Natalie Iva

Originally from Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) I have called Kirikiriroa my home since 2019. My background includes lighting design, education and mental health projects, and residential design. I now have the privilege of teaching alongside designing in our own architectural studio, which keeps me connected to practice and continuously learning. The rest of my time is filled with family, camping, music, and baking.

I enjoy working alongside students as they develop their creative and technical skills. Seeing the progression from where they begin to the designer they become by the end is genuinely rewarding, and I feel privileged to be part of that process.

Spatial design can influence how people feel and live. Whether it’s a workplace that supports wellbeing and productivity, a home that offers comfort and security, or a healthcare environment that can ease difficult moments, thoughtful design really does make a difference.