INVITED Speakers
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Craig Moller (Ngāti Haua) of Moller Architects has been practicing for over three decades. Moller completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Auckland, prior to graduating with a Masters of Architecture from Yale University. Moller has worked extensively as an educator, having taught at Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland since 2007 and previously at Te Kura Waihanga School of Architecture at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington.
He has sat on accreditation review panels evaluating schools of architecture and as a juror for the Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects Awards, Interior Awards and Architecture + Women Awards. He rides a bike and draws in his spare time.
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Richard Bracebridge FIES is a New Zealand–based specialist lighting designer with 47 years’ experience in the lighting industry. He founded Light Works on 5 May 1998, establishing it as one of New Zealand’s oldest independent lighting design practices.
Over nearly five decades, Richard has contributed to a broad range of civic, commercial, hospitality, and public realm projects throughout New Zealand and internationally. He works in close collaboration with architects, engineers, and clients to develop lighting strategies that align technical performance with architectural intent, combining rigorous engineering principles with a strong understanding of spatial experience.
Richard has received 28 national and international lighting awards and was made a Fellow of the Illuminating Engineering Society in 2018 in recognition of his contribution to the profession. Drawing on his direct involvement with NZICC, he brings first-hand insight into the project’s design decisions, challenges, and innovations.
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Ilona Haghshenas is a registered architect and Auckland Studio Principal at Warren and Mahoney, one of New Zealand’s largest and most influential architectural practices. With more than 25 years’ local and international experience, she brings a global perspective and deep expertise to complex civic and community projects.
Leading the firm’s largest studio, Ilona champions innovation and fosters a strong culture of collaboration. She is passionate about guiding projects from concept to completion, with a strong focus on design integrity and quality throughout construction.
Ilona was a key project lead for the New Zealand International Convention Centre, guiding a multidisciplinary team to deliver one of the country’s most significant public projects. She believes creative, adaptive thinking is an architect’s most powerful tool and is driven by a commitment to guardianship - ensuring projects are realised as originally envisioned and enrich both their communities and the built environment.