Ron Seeto has a particular interest and experience in the design and delivery of interior and exterior spaces that meet client requirements driven by these fundamentals -- purpose, aesthetics, budget, site, culture, social and environmental.

Born in Fiji and graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture with Honours from Auckland University, he has worked in New Zealand and the South Pacific – starting with Claude Megson and latterly Murray Cockburn.

Ron believes the dream project holds these elements -- innovation and practicality. Listening and collaboration. Enthusiasm and commitment. Trust and clarity between architect, client and consultants.

As every project is personal and unique, Ron does not work to a defined style or formula. Context is important, not to mimic but be part of a place in a liveable community.

Ron has designed a wide range of projects including residential, commercial, and institutional, and have amassed special expertise in the residential, liturgical and the hotel/resort sectors. 

How did you get into the design industry?

An early childhood building sandcastles, graduating to treehouses, balsa wood and meccano sets – so dreaming and making.

What are some of your career highlights from your time in the industry?

Seeing happy clients using and personalising the liveable spaces I have shaped with them.

What are the biggest issues facing the industry in your market at the moment?

In Auckland New Zealand - construction costs are at a tipping point - inefficient and heavy handed regulatory processing of consents.

How has the industry changed in the time you have been involved with it?  

Increased compliance costs – easy access to a ubiquitous global design book becoming a threat to imaginative and locally appropriate design.

What changes would you like to see over the next two to five years in the industry?

More disruption in the way we think about, designing and making sustainable liveable spaces and communities. Applying more Prefabrication and Modularisation. Harnessing technology advances in support.

What advice do you have for people who are just starting out in similar careers?

Travel, look and learn. Be curious. Ask questions. Seize opportunities. Stay amazed with what can be achieved through thoughtful and courageous design.

How do you accommodate different demographics, for example families and the aged, in your projects / designs?

Understanding each project’s needs - delivering easy, desirable and rewarding liveable spaces for their users – enabling the Art of living.

What’s your dream home, anywhere in the world?

A “Super-Home” as a carefully curated collection of intelligent living, cooking, sleeping pods and modules clustered loosely together – romantic relaxing indoor and outdoor “rooms” merging seamlessly together – practising the Art of Mixing woven into a lush garden and water setting – making magic and delight supported by the most up to date smart sustainable technology - performing and living the architectural dream.

For more information on Ron visit: http://www.ronseetoarchitect.co.nz

See also:

Knight Frank's Rick Kermode offers Private Fiji Island For Sale

Shanghai resort created from historic houses