Grand Jury Member of the International Architecture & Design Awards

Simon Devitt

Photographer
Simon Devitt
Auckland, New Zealand

Grand Jury Member

blank

Simon Devitt, renowned for his architectural photography, resides in Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand, extending his expertise across Australasia and further. His unique birth amid a sandstorm in 1973 ignites his wanderlust intertwined with home’s deep allure. Cities like Shanghai, the serenity of a Japanese bamboo forest, and LA’s distinct luminosity compared to New Zealand’s stark brightness deeply inspire Simon. One poignant memory stems from an LA shoot in Echo Park, highlighting the sun’s diffused glow and endearing community interactions. For Simon, photography melds structures and souls. Including people in his compositions instills scale and timelessness, crafting tales between life and landscapes. Among his lauded contributions are photo-books “Rannoch” and the “All Things Considered” series. Beginning with 2013’s “Portrait of a House,” he went on to create the “Ripe Fruit” series (2018-2019) and “Cape to Bluff” (2022). His craft adorns various publications, from international editions of “Elle Decor” to “Home New Zealand.” A decade saw him enlightening students at the University of Auckland, coupled with his initiated Simon Devitt Prize for Photography since 2008. Today, represented by Milan’s PhotoFoyer, Simon’s oeuvre garners acclaim in diverse exhibitions. Endearing quirks, like his admiration for Nick Cave, a penchant for garden gnomes, and a definitive martini preference, punctuate his persona. Eager for collaborations, lectures, and mentorship, Simon remains an architectural photography luminary.