Featuring Sarosh Mulla from Pac Studio, this talk explores how carbon calculation, carbon offsetting, adaptive reuse and everyday design decisions shape a more sustainable architectural mindset.
Carbon-Conscious Design: Embedding Sustainability from Day One
With Dr Sarosh Mulla
CPD & CE Credits
10.00 NZ Registered Architects Board Points 1.00 Licensed Building Practitioner Points 1.00 Australian CPD ACT-SA-NT Points 1.00 Australian QLD - NSW - VIC - TAS - WA Points
Presented By
Abodo Wood
Attend Event
Event Date: March 26, 2026, 10 a.m.
Event Description
At Pac Studio, sustainability isn’t an add-on, it’s embedded early in how they think, choose materials and evaluate impact.
The Karanga Changing Sheds project is a clear example of this approach. Created as a temporary public structure, it uses locally sourced and recycled materials like Vulcan® Shingles and Cleanstone panels, resulting in a carbon-positive outcome.
The project demonstrates how thoughtful choices, even at a small scale can meaningfully reduce embodied carbon while still delivering functional, playful architecture.
The presentation begins with this project, revealing how it has driven meaningful shifts in the studio’s workflows, material decisions and broader design culture as a carbon-positive studio.
A Q+A will follow with Sarah Buckley, Abodo National Sales and Specification Manager, drawing on more than 19 years’ experience in the building industry and a passion for sustainable, healthy building.
Key Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the basics of carbon in architecture - including embodied vs operational carbon, and how carbon calculation can guide design decisions early.
- Identify practical strategies to reduce and offset carbon through material selection, procurement, reuse, and lifecycle thinking (with real examples from Pac Studio projects).
- Apply a sustainable mindset to everyday practice - understanding how studio culture, design workflows, and project decision-making can support carbon-positive outcomes over time.
Speaker’s BIO:
Sarosh Mulla | Director | Pac Studio
Sarosh brings over 19 years of experience across residential, heritage, and civic architecture, shaping the studio’s design ethos from its inception. His work reflects clarity, sustainability, and strong conceptual thinking. A top graduate of the University of Auckland, Sarosh has led award-winning projects recognised by both the New Zealand Institute of Architects and the Designers Institute of New Zealand, including Lava Flow and Waka Huia. He holds a PhD in Architecture by Practice from the University of Auckland as a Doctoral Scholar, where he also lectures, bridging academia and practice. Beyond architecture, he led the creation of the Longbush Eco Sanctuary, coordinating 88 volunteers and sponsors to bring it to life.
Sarah Buckley | National Sales and Specification Manager - New Zealand | Abodo
With 19 years of experience in the building industry, Sarah began her career as an architectural designer before transitioning into sales and specification management. Passionate about innovation and healthier building practices, Sarah is dedicated to educating designers and builders on the impact of their material choices, helping to shape a more sustainable and informed future for the industry.
