Hugh Tennent, Tennent Brown Architects

Hugh leads design at Tennent Brown Architects, being responsible for the design direction of all major projects from the practice. The work of Tennent Brown is recognised for its responsiveness to cultural and environmental context, and expression of the human agenda of the projects. This results in buildings and environments that are distinctive, uplifting and meaningful.

Hugh has expertise working for cultural and institutional client groups, working across cultures, creating projects for Māori clients , educational settings from early childhood to tertiary, sports buildings, commercial and tourism sectors and reflective and religious space. He led the Te Kura Whenua and Te Kura Tangata projects for Ngai Tūhoe, and the design of Te Ara a Tawhaki at Te Wananga o Raukawa, recently completed projects which add significantly to the wellbeing of communities in Te Urewera and Otaki respectively.

Graduating in from Auckland University with Honours 1984, Hugh worked for Structon Group before setting up Hugh Tennent Architects. In 2006 Tennent Brown Architects was formed with Ewan Brown, creating a practice recognised for its dual emphasis on strength of project delivery and design.

Hugh has been selected for numerous awards juries and panels, convened the NZIA National Jury, and lectured widely at conferences and speaking tours on the work of the practice. He was made a Fellow of the NZIA in 2002.

This Wellington architecture studio has a focus on strengthening cultural and environmental outcomes of projects.

The practice is engaged in numerous projects for Māori, with their aims of uplifting wellbeing through provision of meaningful amenity and commitment to people and place. Embodied narrative and environmental performance are key design drivers in these projects.As with many NZ practices, there’s involvement in a wide range of project types; commercial, cultural, religious, educational and social housing. Hugh leads design in the practice , with its dual emphasis on project delivery and design.