About the Author

Since 1988, Isthmus has pioneered the design of culturally meaningful, enduring and inspiring environments, in that time becoming one of New Zealand's leading design studios. Well known for an ability to make a positive impact across a wide range of project types, Isthmus's works of landscape architecture, urban design and, more recently, architecture have created vibrant new communities, healthy new ecologies, and built environments that are simple in their expression yet rich in authenticity, value and culture. Over the last three decades the practice has achieved some of this country's highest design honours. Michael Barrett is a writer and editor who writes predominately about New Zealand design and its impact upon the built environment. He is a former editor of Landscape Architecture New Zealand, Interior, Prodesign and has contributed to a number of other publications.