About Esse Architects
Founded in 1990 and based in Cambridge, Esse Architects is an award-winning boutique architectural firm working across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions. Over more than three decades, the practice has built a reputation for designing spaces that balance beauty, functionality, and meaning. Architecture that endures because it is grounded in thoughtful design.
At the heart of Esse’s philosophy is the belief that architecture is about people; how they live, work, and connect within the spaces they inhabit. Every design is bespoke, shaped by collaboration, context, and purpose rather than trend. This approach has seen Esse deliver thousands of projects across commercial, healthcare, education, cultural, and residential sectors.
The firm’s mission is simple: to create architecture that enhances the human experience through clarity, innovation, and care. Esse’s work reflects values of creativity, professionalism, and integrity, consistently adding value through smart, cost-effective design solutions and enduring client relationships
How we work
From concept to completion, every stage is guided by clarity, collaboration, and craftsmanship.
Understanding and Discovery
Every project begins with listening. We take time to understand your vision, needs, and the unique qualities of your site or business. This early dialogue lays the foundation for a design process that is responsive and meaningful.
Concept Design
We develop initial concepts that explore ideas, function, and form. We test options, materials, and spatial flow to ensure the design aligns with both purpose and aesthetic intent.
Design Development
Once a direction is agreed, we refine the design in detail. We collaborate closely with engineers, consultants, and stakeholders to ensure every element performs technically and visually as intended.
Documentation and Approvals
We produce detailed drawings and specifications for building consent and construction. Our documentation is precise and comprehensive as we recognise this is essential for smooth project delivery and cost control.
Construction and Delivery
Esse provides project management and contract administration throughout construction, maintaining quality and ensuring that the built outcome realises the original design vision.
Completion and Beyond
Handover is never the end of the process. We remain available for post-completion consultation, ensuring every detail continues to perform and delight as intended.
Our collaborative and transparent approach allows us to deliver projects that are technically sound, visually refined, and deeply connected to their purpose. We are confident this process yields architecture that stands the test of time.
Our Team
A group of skilled and experienced professionals, our close-knit team includes registered and award-winning architects, as well as internationally-trained senior architectural technicians dedicated to delivering excellence in design and project management.
We also have a wider network of additional architectural resource that we can draw upon should a project call for scale. We highly value our incredible team, each bringing unique expertise and passion to every step of the architectural process.
Peter Hunt
Director/Senior Architect
B. Arch (UPE – RSA)
B. Build (UPE – RSA)
A. Arb (Arbitration – RSA)
Peter joined Esse Architects as a Principal Architect and Director in the Hamilton office in December 2015 and became the sole director in July 2018. Peter’s philosophy in architecture is aligned with Esse’s philosophy, he has 43 years’ experience, of which 26 years were gained in New Zealand.
As a NZ registered architect he has experience in weathertightness projects, commercial projects, education facilities projects, health projects and security related work such as police facilities, correctional facilities, defence contracts, justice projects and banks (where attention to detail in critical), and this experience includes contract management.
Peter has successfully attended the PSMJ Project Management accreditation course and has experience in leading large design teams for complex security related projects.
“Architecture is about the physical expression of the immaterial. It emanates from a spiritual context. It is about people, relationships, life, and nature and how these interact in the creation of spaces, if they are to be meaningful to people. I believe that Architecture is about the essence of things in making beautiful spaces that exude character and atmosphere – enhancing the intangible. It is about the creation of positive spaces that attract people and where people feel happy and comfortable to be. The pursuit of timeless and relevant architecture lies at the heart of what ESSE embodies – ‘to be’.”
Birger Kirsten
Senior Operations Project Management
DIP.ENG (Elec)
Birger has worked for many years in the international and regional markets.
His management experience includes multiple senior management and executive positions.
Birger is specialist in, general, project & operational management, strategic & business planning, sales & marketing and recruitment. He has applied his trade in industries such as security, utilities, commercial construction & telecommunications. Other industries include manufacture, scientific research, ports & airports. High security installations for DOD and correctional facilities.
International market experiences include UK & Europe, USA & Americas, South Africa & Africa, Australia & Asia and New Zealand.
Birger manages our Enable NZ Projects and assists with the planning of projects and general management issues.
Vanessa Barclay
Architectural Technologist
Bachelor of Architectural Studies
Auckland University (NZ)
Vanessa first joined Esse Architects in 2016 as a draftsperson, after completing her Bachelor of Architectural studies at the Auckland University. She has freelance drafting experience, and later in 2021 came back to the company after taking a break. Vanessa completes Enable NZ bathroom renovation work under contract and enjoys other creative artistic practices around this.
Anica Nel
Senior Architectural Technologist
Bachelor of Science in Architecture
University of Pretoria (RSA)
Anica joined Esse Architects as an Architectural Technician in the Hamilton office in September 2022, after working with the firm on a contract basis from South Africa since September 2021. Anica has 12 years experience, which includes 2 years of New Zealand experience. During her time in South Africa, and as owner of her own business, Anica was closely involved in all aspects of various projects, which included concept design, detail design, construction documentation, and the monitoring of projects on site.
Anica’s experience include projects from the Vehicle Industry, Office Developments, MoE Weathertightness Remediation, Commercial Development, Health, Institutional and Residential Sectors. She is currently working towards NZ registration.
“In architecture, I am in favour of contextual design. The physical aspects as well as the cultural values of an environment should always be well considered and should form the basic departure point. Nature is the base of life and, more specifically knowledge. Therefore, I believe in sustainable design and careful consideration of environmental impact. The honest usage of material is also important to me. Materials in its most basic form contribute, in my opinion, to an enhanced sensorial experience of space. The physicality and tangibility of such materials improve our memory of place.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Esse Architects based?
What type of projects does Esse Architects specialise in?
We specialise in commercial, institutional, healthcare, cultural, and educational architecture, along with selected residential and community projects. Our focus is on thoughtful, enduring design that balances innovation, practicality, and long-term value.
How does Esse approach a new project?
Do you manage building consents and compliance processes?
What are the key stages of the architectural process?
Typically, projects progress through six stages:
Briefing and Feasibility. We take time to understand your goals and constraints.
Concept and Preliminary Design. We’ll explore design ideas and site response.
Developed Design. Where we refining the preferred concept and detail key elements.
Documentation. We’ll prepare construction drawings and specifications.
Procurement and Consents. We can assist by managing tendering and approvals.
Construction and Delivery. Here we oversee the build to ensure design intent is realised.