Directors John and Travis enjoyed celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Victoria University of Wellington School of Architecture/Te Kura Waihanga over Labour weekend.
Highlights included catching up with classmates and a gala dinner at Tākina.
Incredibly, at least three of the founding staff from 1975 were in attendance, who taught John in the mid-1980s.
Proving that some things go full-circle, John’s former classmate Professor Robyn Phipps is now Dean of the Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation / Te Wāhanga Waihanga-Hoahoa.
The faculty is thriving. John’s First Professional year class in 1984 numbered 25; the first-year intake for 2026 will be 300 students. From its modest beginnings the faculty now offers a wide range of degrees across many disciplines. As a local supportive practice Wright & Gray Architects employs student interns, graduates and contributes real-world experience to courses.
