New sponsor lays the foundation for tomorrow’s talent

September 5, 2024

Construkt Architects is proud to announce their partnership with Keystone Trust to offer pastoral care and financial assistance to tertiary students in the property and construction sector.

This collaboration between Construkt and the Keystone Trust, reflects Construkt’s commitment to fostering the next generation of industry leaders, particularly those facing challenging economic constraints, and who may not otherwise be in a position to pursue tertiary qualifications.

Construkt Director, Karl Barker, says the practice is enthusiastic about the partnership, noting that “At Construkt we believe in the power of community and the value of giving back. Our approach to business is rooted in collaboration, a strong sense of responsibility to the communities we serve and family values. Partnering with Keystone Trust allows us to extend this ethos by supporting students who represent the future of our industry, and provides us with the opportunity to nurture talent, especially during a period when resilience and adaptability are more crucial than ever.”

Barker also notes he has seen the value of grassroots educational support first-hand, coming from the Thames in the North Island’s Coromandel region himself. He says “Our partnership with Keystone will allow us to guide and mentor the next generation – no matter where they are in the country.”

Over its history Construkt has consistently demonstrated a commitment to learning and growth, reflected by a varied project dashboard, a depth of involvement at policy advisory and regional council planning levels, ongoing relationships with tertiary institutions, and providing positions within the practice for graduates to transition into the workplace and profession.

Architecturally, Construkt is known for its commitment to sustainable and culturally responsive design, is an advocate for the intensification of New Zealand’s urban design, and is repeatedly recognised with industry and professional awards for their work.

Keystone Trust’s General Manager Amanda Stanes says that partnering with Construkt presents an exciting opportunity for the Trust’s students to experience the bridge between their study and working with built environment experts such as architects.

In addition, Stanes also notes “Construkt’s impressive portfolio of large-scale master planning and urban design projects, means that work experience with Construkt will provide a first-hand look at what it takes to create responsible, enduring, and sustainable built ecosystems,” and that

“Construkt’s commitment to sustainability, cultural engagement, and community-focused design resonates strongly with our mission at Keystone. Their support will be invaluable in helping our students achieve their educational goals and prepare them to contribute meaningfully to productivity across Aotearoa-New Zealand’s property and construction sector.”

The alliance comes at a critical time for the architecture and the broader construction sector, as it navigates the complexities of a challenging economy, a time when Construkt recognises the importance of both long-term relationships and developing future opportunities.

“We are fully committed to driving the post-trough market recovery,” says Barker “and have learned from our history the importance of keeping our close-knit team at peak performance over this period. We also understand the importance of encouraging our longstanding clients to set the foundations for upcoming projects now, as the market’s rebound is inevitable,”.

As the industry readies itself for the future, the partnership between Construkt Architects and Keystone Trust is set to provide students with a well-rounded experience that includes mentorship, real-world experience, and exposure to the industry’s complexities. This will ensure that the next generation of property and construction professionals is well-equipped to maximise the opportunities that lie ahead.

 

For further media enquiries, please contact

Amanda Stanes                                                                                

Keystone Trust – General Manager                                   

M: 021 689 380

E: amanda@keystonetrust.org.nz

Karl Barker

Construkt Architects – Director

M: 027 246 5452

E: karl@construkt.co.nz

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