Architecture By Us Not Without Us

Rau has over 20 years experience working with Māori community-based design projects and has for the past 15 years specialized in the design of Māori educational institutions in the wider Auckland area. In 1997, Rau completed his Master's degree in architecture, culminating in a thesis that focused on the re-emerging role of the Māori architect in relation to the design of Kura Kaupapa Māori. He has also worked extensively as an urban and cultural design consultant, as well as in iwi liaison capacities on a range of large public projects. Rau is a co-opted member of the Housing New Zealand Māori Capability Committee and remains active in Māori housing advocacy and papakāinga design projects. Rau teaches part-time at the Unitec Department of Architecture and, with colleague Carin Wilson, has been active in researching both traditional and hybrid Māori dwelling construction techniques. He presented the 13-part TV series Whare Māori, which won the AFTA for best information programme at the 2012 Aotearoa Film and Television Awards.

As partner of DSGW and director of  DSGW’s First American Design Studio his work with Native American tribes has resulted in master planning and design in casinos and hospitality venues, health and wellness centers, housing and educational facilities. By building a strong relationship with clients, Mike feels he contributes to the client’s success and growth. He has a passion for designing buildings that reflect a tribes heritage and that are sustainable.

Mike is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa in North Dakota. He is a board member of Minnesota’s American Indian Chamber of Commerce and a Sequoyah member of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society. As the outgoing president of the regional AISES chapter, he is working with others to raise funds to promote STEM activities for native youth.