Shaping How We Live — A Conversation with Tane from Create
Description
In this episode, Janey and Penny sit down with Tane from Create, an architecture and engineering studio shaping purposeful, high-performance buildings across Aotearoa. Tane brings both heart and rigour to his work, balancing innovation, sustainability, and emotional experience with a deep respect for craft.
Together, they unpack what “modular” really means (spoiler: it’s not just prefab), how good design can change how we feel in a space, and why the best architecture isn’t about ego — it’s about relationships.
They also explore what it takes to push boundaries, think long-term, and stay curious through every project — from national stadiums to residential dens.
In this episode:
• What modular construction really looks like in practice
• Designing for emotion: the power of contrast in spatial experience
• Cost, time, and why prefab might be the future
• The quiet joy of designing something your kids can play in
• Timber, sustainability, and what’s next for the industry
• Why the most powerful design tool might be listening
Listener Q&A:
One tip for anyone wanting to build outside the box?
- Research everything
- Speak up early
- Be open to new materials
Reflections:
“I want people to feel different emotions in different areas of the house.”
“The interiors matter — that’s where we actually live.”
“There’s no point in a beautiful house that doesn’t fit the people in it.”
Got a question?
DM us on Instagram @betweenthell_II — you might just hear it answered in a future episode.
Between the Walls is hosted by Janey, Penny, and Verity from the Architecture & Design Library — a hub for design professionals to connect, create, and thrive.
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