Making A Difference | Auckland Council

As we near the end of 2024, we wanted to touch on a special project.

At SOJO we are passionate about more than just creating beautiful spaces. While aesthetics and functionality are at the core of what we do, we believe that the true impact of interior design lies in it’s ability to transform the way people feel. For us, making a difference means designing spaces that serve a great purpose – spaces that evoke emotion, encourage interaction and provide comfort. This philosophy is what drives us to take on projects that aren’t just about design, but about leaving a lasting, positive mark on the communities we serve.

While we are fortunate to work on a variety of commercial projects, one in particular stands out – a project that is especially close to our hearts: the transformation of the Manukau Gardens Chapel.

A Project of Heart: The Manukau Gardens Chapel

The Manukau Gardens Chapel, located in South Auckland, is not just a building—it’s a sanctuary. It’s a place where people come together to mourn, celebrate life, and find comfort in times of both sorrow and joy. When we were approached to collaborate with the Auckland Council to redesign this special space, we knew it would be an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the local community. This was more than just a commercial project; it was a chance to create a space that would nurture the emotional and spiritual well-being of those who walked through its doors.

Photo – The Chapel

From the very beginning, we understood the significance of this space. The chapel needed to be a place of peace, love, and connection—a space that fostered a sense of serenity and comfort for those in need. It needed to reflect the values of the Auckland Council and the surrounding community, creating an environment that felt warm, inviting, and supportive.

A Collaborative Approach:

Working alongside the Auckland Council, we set out to design a chapel that honoured the sacred nature of the space while bringing in modern elements that would make it timeless and practical.

Photo – Custom Entrance Seating

One of the most meaningful aspects of this project was the integration of nature. The chapel’s design already included large windows that offered views of the surrounding gardens, allowing for a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors. This brought a sense of tranquillity to the space, where people could pause and reflect in the presence of natural beauty.

We reflected the gardens colours into our choice of floral arrangements, fabrics and flooring. When the transformation of the Manukau Gardens Chapel was completed, it became everything we had hoped for—a space that provided comfort, peace, and a sense of belonging.

The Importance Of Purposeful Design

At the end of the day, this project reinforced for us why we do what we do. Interior design is not just about making things look beautiful; it’s about creating environments that enhance the human experience. When we take the time to understand the people, communities, and values that a space serves, we can create designs that truly make a difference.

The Manukau Gardens Chapel project will always hold a special place in our hearts because it reminded us of the power of design to heal, connect, and uplift. It is our privilege to be part of these kinds of transformative projects, and we look forward to continuing our mission of designing spaces that not only look good but do good.