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Monday 7:30am - 5pm Tuesday 7:30am - 5pm Wednesday 7:30am - 5pm Thursday 7:30am - 5pm Friday 7:30am - 5pm

DCA Architects of Transformation

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DCA Architects of Transformation

We empower the regions to thrive by celebrating and amplifying their unique cultural, physical, social, economic and environmental identity.

DCA Architects of Transformation Ltd is a firm of registered architects and designers, established in 1996 by Darryl Church. We are Rotorua based and the practice has received over 40 industry design awards and on an annually consistent basis. We have helped our residential, public, commercial and education clients achieve project outcomes consistently higher than expectations. DCA’s completed wor

ks cover a wide variety, demonstrating our adaptability to listen, research, analyse and deliver projects of relevance, function, environmentally sensitive and of high architectural merit.

14/06/2026

We are delighted to have The Chodge featured in the new Cape to Bluff Volume 2. A stunning architectural photography book by world-renowned photographer Simon Devitt and writer Andrea Stevens.

Traversing Aotearoa New Zealand, the book composes a unique portrait of residential architecture from north to south. At its heart is a strong sense of place, exploring 30 exceptional homes that respond to the land — its forms, its climate, and its people.

It is a privilege to see The Chodge included among such a remarkable collection of homes and architectural stories.

Simon Devitt Photographer
Folio Communications

02/06/2026

Work is well underway on Hamilton Girls’ High School’s new Performance Health and Wellness Centre, with Hawkins leading the build.

Designed by DCA, the Centre will provide flexible, high-performing spaces for sport, training, learning and connection.

It’s exciting to see the project taking shape on site, and we’re looking forward to watching it become a vibrant hub for students, staff and the wider school community.

With, Together, For.

28/05/2026

Get to know Nathan Edmondston, our vibrant Nelson team lead and sustainability expert__

Nathan doesn’t just talk the sustainability talk... he walks it, designs it, assesses it, and probably checks the insulation values along the way.

A Registered Architect, Homestar Designer and Assessor, Certified Passivhaus Designer, and Green Star Accredited Professional, Nathan brings a serious amount of knowledge to the table, but always with a practical, positive, team-first attitude.

He’s the kind of person who’s always asking, “How can we do this better?” better for the project, better for the people using it, better for the industry, and better for our future environment.

A true team player, problem-solver and all-round good human. We’re lucky to have Nathan leading the charge in Nelson.

21/05/2026

Congratulations to Currie Construction Ltd. on receiving a Gold Award for Mangapapa School at the recent NZ Commercial Awards.

These prestigious awards set the benchmark for commercial construction in New Zealand, celebrating excellence, collaboration and innovation across the building industry. What makes them especially meaningful is that they recognise the contribution of the whole project team, the people, partnerships and collective effort that bring these outstanding projects to life.

We’re proud to have been part of the team behind Mangapapa School and extend our congratulations to Currie Construction Ltd. and everyone involved in delivering this award-winning project.

With, Together, For.

Currie Construction Ltd. - Mark van Wijk (Construction Manager), Te Rangi Brown (Site Supervisor), Kevin Hatten (Site Supervisor)
DCA Architects of Transformation - Nick Chibnall-West, Darryl Church, James West
Ministry of Education - Nicole Seccombe (Delivery Manager)
Mangapapa School - Paul Sadler (Principal)
Colliers Project Leaders - Elliot Brown (Project Manager)
eCubed Building Workshop - Conor Fullbrook (MEP Services)
LDE - Rob Haskell (Geotechnical), Scott Langley (Structural), Andrew Appleby (Civil)

15/05/2026

We’re thrilled to have received an award for Hauparu Bay House at the Te Kāhui Whaihanga NZIA Waikato & Bay of Plenty Regional Awards.

A simple yet considered lakeside retreat at Hauparu Bay, designed for a valued repeat client and shaped around relaxed outdoor living, boating, and life on Lake Rotoiti.

A huge thank you to the judging jury, our client, project team, consultants, contractors and everyone involved in bringing this special home to life. Recognition like this is a celebration of the care, craft and collaboration behind the project.

Congratulations to all of this year’s award winners and shortlisted projects.

With, Together, For.

In association: Yvette Jay Interior Designer
Contractor: Ray Holmes
Engineering and Civil: BSK
Landscaping / Landscape Designer: Terra Firma / Stellar Projects
Photography / Video: Simon Devitt Photographer

Te Kāhui Whaihanga NZ Institute of Architects

06/05/2026

Get to know James West /
Technical Manager & Associate_____

Our go-to for anything technical, and the person most likely to throw down a competitive match at the ping pong table.

A resident petrol head fuelled by blue V, quick comebacks and a competitive streak, James has been part of DCA for 14 years. In that time, he has solved countless technical challenges, mentored team members, and built deep respect and experience across a wide range of sectors.

With his practical mindset, technical knowledge and systems thinking, James plays a key role as DCA’s internal systems and technology specialist, helping keep our people, projects and processes moving.

01/05/2026

We’re honoured to have received an award this evening for Mangapapa School at the Te Kāhui Whaihanga NZIA Gisborne & Hawke’s Bay Regional Awards.

A special project shaped alongside students, the school community, Ministry of Education, project team and partners — all committed to delivering a meaningful outcome for the people and place it serves.

With, Together, For.

DCA Architects of Transformation - Nick Chibnall-West, Darryl Church, James West
Ministry of Education - Nicole Seccombe (Delivery Manager)
Mangapapa School - Paul Sadler (Principal)
Colliers Project Leaders - Elliot Brown (Project Manager)
Currie Construction - Mark van Wijk
eCubed Building Workshop - Conor Fullbrook (MEP Services)
LDE - Rob Haskell (Geotechnical), Scott Langley (Structural), Andrew Appleby (Civil)

26/04/2026

The Lake House ______

The Lake House is the social and cultural heart of Freedom Lifestyle Villages Rotorua.

Drawing from three intertwined local typologies, the design reflects the wharenui and community hall tradition of clear-span gathering spaces, the simple gabled forms of agricultural sheds and pātaka, and Rotorua’s lakeside baches with deep verandas that blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors.

These design cues create a warm, flexible community centre for dining, recreation, learning and everyday connection.

Project Team ______

Design: DCA Architects of Transformation – Werner Naude, Nandia Lines, Paulo Silva
Interior Designer: Amber Elliston of Amber Interiors
Services Engineer: Pope Electrical
Fire & Structure Engineer: BCD Group
Civil Engineer: Harrsion Grierson
Landscape Architect: RM Landscapes

Photography: Hyperreal / Simon Devitt Photographer

20/04/2026

Bledisloe Housing ____

More than a social housing development, this community brings together timber-built apartments and shared spaces enriched with kōwhaiwhai patterning, pāua-inspired tones, native planting and productive food gardens. Combined, these elements create safe, connected homes that reflect local identity, honour history and support residents’ collective wellbeing.

Project Team ____

DCA Architects of Transformation: Nick Chibnall-West, James West, Jacqui Topless
Orchestra Property: Logan Taylor (Development Manager)
Stradegy: Paul O’Shaughnessy (Planning)
Cultural Advisors: Thompson Hokianga, Tāmanuhiri Russell
Kāinga Ora (Client): Greg Boyden, Mark Whillans, Chad Smith, Kim Grinlinton

Photography:

12/04/2026

At Mangapapa Primary School Redevelopment, learning is not confined to indoor spaces. Carefully curated outdoor learning areas offer varying degrees of shelter and protection from the elements, enabling a range of teaching and learning activities to take place comfortably outside.

Photography:

Address

1205 Amohia Street
Rotorua
3010

Opening Hours

Monday	7:30am - 5pm
Tuesday	7:30am - 5pm
Wednesday	7:30am - 5pm
Thursday	7:30am - 5pm
Friday	7:30am - 5pm

Website

http://www.dcaarchitects.co.nz/

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