Chris Jack

Leading large, multidisciplinary teams to deliver city-shaping projects is where Christchurch Studio co-leader and Principal Chris (known as CJ) excels. With his ability to both see the bigger picture and get the small details right that matter to stakeholders, Iwi and end-users, Chris’ strength lies in unlocking the value from projects to regenerate cities and enable lasting social, economic and cultural outcomes.

Over the last 10 years, Chris has been at the helm of New Zealand’s largest ever infrastructure project, the City Rail Link, which will reinvigorate Auckland CBD and transform the way Aucklanders live, work and play. Chris’ work with Mana Whenua, the community and the client on the station designs has created a powerful expression of the city’s bicultural identity, which will transform Upper Queen Street, Karangahape Road and Mt Eden into well-connected, vibrant community spaces. The City Rail Link builds on Chris’ earlier work on the Britomart Transport Centre, which created an integrated transport hub at the bottom of the city and kickstarted the regeneration of lower Queen Street.

Similarly, in the education sector, Chris has led significant masterplanning projects for the University of Auckland, helping unlock the potential of their sites and create engaging, modern learning environments that prepare students for a changing world. The human-centred approach Chris brings to design is invaluable across the entire spectrum of education, from primary level to tertiary.

In Christchurch, Chris is leading a multi-disciplinary team across Architecture, Urban Design and Landscape who have delivered strategic projects such as An Accessible City and Southframe, which have helped improve connectivity, draw business back into the city centre and create a visible bicultural identity for the city.