Our Story

Herriot Melhuish O'Neill Architects began in Wellington in 1997 as HMA, Herriot + Melhuish Architecture, founded by Max Herriot and John Melhuish. They were friends and flatmates: John had left Athfield Architects after a decade, while Max already had his own business, Max Herriot Design.

Duval O’Neill joined HMA in 2002 and, in 2005, moved to Ōtepoti Christchurch to establish the studio there. Duval became a director in 2007, and HMA became HMOA.

The Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland studio came about when architect and property investor Matt Pearson answered HMOA’s ad on the NZIA website. Matt opened the Parnell studio in 2016, with Matt Robinson joining him as co-director in 2022. Read more about Herriot Melhuish O'Neill in Architecture NZ's practice in profile.

The HMOA directors lead a team of highly skilled registered architects and architectural graduates. All are advocates for their industry and a better-built environment in New Zealand, regularly serving on awards juries and industry boards.

John and Max have been honoured as Fellows of Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA).

Sustainability & Homestar accreditation

Herriot Melhuish O'Neill Architects prioritise sustainable design principles that respect and enhance natural ecosystems, ensuring minimal environmental impact through resource-efficient building materials and energy-efficient solutions.

HMOA recognises the importance of sustainable design, belongs to the New Zealand Green Building Council, are certified as Homestar Assessors for the multi-unit and residential sector and often work with other consultants on Green Star Assessments and Whole of Life analysis for commercial projects.

We are focused on the value of re-purposing existing buildings and materials, recognise the benefits of maximising the use of natural light and ventilation and promote the need to reduce energy use, water use and the carbon footprint of a building.

Our sustainability strategy includes ongoing education on environmental responsibility and the incorporation of sustainable practices in every phase of a project, often including collaboration with other consultants, artists and mana whenua

How we put sustainability into practice:

design for resilience to climate events, while reducing reliance on mechanical systems and safeguarding homes from rising sea levels and other climate risk
ensure minimal excavation, for example, by using lightweight timber-framed construction on timber piles
focus on using 'local', eg suppliers, contractors and materials
use durable and relatively maintenance-free materials for harsh environments and to limit maintenance that would contribute to a higher carbon footprint
design for intergenerational living and/or a level of adaptability to ensure the project has a meaningful and sustainable future
create flexible layouts, ensuring spaces are adaptable into the future
use passive and active heating and cooling systems, with strategically placed windows to optimise natural ventilation and solar gain

HMOA's project portfolio

HMOA is experienced in the heritage, health and hospitality sectors, multi-unit developments, education, recreation, film studios, civil projects, commercial interiors, earthquake strengthening and master planning.

Our residential projects include new houses and renovations, supporting clients to subdivide their own properties, townhouses, studios and intergenerational living.

Budget and cost

With nearly 30 years of experience, HMOA is focused on minimising client cost risk. We have multi-staged cost management strategies that help ensure our clients get the best advice and value. In the early stages of a residential project, we always advise our clients to use the services of a quantity surveyor.

On larger projects, we work closely with quantity surveyors to closely manage construction costs.

Guides to working with an architect

For more information and clarity on working with an architect, download one of our step-by-step guides:

Working with an architect on a new home or renovation

Subdividing your own property

HMOA's top tips to getting started on an apartment development

HMOA's guide to adaptive reuse of an existing building

The craft of architecture

HMOA believes enduring architecture is a delicate balance of factors – the client’s needs and aspirations, HMOA's professional training and expertise, the history and nature of the site, the need for sustainable design – but also intuition and common sense. Every design decision matters.