Salmond Reed Architects

With the recent reopening of the Chief Postal Office in Auckland’s CBD, we reflect on our long-standing relationship with the preservation, restoration, repair and adaptive reuse of this iconic building.

For over 35 years, Salmond Reed Architects has proudly been part of the CPO’s evolving story working to protect, adapt and support its ongoing transformation through the decades.

Our journey with the CPO began in 1990 with the creation of the seminal Conservation Plan, outlining the building’s history, identifying significant features for protection and guiding its conservation philosophy. In the period 2002-05, SRA served as heritage architects for the integration of Britomart Station, earning an NZIA National Heritage Award in association with Jasmax and Mario Madayag. 2018 saw us lead the external restoration and new lighting design as part of the City Rail Link. Our recent collaboration with Cooper and Company and Cheshire Architects has seen the key interior features including of the dome lights, faience and mosaic tiles restored.

Images;
1. 2026, Dome lights, photo: Pamela Dziwulska
2. 2004, Major alterations to the central foyer, photo: Lloyd Macomber
3. 2002, Sketch of Centrepiece Stonework by Jeremy Salmond
4. 2018, Replacement and repaired stonework, photo: Dr Phillip Hartley
5. 2018, Restored exterior and lighting scheme, photo: Jono Parker
6-8. 2026, Restored faience and mosaic tiles, photo: Pamela Dziwulska
9. 2026, Restored dome lights, photo: Lloyd Macomber

A new verandah designed for outdoor living in a refined villa in Herne Bay, Auckland.

Architect: Rachel Allen

Outdoor living in a reimagined villa in Herne Bay, Auckland.

Architect: Rachel Allen

Alterations to a villa in Herne Bay.

📷 Lloyd Macomber

Perched at the edge of land and sea, maintaining the condition of Cape Brett Lighthouse is an ongoing challenge, shaped by extraordinary isolation, limited access, and the conservation requirements of a Category 1 historic structure.

Through careful scoping of repairs, this remarkable lighthouse continues to stand firm against one of New Zealand’s most exposed and remote coastal environments.

Project lead and photographer: Tracey Hartley

The University of Auckland Old Arts Building is resplendent following the comprehensive repair and replastering of its clocktower. The quality of the work undertaken is a testament to the skills required for this challenging project, completed in time for the centenary celebrations of this iconic building.

📷 Lloyd Macomber

We are excited to share that our restoration and structural upgrades of Diocesan School for Girls' Chapel of Our Glorified Lord and St Barnabas' Chapel has been shortlisted for an NZIA - Auckland Branch heritage award!

In association with Creative Arch Ltd.

📸 Mark Scowen

Detailed conservation works were undertaken to the interior fabric of the chapels, with a focus on plasterwork, lead light windows, and timber elements throughout in collaboration with Arch Ltd

Extensive timber repairs were carried out, with original materials retained wherever possible. This included the reuse of reclaimed Kauri timber found onsite, helping to preserve the chapel’s character.

📷 Lloyd Macomber

The historic chapels at Diocesan School for Girls have been restored as part of comprehensive strengthening and conservation works. A key challenge involved addressing the stone arch, requiring carefully coordinated structural interventions integrated with the existing masonry.

Conservation works included the refurbishment of sarking boards and extensive timber repairs, supporting continuity of character and a considered restoration outcome.

📷 Lloyd Macomber

We are pleased to share the completion of the seismic upgrade and full restoration of St Barnabas and the Chapel of Our Glorified Lord at Diocesan School for Girls.

The project achieved 100% of the New Building Standard alongside a comprehensive restoration of both chapels.

Traditional conservation techniques and materials were used throughout, with extensive roof repairs and carefully considered structural intervention undertaken to preserve the chapels’ historic character.

📷 Lloyd Macomber