Jasmax had its genesis in the 1989 merger of three architectural practices. The oldest and largest of these, JASMaD, was formed in 1963, while the younger Bossley Cheshire and Gibbs Harris practices added design expertise and a growing reputation with commercial and civic projects.
Shortly after the merger, Jasmax won the competition to design Te Papa Tongarewa: the Museum of New Zealand. Under Ivan Mercep’s design leadership, the project cemented the future direction of Jasmax, developing into one of New Zealand’s largest architectural practices.
Key early JASMaD milestones were buildings such as International House; a raft of regional hotels and pubs including the Rarotongan Hotel (in joint venture with John Scott); continued work at the University of Auckland, especially the Recreation Centre; Maori and Polynesian work; and museums and cultural buildings.
Drawing on the entrepreneurial spirit of the founding directors, JASMaD ventured into planning, structural engineering, interior design, property development, industrial design, construction information and graphic design.
Today, the Jasmax architectural team work alongside leading interior designers, landscape architects, and urban designers. Jasmax also spearheads work on the environmental and sustainable development fronts, as evidenced by winning the inaugural EECA Property Council Energy Award.
The continuing process of adding new staff, all of whom bring new ideas and energy,has enabled the current Jasmax team to carry on the innovative and entrepreneurial zeal of their predecessors.
