OUR STORY
Undercurrent was founded in 2020 by Olivia Pierce, on the belief that life is a sensory experience — and that every detail, no matter how subtle, shapes the way we live, feel, and connect within a space. This philosophy sits at the heart of the studio’s work, guiding a design approach that is refined, human-centred, and deeply attuned to place.
Olivia is a South Island native, raised on a farm — grounded, observant, and instinctively connected to landscape and material. After graduating from Victoria University of Wellington with a Bachelor of Architectural Studies, she expanded her education abroad, attending Les Arts Décoratifs and the Architectural Association in Paris. Time spent living and working in Europe sharpened her sensitivity to materiality, brand, and narrative, with project experience spanning cultural and editorial clients including the Clinton Foundation and Wallpaper Magazine.
Returning to Aotearoa in 2015, Olivia spent four years with award-winning studio Material Creative in Auckland, working across hospitality, commercial, and large-scale interior environments. In 2020, she relocated south to Wānaka, Central Otago, founding Undercurrent.
Liv has led and delivered a wide range of commercial projects throughout New Zealand, including boutique lodges, large hotels, business-class environments, airports, offices, hospitality, marine and destination environments. Her experience spans the full project lifecycle — from concept and documentation through to procurement and on-site execution.
Aesthetically driven yet deeply practical, Undercurrent takes a collaborative, hands-on approach to every project.
Like the unseen pull beneath the surface of water, our work channels subtle emotion through space. Guided by the forms and rhythms of the natural world, we design interiors that quietly move people — grounded, resonant, and enduring.
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