June 30, 2025

At Diamond Schmitt, we have been taking steps to educate ourselves—not only on a personal level, but also through the work we do and our engagement and collaboration with Indigenous communities. This includes ongoing efforts to reflect on the histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. 

It’s within this context that Diamond Schmitt University (DSU) hosted guest speaker Elisapeta Heta, Principal at Jasmax in New Zealand and co-founder of Waka Māia, the Māori design voice within the firm. Elisapeta speaks internationally to offer Māori and Pasifika perspectives on place, identity, and community in design. 

In her talk “Of The Land”, she shared insights on Jasmax’s intergenerational journey toward becoming a bicultural studio. She spoke to how cultural leadership can reshape both internal practice and the built environment.

Through her work, Elisapeta has opened doors for the next generation of Indigenous architects—demonstrating that commitment to both community and career is not only possible, but vital. Her perspective offered a valuable look at how architecture can honour place, identity, and future generations through intentional and sustained change.

“What drives all work I do—architectural, strategic governance, mentorship, business development—has to come from the puna (source) of integrity, generosity and a reflection of people and place. My whakapapa and my design thinking are inextricably linked. For me, nothing but beauty springs from the land and it’s our job to honour it architecturally.” — Elisapeta Heta

This event was organized as part of Diamond Schmitt’s broader learning and development program, Diamond Schmitt University (DSU). DSU's Explorations Series is designed to look beyond our day-to-day project work and spotlight innovation and design thinking—both within architecture and across other creative disciplines.