At the NZ Institute of Building we want to support the Next Generation of the Building Industry. We know it’s tough to be a student right now and that for many, money is tight. We want to help relieve a little of that stress for one of our Next Gen members.
We are travelling the country to give students the chance to impress us with their passion and nab a $2,000 NZIOB scholarship. We have asked students studying in the built environment to prepare a ‘shark tank’ style pitch where they talk about their passion, a project, or even just themselves.
The main aim is to show our ‘sharks’ their potential and their passion for the industry.
Matt Lloyd secured one of the $2,000 scholarships at our pitch event at Victoria University of Wellington in Poneke | Wellington on 11 August.
We asked Matthew a few questions to get to know him better. We look forward to keeping in touch and seeing what's next for Matt.
Read on to get to know Matthew.
Name: Matthew Lloyd
Studying: Bachelor in Architecture with a specialisation in Mātauranga Māori (Māori Design and Environments) at Victoria University of Wellington
Ko Otawa ki uta,
Ko Mauao Ki tai,
Ko Waitemako, ko Waitao, ko Waimapu ngā awa,
Ko te Tāhuna o Rangataua te tohu moana,
Ko Mataatua te waka,
Ko Ngāi Te Rangi te iwi,
Ko Ngāti Hē te hapu,
Ko Matt ahau.
Tell us about yourself - what were you doing before your studies?
Before I came to study, I worked at Te Rauparaha pools in Porirua and Cannons Creek Pool at Dash Swim School helping run the swim school.
What made you go into your field of study?
After spending a few years trying to figure out what to do, signing up for architecture in my final year of school and then stopping before starting, I wanted to experience different fields of work (as I didn’t want to get a massive debt without using the degree). I went and worked with Michael Bennington from Active Architecture in 20021-22 and after spending time working there, it reignited my passion for architecture.
Who inspires you and why?
I draw my inspiration from a range of different sources. I find inspiration thought architectural work and structure (like Kengo Kuma, John Scott and Rewi Thompson), Materials (the presence, texture and atmosphere combinations can create), Art (like Bill Hammond, Shane cotton, Gordon Walters, Todd Couper and Paratene Matchitt) and currently thesis and research articles (Art of Taonga, Paul Tapsell and Mauri and Museum: who really cares, Jamie Metzger).
What to you do in your spare time (if you have any)?
I like to a to do few different things. At the moment I like to forage, making little side projects (at the moment concrete jet planes – so I don’t have to buy Christmas presents) and I love to cook, eat cheese and drink wine. I also get stuck in rabbit holes and love to find out as much as possible about anything that piques my interest (Currently looking at Kōura and harakeke and how they can help my designs).
What do you find interesting/appealing about the building industry?
Currently I am really interested in how firms work with Tangata whenua to generate designs. I would love to follow the design development and talk to architects and Iwi around their own thought processes when it comes to developing the builds.
What would you like to see change in the building industry?
One thing I would love to see change in the building environment is to focus of community and designing for the future, creating sustainable designs focusing on long-termism and creating work that is designed for the users rather than money or to be able to stamp the designers name on a design.
What kind of role would you love to do in the construction industry?
To be honest I am not sure what I would like to do. All I know is that I want to be able to work somewhere where I can have an impact to benefit the community.
What do you plan to do with your scholarship $$?
My plan for the scholarship is to use the money to allow me to develop some ideas further and use tools without having to restrict myself because I can’t afford it. I am also going to take some time off work and most likely take out my mates and buy a round.
