Who We Are

Atelierworkshop Ltd was founded in 2000 on a plurality of thoughts and languages as a working process. The architects collaborative trading as Bonnifait+Associates Architects has different and diverse architectural experience in various parts of the world that combine professional work and research.

Our approach is orientated towards reconnecting people with a physical reality, a territory, its history and a cultural context. For over 25 years in practice we have developed from our Wellington studio a portfolio all over New Zealand from bespoke residential and commercial boutique architecture to light industrial development, regenerative tourism and eco farm development.

Our Approach

At the heart of our architectural practice lies a deep commitment to designing spaces that transcend mere functionality. We believe that architecture should tell a story—one that is woven from the threads of history, culture, environment, and human experience. Whether crafting highly detailed, artisanal spaces or developing cost-effective, practical solutions, our work is always rooted in sustainability and a profound connection to context.

Our approach begins with respect for the existing—whether that means re-using materials, recycling components, or protecting what is valuable in the built and natural environment. We understand the power of starting from a clean slate when necessary, but equally value the narratives embedded within sites that have come before us. Every project is an opportunity to engage with the land, its ecology, and its history, uncovering layers that inform and enrich our design response.

This process is collaborative and thoughtful. We listen carefully—to the land, to the community, and to the clients who entrust us with their vision. By exploring these many layers, we create architecture that resonates deeply, establishing a meaningful and lasting sense of place. Our designs reflect a careful balance between tradition and innovation, past and future, and craftsmanship and pragmatism.

Sustainability is not an afterthought but a guiding principle. We strive to ground every project in a strong environmental ethic, ensuring our work contributes positively to the world around us. Yet, we also recognise that great architecture must be economically viable to be truly successful. Our solutions are therefore both responsible and realistic, delivering value without compromising integrity.

Our team’s expertise extends beyond architecture alone. With additional training in urban design, masterplanning, and spatial anthropology, we bring a multidisciplinary perspective that enriches our understanding of place, culture, and human behaviour. This breadth of knowledge allows us to anticipate the needs of diverse communities and respond thoughtfully to the challenges of urban and rural environments alike.

Diversity is a strength we embrace wholeheartedly. Our team includes professionals from a variety of cultural backgrounds and international experiences, including more than 25 years of practice in New Zealand. This global perspective is firmly anchored in a strong local foundation, enabling us to craft designs that are innovative yet grounded in the realities of their context.

Ultimately, our goal is to create architecture with purpose—spaces that honor their past, serve the present, and remain adaptable to the future. Through every line drawn and every material chosen, we aim to tell a story that enriches lives, inspires connection, and endures through time.