HIERARCHY - Key Persons


Abby Pickering

Job Titles:
  • Studio Manager

Akshay Thour

Job Titles:
  • Senior Architectural Graduate

Alex Loughnan

Job Titles:
  • Architectural Graduate

Alfonsina De Conno

Job Titles:
  • Senior Architectural Technician

Amanda Leite

Job Titles:
  • Architectural Technician

Anna Richardson

Job Titles:
  • Interior Designer

Ashton Wright

Job Titles:
  • Director
Since graduating with a Masters of Architecture (Prof) in Wellington, Ashton spent over 15 years working in Australia and New Zealand on a variety of projects types and scales, from high-end residential to large scale commercial and multi-residential developments. Returning to his home town Christchurch as a registered Architect, he is enthusiastic about turning concepts into reality, collaborating with clients and builders from inception through to completion and understand the cost implications in order to deliver outcomes of the highest quality. Ashton has a particular interest in design for disassembly and how we can learn from other industry's to help develop more responsive and sustainable architecture.

Ben Potgieter

Job Titles:
  • Architectural Technician

Beth Calverley

Job Titles:
  • Architectural Technician
  • Technician With
Beth has worked as an Architectural Technician with Hierarchy Group for 7 years since completing her qualifications at Otago Polytechnic. She completed a Diploma in Architectural Drafting and National Diploma in Architectural Technology. Beth is a versatile member of the team contributing to multiple facets of our specialties in a detailed documentation capacity. These include commercial fit outs (both retail and hospitality) and earthquake repair works including onsite inspections.

Bing Chen

Job Titles:
  • Associate
Bing is an experienced Architectural Designer who specialises in 3D model creation. He has a Diploma in Computer Aided Design and is proficient in the use of the Autodesk Design Suite of products and a range of rendering and visualisation packages. He has over 10 years' experience working for architectural and design companies in New Zealand where his work has ranged from the design of large multi storey buildings to commercial interior fitouts, to residential dwellings. His skill set allows him to develop projects from 3D concept through to full construction documentation and specification.

Caroline North

Job Titles:
  • Associate
With a Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) & BAS, Caroline has over 19 years of experience in the architecture profession, predominantly in the commercial interiors sector. Projects include large corporate office fitouts, nationwide retail rollouts, high end residential and education projects as well as more bespoke hospitality fitouts. She is passionate about creating beautiful and functional spaces which evoke emotional responses through good design, materiality and attention to detail. Caroline forms strong relationships with clients and believes good communication is paramount in the successful delivery of projects.

Chris Wheeler - Managing Director

Job Titles:
  • Design Director
  • Managing Director
Chris has over 25 years' experience in architecture and design. Chris has established a reputation for delivering innovative and inspiring designs for his clients. As a result, many clients have become repeat customers and Hierarchy Group regularly completes projects throughout New Zealand. With a specialty in master planning and creative direction, Chris surrounds himself with a talented architectural team working on commercial and residential projects. Their work, for both stand alone and major corporate clients, has resulted in numerous design awards. Coming from a detailing background, Chris applies creative thinking to problem solving, guiding his team to bespoke solutions.

Claire Cook

Job Titles:
  • Finance Manager
Claire spent 3 and a half years working as an accounting technician for Gabites Chartered Accountants in Ashburton. Prior to that she worked in the electronics industry. She and her family are thoroughly enjoying being back in a big city again after the quieter rural lifestyle of Ashburton. They love trips to the beach, mountain biking, shows and concerts and the awesome general vibe Christchurch has regained in recent years.

David Reynolds

Job Titles:
  • Senior Architectural Technician

Dylan Watkins

Job Titles:
  • Project Lead

Fernanda Meinert

Job Titles:
  • Architectural Technician

Finn Nitzschmann

Job Titles:
  • Senior Architectural Technician

Hannah Buchanan

Job Titles:
  • Senior Quantity Surveyor

Hayley Wright

Job Titles:
  • Architectural Technician

Heidi Sowman

Job Titles:
  • Accounts Support and Payroll Manager

Henry Mabin

Job Titles:
  • Architectural Graduate

Jane Baker

Job Titles:
  • Project Lead

Jannie Wagenaar

Job Titles:
  • Associate
Jannie has 14 years of experience working on diverse projects across Southern Africa, where he developed a solid expertise in large-scale retail and commercial architecture. In 2020, he joined the team at Hierarchy Group, focusing on multi-unit and high-end residential architecture. Blending the fast-paced commercial scene with the detailed craftsmanship needed for residential projects has helped him to consistently deliver projects with the best architectural outcomes. Jannie has a strong interest in sustainable design and alternative construction methods, positioning him as a forward-thinking designer ready for today's challenges.

John O'Reilly

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager
  • Senior Quantity Surveyor

Joseph Deng

Job Titles:
  • Architectural Technician

Katie Cui

Job Titles:
  • Architectural Technician

Kim Smythe

Job Titles:
  • Commercial Manager
Kim has over 20 years' experience in the construction industry and is a Registered Quantity Surveyor and member of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors. He has worked for leading construction firms across New Zealand, taking on various roles such as Commercial Manager, Quantity Surveyor, Estimator and Construction Project Manager. As a Construction Project Manager he led the delivery of a number of complex construction projects. He has worked for Tier 1 main contractors, traditional building companies and has provided advisory services to major subcontractors. Prior to joining Hierarchy Group Kim was the Managing Director of a boutique Professional Quantity Surveying firm where he provided a full range of professional consulting services.

Lauren Heyes

Job Titles:
  • Project Lead

Lliam Dunn

Job Titles:
  • Project Lead

Mark Pheasant

Job Titles:
  • Team Lead

Mathew Green

Job Titles:
  • Project Lead

Melanie Wyatt

Job Titles:
  • Architectural Designer

Michael Harris

Job Titles:
  • Client Solutions Director
Michael delivers innovative, practical solutions that help clients confidently navigate complex property challenges. His background in banking-including business and property finance lending and leadership roles coupled with over a decade of experience in property advisory and project delivery, results in a unique blend of strategic insight and hands-on leadership. Known for his positive, professional approach and ability to build strong teams and client relationships, his proven track record of operational excellence, even in high-pressure environments, will help drive innovative, results-focused solutions for our clients.

Mike George

Job Titles:
  • Architectural Technician

Nadene Dalzell

Job Titles:
  • Marketing & Comms

Olivia Chiang

Job Titles:
  • Architectural Graduate

Olivia Shackley

Job Titles:
  • Project Lead

Rafaela Pereira

Job Titles:
  • Project Lead

Richard Orme

Job Titles:
  • Associate

Sam Wong

Job Titles:
  • Project Lead

Saman Keihani

Job Titles:
  • Architectural Technician

Sarah Jenkins

Job Titles:
  • Architectural Technician

Sarah Morris

Job Titles:
  • Architectural Graduate

Sonia Prince

Job Titles:
  • Interior Designer

Stefanie Baker-Burns

Job Titles:
  • Project Lead

Susan Sparrow

Job Titles:
  • Interior Designer

Tony Feng

Job Titles:
  • Architectural Graduate

Wen Ting

Job Titles:
  • Associate