Craig Sutton

Whangarei Girls - New Science Block

For the Ministry of Education, I revived a stalled 2018 project by resetting the design process with a new team. This ensured the final outcome successfully met the client's standards for aesthetics, functionality, and budget.

AUT Lecture Theatres Development

I led the 2006 retrofit of a highly asbestos-contaminated university space into state-of-the-art, technology-linked lecture theaters. The project involved the direct purchase of new seating, HVAC, acoustics, and IT systems. Working collaboratively with consultants, we achieved an excellent result. I also engaged a Pacifica artist for a glass façade design, securing approvals from both Māori governance and university leadership.

Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae: Unitec

From 2008, I represented Unitec's leadership on this significant cultural project. I oversaw the final stages of the carved Whare Nui and then managed the delivery of the Whare Kai, a large dining and community facility with a commercial kitchen. I presented the full project journey to judges, and our work was recognized with the Supreme Award at the Property Council Awards. It remains a treasured campus and community space.

Lumino the Dentists - Flag Ship Head Office, CBD Auckland

In 2018, I led a fast-track project to design and build a 12-chair dental head office for Lumino Dentists in downtown Auckland’s Lower Albert Street. Drawing on my previous experience delivering dental facilities for AUT University, I managed the full project—from assembling the consultant and construction team to overseeing successful completion within a commercial office tower.

Veterinary Complex in Franklin

As the architectural designer for a design-and-build contractor, I delivered a large, bespoke veterinary complex for Franklin Vets in the 1990s. My full-scope role included architectural and structural design, resource consent, civil, and mechanical services. I successfully translated the client's operational needs for public clinics, surgery, retail, warehousing, and offices into a functional design, earning high praise for the outcome.

Auckland City Mission Rebuild

I coordinated between the health teams, architects, and engineers to finalise the design within a unique timber structure and oversaw government funding payments. The project succeeded within its constraints, receiving thanks from both the Ministry and the DHB.

Multi-storey Apartment Buildings

I was the Design Manager for apartment projects at a large home builder in 2022. My job was to take initial concepts and manage the full design process through construction. I handled this role for two major projects at the same time: one at Hobsonville Point and another in Penrose, learning key lessons about budgeting and delivery on these complex builds.

2005 Salad Greens Food Processing Plant: Pukekohe, New Zealand

I personally completed all design and draughting required for building consent, including structural and civil works documentation, as well as the resource consent and town planning documentation. I also procured building materials and engaged individual trades to deliver the main build for a local Franklin Grower.
The building remains notable for its size in its rural setting.

2026 New Concept Farm Building Design

Working with separate consultant design teams under the lead designer for the main structures, I facilitate efficient turnkey delivery for the main client. This includes farm operational management platforms, produce-processing plant design, and procurement options for plant and building materials.