Thom Gill

Thom has over 25 years of architectural experience and has been a registered architect in New Zealand, the UK and Denmark. After returning to New Zealand in 2012, he co-founded Studio Nord.

Thom worked in London for many years on a variety of public sector projects including 4 years at Haworth Tompkins Architects. He worked under Steve Tompkins on the award-winning Young Vic Theatre project and was responsible for the development of the theatre exterior with the collaboration of the artist Clem Crosby on the auditorium facade.

Thom was project architect on the Royal National Theatre Workshop renovation, nominated for London Building of the Year, which included integration of theatre installations designed by Charcoalblue and renovation of the building’s acoustic performance.

On return to New Zealand, Thom worked for Jasmax Architects before starting a small practice, Studio Nord, with his Danish wife Helle Westergaard. Studio Nord specialise in small, soulful residential work.

Inspired by European examples Thom and Helle conceived, designed and developed Auckland’s first urban co-housing project, the award-winning 20-unit Cohaus in Grey Lynn. Cohaus celebrated its fourth birthday this year.

Studio Nord have their next co-housing project in the works, a 36-unit scheme on a beautiful site 2 minutes walk from Cohaus. Construction is scheduled to begin mid-2026.

Thom will be speaking at the Journey to 2125 session during the Better Building Day at Wao Summit 2025.