Ngā Kōrero o Paparahi—Judi Keith-Brown
Judi Keith-Brown didn’t fall in love with architecture during her student days—but the seeds were sown.
Now a respected architect, educator, and former President of Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA), Judi has spent decades building a career rooted in collaboration, resilience, and care for people and place.
“I didn’t actually enjoy university at the time,” she admits. “I was still figuring myself out, like a lot of people that age. It wasn’t until I got into an office and started working with real clients on real projects that I began to enjoy both architecture and Wellington.”
Judi studied at Victoria University of Wellington’s School of Architecture in its formative years. With the faculty still finding its rhythm, students benefited from exposure to prominent local practitioners like Ath, Bill Alington, Roger Walker, and Jon Craig. “There were some real characters in Wellington at the time doing interesting work. I liked that the local architects were involved,” she says.
A standout moment from her student years came when she joined a small team to design a proposal for a new Wellington airport. “We worked with our lecturer John Daish and presented the scheme together—it ended up on the front cover of NZ Architect. That project stood out because it felt real. We collaborated, we shared ideas, and I really thrived in that environment.”
Collaboration has remained a central theme throughout Judi’s career. She has worn many hats—architect, lecturer, NZRAB assessor, NZIA President—and she’s found joy in almost every role. “Most of the projects I work on have magical moments. I’m always learning. I think that’s one of the best parts of being an architect.”
One of Judi’s most enduring influences came from her time studying architectural history under Russell Walden. “His lectures, especially on Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Alexander Greek Thomson, were fantastic. If it hadn’t been for him, we might never have ended up working in Glasgow—and I wouldn’t have developed a passion for heritage architecture.”
Judi’s professional and personal life have long been intertwined. Her classmate, now husband of 38 years, Ewan Brown, is a leading figure in sustainable architecture. “We’ve worked hard together and supported each other along the way. You need that in architecture.”
She’s also faced challenges, particularly around gender and caregiving in a demanding profession. “I wanted to keep working while raising two young sons, and it wasn’t easy to be taken seriously. Thankfully, things have changed. There’s more flexibility now and a greater understanding of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.”
As she looks to the future, Judi believes architecture has a powerful role in shaping Aotearoa. Her time as NZIA President deepened her connection to Te Ao Māori. “Working with Ngā Aho on our Values Statement helped me find my own values as a Pākehā and as an architect. I hope to see continued focus on kaitiakitanga—respecting and protecting our land and waters.”
Reflecting on the Faculty’s 50th anniversary, Judi is proud to be part of its legacy. “There are so many amazing students who’ve come through the School and are doing great things. It’s exciting to see where the next generation will take it.”