Change of name for architect practice

Designgroup PMA architects Chris Ainsworth (left), Ian Seddon and Ezra Kelly. PHOTO / SUPPLIED

Hawke's Bay architect practice Paris Magdalinos Architects (PMA) has changed its name to Designgroup PMA.

The change follows national architectural firm Designgroup Stapleton Elliott (DGSE) taking over the business.

DGSE director Brian Elliott said the link between the two firms is long-standing.
Elliott and PMA founder the late Paris Magdalinos became friends after meeting at university in 1968.

They set up Designgroup New Zealand in 1989 — an association of independent architect practices sharing resources and expertise.

"We were great friends and business colleagues and were there for each other through thick and thin," Elliott said. "So when Paris became sick with terminal cancer, and son Nic took the helm, I told Paris I would keep an eye on the business for him and then went on to become the principal architect within PMA."

Nic Magdalinos ran the successful practice for nine years, but died suddenly last October.
The past nine months has seen the respected architect practice continue to operate under the trusted care of three senior architects, Ian Seddon, Ezra Kelly and Chris Ainsworth.
"The three of us and our Napier team are really looking forward to being part of the DGSE group," Seddon said.

"We have worked together on many projects over the years throughout New Zealand and shared ideas and resources, so merging our practices together really is the next progression.

"We can only go from strength to strength. The entire team feels really happy with the move, and excited at what the future holds."

Designgroup PMA will continue under the ownership of DGSE with managing director Nigel Dong and fellow directors Elliott and Mike Evans. DGSE will have offices in Wellington, Palmerston North, Auckland and now Napier.