We’re a one-stop-shop for cultural planning, capital projects & visitor experience design
Our projects come in all shapes and sizes, from masterplans to grassroots, community initiatives.
With experience guiding projects through the full development cycle, we understand all the ins and outs. We connect the dots — safeguarding your project at every step.
One stop shop
We’re the go-to team for cultural projects. Whether you need planning and fundraising, experience design, or delivery support — we’ve got you covered.
Cultural infrastructure for the 21st Century
We specialise in refocusing civic and cultural facilities and experiences so they remain relevant and accessible in a changing world.
We make every cent count
We champion smart, sustainable solutions that fit the New Zealand context and set projects up for funding and long-term success.
Built to run
We understand that capital and operational design need to be integrated from the outset. It takes much more than just constructing a building and expecting it to function flawlessly. That is why we work closely with clients, communities and design teams to set projects up for operational readiness.
Expert connectors
True to our name, we bring people together — partners, funders, stakeholders, organisational teams, communities and creatives.
Stitchbird is led by Lily Frederikse and Matthew Taylor, who bring together expertise in cultural strategy and planning, spatial and experience design, civic and community development, and media production. Inspired by the New Zealand native stitchbird, or hihi, the name reflects our approach to stitching together the right teams, strategies, and perspectives for each project—ensuring every complex vision is safely nested within a sustainable model that delivers value.
We plan, advise on and deliver
New and redeveloped museums
Exhibitions and visitor experiences
Arts and cultural centres
Visitor information, cultural and environment centres
Libraries and community hubs
Cultural heritage sites
Civic and cultural precincts
Visitor attractions and products
Our clients include
Museums, arts and cultural organisations
Local government
Iwi and hapū
Masterplanning consortia
Environmental, cultural, and heritage trusts
Architects, landscape designers and urban planners
Economic development agencies
