Dr Kathy Waghorn's research generates a productive intersection of architecture, urbanism and socially engaged art practice. It takes place across diverse platforms, from international exhibitions and peer-reviewed scholarly publications, to self-initiated, localised, urban research and place-advocacy with her Aotearoa New Zealand based practice HOOPLA. 

Alongside this work, Kathy develops exhibition projects that investigate contemporary architectural practice and act as platforms for public engagement with issues in the built environment. In 2013 she developed 'Muddy Urbanism', a project for the Auckland Triennial, in 2016 she was Associate Creative Director of the award winning 'Future Islands', the New Zealand Pavilion for the Venice Architecture Biennale and in 2019 curated the project and book 'Making Ways, Alternative Architectural Practice in Aotearoa' at Objectspace Auckland.

Perpetually committed to learning together in and through places, she also publishes on architectural studio pedagogy, live projects and research-led teaching.

Kathy’s education, research and practice work has been recognised through several awards including the 2023 Architecture + Women New Zealand Munro Award celebrating individuals or practices working to support diversity in Architecture.

Spatial agency

Place

Urbanism 

Climate Adaptation

I teach Master level architecture studios and studies units. I have co-developed and lead the Masters of Architecture core unit ARC5401 Ethics In Practice.

I have co-developed and taught an on-going cross-institutional collaborative Summer School (2025&2026) on location in Ōtepoti Dunedin (Aotearoa New Zealand) focussed on urban coastal climate adaptation. 

In my design teaching I generate communities of practice made up of learners, teachers, practitioners and researchers working with community partners. I am committed to the development of architectural education, where design-making is understood as a social and ethical practice set within the complexity of the city.

Board member (2021-ongoing) Objectspace, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.