Samuel Ryu

Senior Design Architect

BArch, MArch, University of Auckland

For me architecture is not just about visually stunning design, but a harmonisation of functionality, aesthetics, details, durability, sustainability and structural coherence.”


Samuel is a talented multidisciplinary designer in our Mixed-Use team whose creativity encompasses architecture, interiors, furniture design, art exhibition curation, graphic design, art direction, branding and product development. His architectural expertise includes retail and mixed use, hospitality, commercial, healthcare and residential design.


Versatile, imaginative and with a keen eye for detail, Samuel is highly regarded at CHC for challenging norms and offering fresh perspectives. He stewards projects through design from initial conceptualisation to documentation, ensuring alignment with client expectations, environmental considerations, council requirements, and CHC's design ethos and standards of creativity and functionality.

A flexible mindset helps Samuel adapt to meet evolving project needs and ensure a project’s design intent is carried through. His technical proficiency elevates design opportunities, clearly communicates design vision, and streamlines the collaboration process. Clever value management strategies help optimise project outcomes, balancing design excellence and practical feasibility. “My focus is on creating functional, architecturally beautiful spaces that consider the diverse social and cultural values of the communities they serve,” he says.

Samuel’s projects won Design Institute of New Zealand Awards in 2016 an 2019. A lover of creative challenges, he’s a regular participant in design competitions, including the Living Building Challenge the NGV Architecture Commission and Sydney’s Barangaroo Pier Pavilion Competition. He is a co-founder of A12 creative studio collective, based in Melbourne and Auckland.