Above: Tim Dorrington, his office, and post-it notes documenting his influences.

Auckland architect Tim Dorrington of his self-titled firm works with a simplified aesthetic when designing. His body of work includes high-end residential homes throughout NZ, and commercial projects including Rice restaurant in Auckland CBD and Ashley Ardrey in the Metropolis. Recently he's paired up with Dan Heyworth of Arhaus (an architectural company with a sustainable approach) to collaborate on Box Living, in which they design and produce architecturally modular designed homes - which they say will give ordinary New Zealanders the opportunity to own affordable, great design. We caught up with him in his Herne Bay office to find out what ten things are currently having the greatest impact on his work.

1. Modular systems.

I've been interested in the idea of repetition and systems for quite some time. About three years ago me and three friends decided to work on a modular building system that would offer a modernist inspired modular solution to the masses. Applications so far have been in the residential sector, however we've also looked at ideas for commercial, multiple housing units and event applications. The result of this is Box Living - modular housing which offers an affordable architectural and design solution.

Above: Working model of Box Living modular housing, exterior shot of Box Living modular housing, interior shot of Box Living modular housing

2. My kids

It seems almost everyday Jasper our almost four year old gives me a new insight, or way of looking at things, to think about, it's great seeing the world through their eyes.

Above: Jasper, and Jasper's drawings

3. The natural

In this computer age of smart facades and computer generated buildings I cherish picking up a pencil and sketching. I also most enjoy the use of natural materials used in an honest way.

Above: a sketch by Tim
 

4. Music

Music is always on in the office, and often loud. This is my current favourite song... 

5. Artglass

I started my artglass collection with my grandpa's ashtray, and added my poppa's soon after. Since then I've slowly accumulated more.

Above: Tim's collection of artglass including his first piece - the green apple that belonged to his grandfather.

6. Travel

I love traveling, experiencing different cultures getting away from things. Asia in general is a popular favourite as well as Palm Springs, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Croatia I could go on....A selection of my travel photos below.

Above, left to right: Fishing village in Greece, building in Athens, KFC in Thailand, Venice Beach

7. New Zealand

The land, the plants, the people, the pride, the ethos, the green-ness

8. Olly Marsden

I met UK based artist Olly Marsden in NZ about eight years ago while he was in Auckland for a year. We hung out quite a lot and I ended up  buying one of his paintings just before he left. He has an amazing skill and is utterly diligent in achieving a perfect composition using hand-held tools.

Above: Works by Olly Marsden

9. Juxtaposition & tension

Since my first year in architecture school playing with block and rods I've enjoyed juxtapositions and tensions between compositional elements. The resultant space and composition are a massive planning tool for me.

Above: Architectural model in Tim's office, a completed project by Tim Dorrington located in Whitford  

10. Innovation

I love seeing and using materials used in new ways, new ideas that create unexpected results. Yesterday in the NZ Herald I read about a New Zealand man who has created robotic legs for disabled people. Great innovation, great inspiration.

To contact Tim Dorrington visit his website.

You can see his full range of modular housing at Box Living.