Architect of Dreams

World Premiere

Ian Athfield’s architectural designs dot our landscape and are keenly sought after by home owners. Intelligent, outspoken, amusing, opinionated and passionate, Athfield, considered by many to be a maverick, is one of New Zealand’s most influential creative figures who bring a unique vision in his practice of almost 40 years.

His buildings and his personality have helped shape our cities and the world we live in. He has a unique highly personal process- he works closely with clients in an interactive way, creating sites that speak to the landscape and to cultural and social needs. His work reflects a distinctly New Zealand identity.

At the heart of Athfield’s practice is his own monumental Athfield House on the Kandallah hillside. Part family home, part office, a village almost, it is a truly personal vision and Athfield has built much of it himself, brick by brick! If only he could have finished the kitchen by now.

The film explores his life and work from the 60’s when he shook up the establishment with bold, radical buildings through to the present where his ideas of sustainability and an architecture that builds community are now being embraced.

Athfield eschews iconic buildings in favour of an organic approach which respects the sun, the site and existing structures.

This film profiles the energy, spirit and intelligence of one of New Zealand’s most influential creative forces. Other than Athfield’s own extraordinary house, we explore a number of the houses and buildings he has designed including The Wellington Public Library, The Civic Square, Adam Art Gallery and Sam Neil and Allan Duffs’ houses.

Architect of Dreams is a film that celebrates a life making buildings that work for people.