MODE NZ Achieves Just 3.0 Certification – Leading by Example in Social Equity and Design Integrity

 
 
 

MODE NZ Achieves Just 3.0 Certification – Leading by Example in Social Equity and Design Integrity

We are proud to share that MODE New Zealand has officially been recognised in the Just 3.0 label by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), making us one of only five firms in Australasia to achieve this prestigious certification under the latest version of the program.

The Just Label is a voluntary transparency platform that serves as a social justice “nutrition label” for organisations. It evaluates companies across six key categories and 21 performance indicators, including: 

  • Employee health and well-being

  • Equity and inclusion

  • Diversity and workforce representation

  • Employee benefits and pay equity

  • Community engagement

  • Stewardship and transparency

 Receiving this certification reflects MODE NZ’s deep and ongoing commitment to equity, social accountability, and ethical business practice, both internally and in the communities we serve. It reinforces our belief that sustainable design begins with a sustainable and inclusive workplace culture.

Supporting a Living Future Through Practice

This milestone was also a key requirement for MODE’s work on Te Whare Awhi Ora, a 10-bed mental health facility in Gisborne, Aotearoa New Zealand, designed for Hauora Tairāwhiti. Rooted in Māori principles, the project integrates biophilic and trauma-informed design to create a space that fosters recovery, dignity, and inclusion.

Our pursuit of ILFI’s Core Green Building Certification for this project demanded not just sustainable design outcomes, but also demonstrate evidence that our own operations align with the values we embed into our work. Achieving the Just 3.0 label validates our internal culture and organisational processes as part of this broader vision for regenerative design.

 

Lessons, Reflections, and a Clearer Path Forward

Going through the Just 3.0 process challenged our team to reflect critically on MODE’s existing policies and behaviours, leading to a number of genuine improvements. These improvements directly align with MODE’s CONNECTED By Design approach, which positions people, place, purpose, and performance at the heart of everything we do. For us, design leadership means showing up with transparency, inclusivity, and intention, both in the projects we deliver and in how we operate as a business.

 

Looking Ahead

We are incredibly proud of our New Zealand team for embracing this process with courage and authenticity. As a multidisciplinary firm, we believe this certification not only validates our commitment to positive social impact, it also challenges us to keep learning, improving, and leading the way forward for our future leaders.

A heartfelt thanks to the team, clients, and collaborators who supported us throughout this journey. We look forward to continuing the conversation around equity, justice, and sustainability within the built environment.

 
New Zealand, PeopleAmir FarokhianJust 3.0, International Living Future Institute, New Zealand