Sally Holdgate
Sally, founder and director of EA Architects Studio has a passion for high-end design, community engagement, sustainability, and prefabrication. Born and bred in the Waikato, she spent her early years on a farm before moving to Hamilton and then onto the UK, Australia and back to NZ, just over 10 years ago.
Sally earned her Bachelor of Architecture (Honours) from Victoria University of Wellington and has 19 years of experience in local and international practice, including seven years working in Melbourne. Her time in Melbourne was particularly formative, where she was inspired by the city’s dynamic blend of historic and contemporary architecture. The city’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and creative design continues to influence her work today. She has worked for high-profile architecture firms and led teams focused on achieving high-quality outcomes through coordination and collaboration with other design disciplines.
Her portfolio includes bespoke residential projects, large-scale public and retail developments, multi-residential complexes, and community facilities. She has also led multi-million-dollar government projects, focusing on educational, sporting, and recreational facilities, along with heritage-listed building restorations and projects in the zoological, veterinary, hospitality, and retirement sectors.
Sally is a Registered Architect with the New Zealand Registered Architects Board and the Australian Registration Board of Victoria. She is also a member of the Waikato Chamber of Commerce, and some of her more recent work can be found on ArchiPro.
Outside of her professional life, Sally enjoys traveling and exploring new places with her husband and son, spending time in nature, cooking, watching sport, and appreciating well-crafted design in all its forms. She values community engagement and is always keen to apply her skills to projects that create meaningful impact.
Sally answered a few questions:
How long have you been working in business / worked for this company?
I have been working as an architect for 19 years and started EA Architects Studio in Hamilton just 4 years ago.
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How many people are in your team?
It’s just me! I hire architectural technicians as subcontractors when I have a high workload and work with many other consultants and builders on a regular basis. I have a strong relationship with this wider team to see quality projects delivered successfully.
Great working relationships with like minded people, clients and other industry professionals is key and also makes the job even more enjoyable!
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What type of architect would you describe yourself as?
I am particularly interested in creative design, technical detailing and project management. I specialise in obtaining resource & building consents and have been running projects through all phases with high involvement designing, drafting & carrying out contract administration.
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What do you love the most about Hamilton?
As a born and bred Hamiltonian, I love seeing the Hamilton CBD develop and to work with people who are also passionate about helping to make the necessary improvements. The Waikato region has so much potential and it’s a joy to see it being realised and to see so many talented people working here. Hamilton is changing a lot and for the better. There’s also a lovely community feel, which my husband and I think is great to be a part of.
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What sets your business apart from other similar businesses?
I’m influenced by Australian architecture and design and think there’s so much that can be gleaned from others in the industry all around the world. No day is the same in this industry and most people in it see their job as a vocation, not just a job! I believe well designed buildings can bring about social change.
“We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us”