Josh grew up on rural Banks Peninsula among a small block of vineyards, where he developed a strong connection to nature and place. This was further shaped by a passion for the outdoors, particularly mountain biking and hiking, fostering an appreciation for the role landscapes play in supporting wellbeing and strengthening our connection to the environment.

Josh’s final-year university project was located along the banks of the Mahitahi River in Whakatū / Nelson, and explored the relationship between water, place and people to support resilience and adaptation within a dynamic, at-risk landscape. The project wove together Te Ao Māori and nature-based solutions, adopting a holistic approach to flood resilience and urban growth that works with natural systems rather than against them. It demonstrated how rivers can be given space to breathe while enabling communities to live alongside them in environments that rebalance oranga - the wellbeing of water, land and people.

Josh’s strong connection to the natural environment continues to inform his design approach. Much of his time is spent exploring the Southern Alps through hiking and mountain biking in remote valleys and alpine landscapes. This lived connection is reflected in his work, where he views water, land and people as part of a holistic, interconnected system.