About MPD
At MPD we see no separation between the practices of fine Art, interior design, architecture, and landscape design. We espouse a multidisciplinary approach bringing together expert craftspeople (metal, wood, stone and plant) to deliver something special to each client. The result is always a considered approach responding to the environment in which it exists whether that be urban or rural, commercial or residential and held together with a strong understanding of materiality and commitment to detail.
Since 2017, MPD has worked alongside Bidwill Design & Build to bring our clients highly bespoke and considered built environments. The team has nurtured relationships with specialty timber merchants and mills, quarries and plant nurseries. Using what we consider to be the best materials and finishes, along with the accumulated knowledge and skill set of an expert team enables us to focus on delivering results that are both beautiful and genuinely sustainable.
At the core of the practice is a desire to bring passion to the craft of building, creating a product which has true beauty and longevity.
About Mike
Mike Petre was born in Piopio, New Zealand, in 1964. He gained a Bachelor of Agriculture (Management) from Massey University, in 1986. He later pursued further study, graduating with a Bachelor of Design from Carrington Polytechnic in 1994.
Art background
Following his graduation from design studies, Petre was a founding member of Sturdee Studios and in 1998 of Indicator Studios. He began exhibiting via the studios in 1995 and since 1997 has exhibited in dealer galleries in Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch & Dunedin. As well as in public galleries including Auckland, Waikato and Christchurch. Since 2000 Mike has had 18 solo shows and contributed to over 60 group shows throughout NZ. His works feature in numerous collections in NZ and overseas and he continues to be represented by Milford galleries in Dunedin and Queenstown.
Other articles and reviews have appeared in Art News, Otago Daily Times, Sunday Star Times, NZ Herald, Metro, Canvas, BMW Magazine, Kiora Magazine and TVNZ Homefront.
Design background
In 2012 Mike was responsible for designing the Vivian Gallery in Matakana. As well as heavy involvement in its inception, Mike offered ongoing technical assistance and curatorial roles, along with exhibiting.
Since then Mike has designed homes and environs for fellow artists; Virginia Leonard and Olly King, Chef Ben Bayley, amongst others.
In 2016 Mike was involved in the Design of the Sawmill Brewery in Matakana, where he continues to curate the artwork on display within.
Mike continues to work across multiple creative industries including fine art, curating, set, furniture, building and landscape design. Passionate about materiality and detail he is also heavily involved in the process of making and bringing together a team of like minded creatives .
