In Conversation with Scott McKerrow: New Christchurch Studio Lead
4-5 mins
·
·
·
August 24, 2026
August 25, 2026
We’re excited to welcome Scott McKerrow as the new Studio Lead of our Christchurch studio. With more than 15 years’ experience in architecture, he’s passionate about people, place and creating spaces that make a difference. We sat down with Scott to hear more about his journey, what inspires him, and what’s ahead for Ignite Christchurch.
Getting to Know Scott
Over the past 15 years, Scott hasdelivered projects across education, civic, cultural and residential sectorsthroughout Aotearoa. Of Te Whānau-ā-Apanui descent, he combines designleadership, cultural insight and technical expertise, with a strong belief thatarchitecture is ultimately about people.
Although Scott studied architecture and began his career in Auckland, his move to Christchurch was driven by a desire to create a home and lifestyle for his growing family. With his wife’s connection to Fairlie and his own Māori and Scottish heritage linking him to the South Island, Canterbury quickly became more than just a place to live.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending timewith family, tackling creative projects around the house and exploringopportunities to design and build.
"My family, the people Iwork with, the landscape, and the stories we hear along the way inspire me. Inthe end, those stories are architecture in its purest form."
Having spent the past eight years in Christchurch, Scott has developed a strong appreciation for the region, its communities and its ongoing transformation.
His experience across education, civic, cultural and community projects has reinforced his belief that thoughtful design can influence how people learn, connect and belong.
For Scott, leadership begins with understanding people and helping them succeed. "As Studio Lead, my focus is understanding the talent we have here in Christchurch, what people are aiming for, and how I can help them get there." Whether working with team members, clients, consultants or communities, he believes the best outcomes come from strong relationships, trust and collaboration. The same philosophy guides his work with clients. "When a client comes to you with an idea, I always start by understanding the person before the requirements. It's about understanding what success looks like and how we can work together to achieve it."
Scott is particularly drawn to projectsthat create meaningful outcomes for communities.
"Architecture is aboutmore than the physical outcome. It's about how people experience a place, howcommunities connect, and the stories that happen within those spaces."
He is also passionate about sustainabledesign and the future of mass timber construction in Aotearoa, recognising itspotential to reduce environmental impact while creating enduring, adaptableplaces. As a registered architect and Homestar Practitioner, he brings a strongfocus on balancing innovation, performance and long-term value.
Looking Ahead
Having witnessed Christchurch's evolutionover the past eight years, Scott is excited about the opportunities ahead forthe city and the wider South Island.
Throughout his career, he has championeddigital design processes, BIM workflows and collaborative ways of working,while supporting the integration of whanaungatanga, tikanga and te reo Māoriinto practice.
As Christchurch Studio Lead, he's lookingforward to growing the studio, supporting the team and strengtheningrelationships with clients, communities, iwi and industry partners across theregion.
"Leadership is aboutcreating an environment where people can do their best work. It's understandingwhat motivates people and helping them bring their strengths into what wedo."
We're excited to have Scott leading ourChristchurch studio and helping shape the future of our work across Canterburyand the South Island. Welcome to the team, Scott.
Getting to Know Scott
Over the past 15 years, Scott hasdelivered projects across education, civic, cultural and residential sectorsthroughout Aotearoa. Of Te Whānau-ā-Apanui descent, he combines designleadership, cultural insight and technical expertise, with a strong belief thatarchitecture is ultimately about people.
Although Scott studied architecture and began his career in Auckland, his move to Christchurch was driven by a desire to create a home and lifestyle for his growing family. With his wife’s connection to Fairlie and his own Māori and Scottish heritage linking him to the South Island, Canterbury quickly became more than just a place to live.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending timewith family, tackling creative projects around the house and exploringopportunities to design and build.
"My family, the people Iwork with, the landscape, and the stories we hear along the way inspire me. Inthe end, those stories are architecture in its purest form."
