About.
ARCHITECTUREPUBLIC creates thoughtful architecture that is simple, but not ordinary. The practice works across residential and commercial projects with a strong design focus and clarity of intent.
Architecture is about people
ARCHITECTUREPUBLIC was founded on a simple belief: architecture is ultimately about people.
It begins with understanding how people live, work, gather and move through space. Shaped by experience rather than form alone, architecture is measured by how naturally it supports everyday life and how it is understood over time.
This principle underpins every decision, from early thinking through to detailed resolution.
Design Approach
Each project begins with listening.
Every project is unique, but the approach remains consistent. The process begins with careful listening, thoughtful questioning and a genuine curiosity about how a place can better support the people who use it. Rather than pursuing style for its own sake, each design grows from its context, purpose and the aspirations of its client.
Whether working on a private residence or a significant public building, the objective remains the same: to create architecture that is clear, enduring and emotionally engaging, where function and form are considered inseparable.
The Principal Architect
Eqo Leung is a registered architect with over 25 years of experience across New Zealand and internationally.
As the founder and Principal Architect of ARCHITECTUREPUBLIC, he brings together extensive experience across residential, public and commercial projects with a strong focus on design quality, clarity and human experience.
His early career was shaped within multi-disciplinary consultancy environments, delivering large-scale public buildings, commercial developments, institutional projects and urban environments. This established a strong foundation in complex project delivery, technical resolution and collaborative design.
Alongside this technical grounding, his work has always been driven by a deep interest in people - how they experience space, and how design can meaningfully shape everyday life.
He pursues architecture that is simple, considered and quietly beautiful.
His work is now focused on residential and small-scale commercial projects, where this broader experience informs a highly considered approach to design and delivery.
He continues to work closely with clients, consultants and builders throughout the process, with an emphasis on clarity, trust and collaboration.
Recognition
Over more than two decades of architectural practice, a diverse body of work across residential, public and commercial projects has received national and international recognition through awards, publications, invited speaking engagements and contributions to architectural education.
This experience continues to shape the design approach and values of ARCHITECTUREPUBLIC.
Awards
2024 Finalist - International Architecture Ideas Competition - Underbridge
2020 Winner - International Property Awards Asia Pacific: Architecture Single Residence
2018 Finalist - World Architecture Awards
2017 Winner - NZIA New Zealand Architecture Award (Education)
2017 Winner - NZIA New Zealand Architecture Award - Waikato/Bay of Plenty (Education)
2017 Silver Medal - DINZ Best Design Awards (Spatial)
2017 Winner - New Zealand Concrete Society Monte Craven Architectural Building Award
2012 Highly Commended - AAA Cavalier Bremworth Unbuilt Architecture Awards 2012
2012 Overall Winner - International Property Awards Asia Pacific: Best Public Services Architecture Asia Pacific Region
2012 Winner - International Property Awards Asia Pacific - Best Public Services Architecture New Zealand
2010 Winner - Property Council of NZ Excellence Award (Westfield Riccarton Mall)
2009 Finalist - World Architecture Awards
2009 Winner - NZIA New Zealand Architecture Medal
2009 Winner - NZIA New Zealand Architecture Awards (Public Building)
2008 Winner - Designer Institute of NZ Best Design Awards (Spatial)
2008 Winner - NZIA Auckland Architecture Award (Public Architecture)
2003 Winner - NZIA Resene Local Award (Community & Cultural)
2003 Winner - NZCC Monte Craven Architectural Design Award
2001 Winner - AAA Cavalier Bremworth Design Award (Open Category)
Professional Contribution
Invited Speaking Engagements
Keynote Speaker, NZIA Design Lecture Series
Presented Te Piringa - The Waikato University Law and Management Building at the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS) Conference
Session Speaker, Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ) Annual Conference
Session Speaker, New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors (NZIBS) Annual Conference
Architectural Education
Thesis design critic, University of Auckland School of Architecture
Ongoing guest critic at Unitec and the University of Auckland School of Architecture design studios
Mentored and led a student team from Unitec School of Architecture in preparing a submission for the Venice Architecture Biennale
Publications & Media
Project Publications
Architecture NZ - New Zealand
Pro-Design - New Zealand
NZ Construction - New Zealand
PRC Magazine - Hong Kong
Perspective - Hong Kong
South East Asia Buildings - Singapore
IDS - Malaysia
Profile Features & Interviews
Homes Magazine - Lexus Young Designer Series
Cross Section (NZIA)
Urbis - Architect of the Year: One to Watch
Idealog
Architecture NZ
Asia Downunder (National Television)
Sunrise (National Television)