Grayson Croucher
Grayson joined AO Design Studio in 2024 as a Graduate Architect, bringing a strong passion for the built environment and its relationship with place and people. His early years growing up in Wellington, New Zealand, particularly in the coastal suburb of Seatoun, shaped his deep appreciation for the interplay between architecture, landscape and climate. The rugged coastline, historic homes and ever-changing weather of Wellington provided an early education in how architecture responds to its surroundings. From a young age, Grayson was drawn to design in its many forms, exploring creativity through subjects such as Design and Visual Communication and Graphics during his schooling. His interest in the built environment and the way people interact with spaces laid the foundation for his future studies in architecture.
Inspiration Through Travel
After completing his secondary education, Grayson took a gap year to travel through Southeast Asia, visiting countries such as Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore. This experience proved to be transformative, exposing him to a wide range of architectural styles and urban environments.
From the hyper-dense verticality of Hong Kong’s skyline to the historic charm of Hanoi’s Old Quarter and the seamless integration of greenery within Singapore’s cityscape, he saw firsthand how architecture is shaped by culture, climate and societal values. Beyond the buildings themselves, Grayson was deeply influenced by the way different cultures engage with their built environments, how public spaces foster community, how tradition informs modern design, and how urban life is shaped by history, geography and innovation. These observations reinforced his desire to pursue architecture, with a focus on creating spaces that respond to both physical and cultural contexts.
Academic Achievements and Architectural Research
Upon returning to New Zealand, Grayson enrolled in a Bachelor of Architectural Studies at the University of Auckland, where he developed his skills in design thinking, problem-solving and architectural expression. Following the completion of his undergraduate degree, he continued his studies with a Master of Architecture, graduating with First Class Honours in 2024.
His academic journey was marked by excellence and industry recognition, earning multiple Best Design Awards from the Designers Institute of New Zealand. His thesis, Moving Mountains: Didactic Architecture for Aotearoa, was highly commended in the 2023 New Zealand Institute of Architects Student Design Awards. The jury praised the project as "architecture as the embodiment of cultural knowledge, identity and history." This research reinforced Grayson’s commitment to architecture that is meaningful, educational and deeply connected to place.
Design Philosophy and Professional Growth
Grayson’s approach to architecture is context-driven, with a strong belief that spaces should be both functional and emotionally resonant. He has a particular interest in materiality, the human experience of space and the integration of architecture with both natural and built surroundings.
In mid-2024, Grayson relocated to Bowral, New South Wales, to take up a role at AO Design Studio as an Architectural Graduate. Moving from New Zealand with his partner of seven years, he has embraced life in the Southern Highlands, finding inspiration in the region’s unique architectural heritage and landscapes.
Beyond Architecture
Outside of work, Grayson is a passionate supporter of the Wellington Phoenix A-League football team and enjoys travelling across New South Wales to attend matches. He spends his weekends exploring the Southern Highlands and visiting architecturally significant sites, continuing to draw inspiration from diverse design influences and landscapes