🎉 Celebrating 5 Years of the Architecture + Design Library

This month marks five incredible years of the Architecture + Design Library — and what a journey it has been. What began as a wild idea between two independent designers frustrated by the lack of resources in Wanaka has grown into something so much bigger than we could have imagined.

When we opened our doors, the concept of a shared resource library and coworking space for the architecture and design community didn’t exist. We had no roadmap — just a vision to create a space that connected, educated, and inspired. Five years later, here we are: still standing, still growing, and more passionate than ever.

We started with two tenancies upstairs Our coworking space was in the Studio Signage goes up

We’ve now expanded our current space twice, and we’re about to do it again — taking over another 600 square metres, including 300 square metres of new library space. It’s both surreal and exciting to see how far this idea has come.

Penny and I have moved far too much stuff around this building! The kitchen going in.

But we’re not stopping here. Plans are well underway to expand AD Library across the country. We have people and potential buildings ready — now it’s just a matter of ticking some boxes and signing paperwork. With a bit of luck (and a lot of persistence), you’ll see a second AD Library opening before the end of this year, or early 2026.

We took over our fourth tenancy to create a bigger library. And moved the 240kg slab or granite downstairs! Rebecca joined us.

This journey hasn’t been easy — it’s been equal parts inspiring and challenging. Yet through it all, Penny and I have gone from not knowing each other to becoming good friends and great business partners. We’ve grown our team this year, launched our podcast 'Between the Walls', welcomed incredible new members, and have so many creative ideas in motion to keep supporting and promoting our community.

We've had lots of presentations, birthday celebrations and Christmas parties with all our members

Whether you’re a Library Member, Brand Member, Retail Member, or Trade Member, you’re part of something really special. Over the last five years, we’ve watched countless collaborations unfold — builders meeting designers, brands working with architects, creative partnerships forming that continue to grow and evolve. These connections are the heartbeat of the Architecture + Design Library and the reason we do what we do.

Getting to five years feels like a real milestone. It’s a reminder of what can happen when a community comes together around a shared vision — and keeps showing up for it.

Thank you to everyone who’s been part of our story so far — the members, collaborators, supporters, and friends who’ve helped us build something that truly supports and strengthens the design community. Here’s to the next chapter — and to many more years of connection, creativity, and collaboration.