The banner for this section of the site is an image from the 2008 Awaroa Masterclass with Richard Leplastrier, Peter Stutchbury, Lindsay Johnston and Ian Athfield that was the first of several masterclass experiences for me. Many stories were told, and lifelong friendships forged. Wisdom from the elders is passed down through a process of exchange between good people together experiencing great architecture and extraordinary places, and working together on common problems. Real communication requires trust from all parties, and trust takes the time it needs. Mastery also takes time to emerge. Its a positive value of aging and experience. What is lost in energy is gained in depth of knowledge of the nature of relationships between people and places. Everyone has stories they know to be a true from significant experience.

Great teaching occurs when there is space for it, with not only need and hunger, but also sensitivity and listening from two sides, when there are some gaps, silence, a moment for pause and reflection. Often for me this also happens in an active moment, when an experience is occurring, and a need to learn surfaces. It is then a significant moment of possible learning and exchange seems to arrive. And when the learning really occurs its a glorious shared moment, a free passing and taking of a baton between. So when we learn we are in the right place and head spaces, and moving together with someone in a similar direction at the same moment. A rare thing. When this happens its a privilege and is some how sublime... Thanks to Masters Richard Leplastrier, Peter Stutchbury, Britt Andresen, Glenn Murcutt, Lindsay and Kerry Clare, Lindsay Johnston, and especially our own Ian Athfield. My other important architectural Mentors include, Mike Austin, Sarah Treadwell, Ivan Mercep, John McClean, Michael Payne, Joanna Margaret Paul, Peter Beaven, Paul Walker, John Gray, Daniel Brown, Julianna Preston, Maibritt Pedersen Zari, and my |Design Lab_ colleague Peter Connolly. Masters indeed.