People

Michael Dalton

Senior Associate
BAS, MArch (prof) (hons), Registered Architect ANZIA

In 2023, when Michael took the helm of the Wānaka studio, he relocated to Otago with the goal of bringing quality, locally-based service to clients who appreciated RTA Studio’s ambitious commitment to design that referenced vernacular and spoke to the company’s environmental values. And he thought he might fit in a bit of skiing.
Establishing and nurturing relationships with clients, collaborators and team members lies at the fulcrum of his position and Michael translates an extensive project-management background and a track record of producing award-winners on a local, national and global stage to the role.
Early on, real-world experience of designing and constructing a bach as part of Unitec’s architectural programme gave him a hands-on appreciation of process, componentry and craftsmanship. Now, as a certified Passive House designer, he vigorously campaigns for the introduction of sustainability principles in residential architecture. He was a key participant in the practice’s Living House project – modelling a cost-effective, durable, beautiful three-bedroom home that was embodied carbon zero.
Michael remains passionate about designing high-performing buildings across all typologies – ones that benefit society at large - and he continues to augment his knowledge of construction principles and operational systems to achieve this.
Learning to be a local is a full-time job and the family has immersed themselves in the great outdoors (including hikes up Mount Iron) and to fostering a connection to community - both aspects that inform designs relevant to people and place.

“It’s inspiring to work in a region where our vernacular principles seamlessly integrate with the local environment.”

Bryan Cameron
Bryan Cameron
Senior Technician
Illia Ovsiiko
Illia Ovsiiko
Senior Architect
Jia Ying Hew
Jia Ying Hew
Registered Architect
Teresa Munro
Teresa Munro
Registered Architect
Paul Gao
Paul Gao
Registered Architect
David Cook
David Cook
Registered Architect
Mitchell Jones
Mitchell Jones
Registered Architect
Young Jae Jeung
Young Jae Jeung
Registered Architect
Scott Manning
Scott Manning
Project Lead
Casey Anderson
Casey Anderson
Project Lead
Thomas Keeler
Thomas Keeler
Project Lead
Even Liang
Even Liang
Senior Architectural Graduate
James Ting
James Ting
Senior Architectural Graduate
Mayank Thammalla
Mayank Thammalla
Senior Architectural Graduate
Ariana Faulkner
Ariana Faulkner
Architectural Graduate
Eva Jenkin
Eva Jenkin
Architectural Graduate
Maggie Halatian
Maggie Halatian
Architectural Graduate
Nadia Rivai
Nadia Rivai
Architectural Graduate
Tamzyn Bremer
Tamzyn Bremer
Architectural Graduate
Daryne Begbie
Daryne Begbie
Living House Project Development Manager