b'over the rainbowJohns portfolio is an impressive one,Which are your favourite types of projects to work on and why? opposite: This multi-level Wellington renovation by JMA Resene fullofhighqualityandhighlyuniqueI love working on homes that are on unique sites that demand aboasts beautiful harbour views, which led architect John Swiss Caramel projectsmany of which have garneredunique response and with clients who are wanting to create theirMills to incorporate vibrant Resene blues and green. Feature Resene multiple award wins. forever home and work alongside us and the builders to make awall in Resene Bermuda Grey, walls and architraves at left Crisp Green in Resene Half Fossil and right wall painted in Resene Half Butpartofwhatmakeshimarealplace that we all are proud of. All of our projects, big and small, areRobin Egg Blue. Image by Paul McCredie.standout is his poetic approach to his work.a team effort and working alongside interesting clients who have We endeavour to create architecture thatan ambition to make architecture that speaks passionately aboutabove right: This stairwell was renovated to bring in more Resenespeaks of its sites and surroundings, withplace, and the people who occupy their unique slice of Aotearoa. light to the area, by building in glass balustrades and Quarter Surrender skylights. Resene Endeavour on the walls brings dramagrace and personalityunencumbered byand interest combined with Resene Cut Glass. Image by blind conformity and dictates of transientIt seems like, because of lockdown, there has been a big pushPaul McCredie.fashion, he explains. We work togetherby homeowners to use money that they might have been savingbelow right: Weatherboards in Resene Crisp Green help with clients and builders to craft beautiful forms and engagingup for other things (such as overseas travel) for renovating theirdefine the entrance of this home designed by JMA. Other spaces that make the heart leap and the soul sing. homes insteador even designing and building a new one. Doweatherboards in Resene Tea. Image by Paul McCredie.His level of commitment to everything he takes part in hasyou think thats been true in your experience this year, and do made John a long active figure in the industry, too. Not only is he ayou feel like youre actually having a busier year because of it? below: An accent wall in Resene Royal Heath punctuates There has been a recalibration about freedom, I think. It usedJMAs design at Wellingtons Southern Cross Garden BarFellow of the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA), he has& Restaurant. Image by Kirsty Ballard.been a convenor and member of local NZIA chapters as well asto be the ability to go where you wanted to go. Now, it is more other national awards juries, and is also a visiting lecturer and tutorabout being to be able to stay where you want to stayto live in a at the Victoria University of Wellington School of Architecture. place that reflects your values, enriches your life and delights you. John tells us more about where his inspiration comes from, hisEveryday life is where the important things happen.favourite types of projects to work on and what he does when heWhat do you do if you feel stalled creatively on a project?feels stuck on a design. I usually take a long walk in the Eastbourne hills or perhaps a What drew you to becoming an architect? large latte and Afghan biscuit or a midnight espresso!As a boy growing up in Nelson, there were always building sitesWhat do you love about Resene?nearbywhichIwasdrawnto.SomanyinterestingmaterialsTheir quality service to the design community, and their long term andaconstantlychangingstructurewasfascinating.Makingsupport for the NZIA awards programme for over 30 years. This thingsbecamemypassion,andwhenmygrandadsuggestedis fantastic and gives all of us architects a chance to show off our architecture,itjustmadesense!Although,mymumwasbest work, as well as facilitating us sharing ideas at award events.disappointed I did not follow her passion for accounting!Eight questions with WYour work has quite a distinct style to it, with flowing curvesWhich are your current favourite Resene colours?ith a distinctive aesthetic, one that combines a passionResene Mystery, Resene Swiss Caramel, Resene Untamed and for materials, striking use of rich colours and a desire toandeye-catchingfeaturecolours.Wheredoyoufindyour John Sincecreate uniquely tailored buildings, architect John Millsinspiration for your designs? fromNewZealand,fromResene Quarter Surrender.Resene Halfbelieves the story of his projects begins and ends with the client.Iminspiredbyotherarchitecturewww.johnmillsarchitects.co.nzHe says that its by taking the time to understand who they arecolonial through to our extensive collection of late-modern local and what they value is how he is able to create spaces that willdomestic homes around the country. Also, the landforms and Mills work for them just as well in twenty years time as they do today. abundant nature we are surrounded by here. connection to theReseneReseneRobin Egg BlueestablishingJohnMillsArchitecture(JMA)in Wellington in 1990, hes held strong on this intent. I alwaysDo clients seek you out because of that distinct style? Half FossilCut GlasswantedtofulfilavisionofworkingtocontributetowardaSome say it is the stylistic individuality andReseneResene Resenecolourful and evocative New Zealand building style. There is soenvironment that leads them to seek their own place to settleTea Mystery Untamedmuch great NZ architecture, so finding my own small place in itinto. Or, because they want to be challenged and participate inReseneReseneResenehas been my path since 1990. the creative process. Endeavour Bermuda Grey Royal Heath32 blackwhitemag.com blackwhitemag.com 33'