) with First Class Honours in 2009 from the University of Auckland, I continued to work for Pacific Environments in Auckland before moving to Canada. First working for a large multi-disciplinary firm in Vancouver before moving to a residential design/build firm in Calgary. I became a New Zealand registered architect in 2013, and moved back to NZ in 2018.

I have two small children, and am thoroughly enjoying growing and developing Elbow in amongst family life.

Elbow couples inventive design with a relatable and transparent process that takes the client from the initial concept through to their completed building.

I take a contemporary and inventive approach when developing a unique building. I impart strong sustainable considerations into my designs to create a forward looking, effective and efficient building. I take a particular focus on responding to the landscape, environment and the clients’ individual needs.

Above all, I aim to make the process seamless and positive for my clients.