HMOA - Key Persons
Architectural Graduate Ana Suznjevic moved back to Auckland at the end of 2019 after spending a few years travelling around Europe, reconnecting with family in Croatia, and working in London. Ana joined HMOA's Auckland studio in February 2020.
Ana completed her Master of Architecture at Unitec in 2013 and worked for several years at Stephenson & Turner in Auckland where she focused on numerous school projects and the Aotea Centre interior refurbishment.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate, Registered Architect
- Registered Architect, ANZIA
With over 20 years' experience, Brent Sykes, Registered Architect, ANZIA, works in the Auckland studio and became an HMOA Associate in 2018. He has a long association with Auckland director Matt Pearson, having worked together on Matt's own projects, including the Momentum Apartments, before either joined HMOA. Brent has previously worked for other Auckland practices, including Stephenson & Turner and Peddle Thorp.
While living in London (1998-2004), he gained valuable experience in urban regeneration and medium-density residential projects, and an appreciation of the power of architecture to improve daily life. At Pollard Thomas & Edwards, Brent worked on the awarding-winning residential project, Lingham Court in Stockwell, and his work at Broadway Malyan included the Forge apartment development in the Docklands.
Brent lives in the Auckland suburb of Mangere Bridge, near Ambury Park and Te Pane Mataoho (Mangere Mountain) and enjoys mountain biking.
Project architect Corey McMeeking says that having already worked on several other heritage and seismic strengthening projects, HMOA had the experience to work through the complicated resource consent process with council planners and heritage consultants. Negotiations on the addition of a new floor and the design of two penthouse apartments were lengthy with careful consideration given to urban design principles. Wellington City Council had the foresight to recognise the value of high-quality, inner city living and also helped out with a grant towards seismic strengthening costs.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director in 2007, Matt Pearson in 2016 and Matt Robinson in 2022
- Director, Christchurch
- Director, Registered Architect
Duval O'Neill became a director in 2007, Matt Pearson in 2016 and Matt Robinson in 2022.
Duval O'Neill, Registered Architect; ANZIA, manages the Christchurch studio. Duval joined Herriot + Melhuish Architecture in 2002, working on both commercial and residential projects. In January 2005, the pull home to the mainland became too much so Duval established the Christchurch studio where he quickly established strong relationships within the Canterbury construction sector, and acquired a strong portfolio of committed clients, including St Bedes College. Duval became an Associate with HMA in 2005 and a Director in 2007. He was lead architect on the Clifton Hill House, Christchurch (2011), a finalist in the 2013 Home of the Year. Prior to HMOA, in 1996 Duval worked in architectural practices in London on a range of large-scale urban regeneration projects, commercial developments and quality roof-top housing developments. Back in New Zealand in 2000, he worked with Stephenson and Turner (NZ) Ltd on large-scale commercial projects where he became an Associate.
Born and bred in Southland, Duval lives in the Christchurch suburb of Mt Pleasant but regularly explores Central Otago on both his mountain bike and skis. Read a Stuff article on Duval's own home and other Christchurch houses he has worked on. More
Director Duval O'Neill leads the Christchurch studio alongside HMOA Associate Nic Sewell. Home for the Ōtautahi team is 65 Cambridge Tce, Sir Miles Warren's original office and apartment and an inspiring place to go to work each day.
Herriot Melhuish O'Neill Architects was founded in 1997 by Max Herriot and John Melhuish as Herriot + Melhuish Architecture. Read about our 25th birthday.
Job Titles:
- Registered Architect James Lee Joined HMOA 's Auckland Studio in 2021, Bringing Experience in Education and Commercial Projects, and a Sound Knowledge of Architectural Software.
James completed his Masters in Architecture at the University of Auckland in 2017, joining ASC Architects where he was involved in the Public Private Partnership (PPP3) School Projects and a major redevelopment of Whangarei Boys' High School.
James is keen to broaden his knowledge in both construction and design. He's interested in how the architectural design process ultimately influences how people live, from formulating the concept as designers to the way people use these spaces once they are built.
Registered Architect James Lee joined HMOA's Auckland studio in 2021, bringing experience in education and commercial projects, and a sound knowledge of architectural software.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate, Registered Architect
Registered Architect Jason Yap brings a wealth of commercial experience to the Auckland studio following time at Leuschke Kahn Architects, Context Architects and Plus Architecture. Jason has also worked at Nettleton Tribe Architects in Brisbane.
Jason relishes the diversity of his role and working in a wider team to follow the architectural process from sketch to fully realised building. His extensive architectural knowledge and experience have seen him work on everything from small interior fit-outs to high-density housing and apartment developments.
A graduate of the University of Auckland School of Architecture, Jason lives in Onehunga with his wife and young child. More
Representing HMOA in the Bay of Plenty, Jenny Duck, NZ Registered Architect, ANZIA, was part of our Christchurch team for five years before moving north to Tauranga in 2016 and establishing the Tauranga studio in 2018. She works alongside Director John Melhuish as HMOA's contact there.
With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Jenny began her career as an architectural draughtsperson, crafting her trade in the residential field in Christchurch. She gained a strong grounding in CAD modelling and documentation and enjoyed the challenge of residential new builds and alterations on the Port Hills. More
In 2008 Jenny returned home to Wellington to attend Victoria University where she completed her Bachelor of Architecture. Jenny fitted her architectural career in around an equally impressive sporting one, she represented New Zealand in hockey for over ten years. Highlights included competing at a World Cup, being part of the bronze medal-winning New Zealand team at the 1998 Commonwealth Games and attending the Sydney 2000 Olympics Games. In Tauranga, Jenny has the skills and resources of the wider HMOA team to work across both commercial and residential projects, with directors regularly travelling to the Bay. In particular, she works closely with our Auckland studio, just two and a half hours drive away. Read more about Jenny.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director, Registered Architect
- Director, Wellington
- Registered Architect, FNZIA
John Melhuish, Registered Architect, FNZIA, manages the Wellington studio with Max Herriot and is the key contact for Bay of Plenty projects.
Prior to co-founding Herriot + Melhuish Architecture in 1997, John worked for a decade for one of New Zealand's most high-profile practices, Athfield Architects. Sir Ian Athfield (1940-2015) was a mentor; his design philosophy and studio culture is an ongoing inspiration for the practice. John has both led and worked within large and diverse project teams, with a focus on achieving the best quality through the co-ordination and collaboration of other design disciplines. John has extensive experience in a wide range and scale of projects and a particular interest in the contemporary adaptive reuse of heritage buildings. He believes in a strong emphasis on the craft of detail throughout the design process.
John is a previous Chair of the Building Research Advisory Council for BRANZ, was a member of the Wellington City Council Technical Advisory Group (TAG) for the Wellington Waterfront from 2005-2011 and a member of NZIA Council from 2009-2014.
A Napier Boys High School old boy, John played hockey for New Zealand from 1981 to 1986, is now a hockey-Dad and avid trail-runner. He lives in Strathmore, Wellington and also spends time in Mt Maunganui where he's a keen surfer. More
Originally from Martha's Vineyard in the US, Karin Thurston, CID (Certified Interior Designer, CCIDC State of California) began her interior design career in her teens, working as a design assistant during summer holidays. She went on to gain a Bachelor's Degree in Communications at Ithaca College before moving to Los Angeles and returning to interior design. In LA she completed the UCLA Extension Interior Architecture programme and over the next decade, Karin worked on commercial office fit-outs before moving to New Zealand with her partner in 2017.
Karin is particularly skilled in space planning, design, material selection, joinery design and construction documentation. She enjoys the collaborative studio atmosphere at HMOA, and has relished finding her place as an interior designer among all our architects. More
Karin's family travelled a lot when she was young, spending three years in Bangkok and many summer breaks in Finland, where her mother was from. After 15 years in LA, Karin enjoys living on the waterfront in the Wellington suburb of Seatoun-returning to the seaside living of her youth. A passionate cook, she strives to reduce her contribution to landfills in all facets of her live and work.
Registered Architect Lani van Schreven joined HMOA in 2011 initially working in the Wellington studio. In 2017, Lani and her husband moved to Christchurch, and Lani transferred to our Christchurch studio.
Lani has been involved with a range of projects from pre-design through to contract administration and site observation.
Before joining HMOA, Lani worked for Irving Smith Jack Architects in Nelson.
Lani lives in Rolleston and has young two children, both of whom are also cherished members of the HMOA team. More
Architectural Graduate Lewis Ellison completed his Masters of Architecture at Victoria University of Wellington before working for John Mills Architects in Wellington. Originally from Southland, Lewis joined HMOA's Christchurch studio in 2023 - making the move south to be closer to family.
Lewis is passionate about environmentally sustainable design and endeavours to weave the knowledge he gained from his master's research on regenerative design into every project.
Outside of work Lewis, enjoys honing his ceramic craft and has previously volunteered as a glaze technician for a Wellington pottery studio in Wellington.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Auckland Directors
- Director, Auckland
- Director, Registered Architect
- Registered Architect, ANZIA
Matt Pearson, Registered Architect, ANZIA, runs the Auckland studio. As well as his own architectural projects, Matt is well connected to all sectors of the building industry. On graduating from Auckland University in 1990, he bought a ute and a drop-saw and started his own development projects, initially designing and building small houses in his childhood home of Manurewa, before moving onto complex buildings including apartment blocks in the Auckland ‘city fringe'. In between his own developments, in 1998 Matt worked in London for SKF Architects.
Matt joined Herriot Melhuish O'Neill Architects in 2016. He lives with his young family in Parnell, but thrives on the surf in Raglan where he spends many weekends. More
Auckland directors, Matt Pearson and Matt Robinson, also get involved with projects in the Bay. Take a look at our Bay of Plenty House, almost complete on a waterfront site, and get in touch with John with any queries.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director, Auckland
- Director, Registered Architect
- Registered Architect, ANZIA
With over 15 years' experience in commercial and residential, Matt Robinson, Registered Architect, ANZIA, has also worked on large-scale projects at Plus Architecture, Leuschke Group Architects and RTA Studio, including multiple multi-unit and hotel developments. Matt aligns his design and technical skills with solid experience in business development and project management-all complemented by an earlier career as a landscape designer.
Matt became a director of the Auckland studio in 2022 and has a long association with HMOA. As a new graduate he did a stint in the Wellington studio where he gained early training in the modelling software, Revit.
Matt lives with his wife and three children in the Auckland suburb of Westmere. Brought up in rural Waikato, he loves to escape to the family farm, or to a beach or lake, whenever he can. More
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director, Registered Architect
- Director, Wellington
- Wellington Studio, Max Herriot, Registered Architect
Based in the Wellington studio, Max Herriot, Registered Architect, ANZIA, founded the practice with John Melhuish in 1997 as Herriot + Melhuish Architecture. Prior to HMA, Max had his own business, Max Herriot Design. From 1984-1988, he worked for a London based practice, Michael Aukett Associates. Max has a broad experience across a range of building types including commercial building refurbishments, hospitality projects, commercial fit outs, and more recently larger scale commercial campus projects including the Vogel Integrated Campus and the Bowen Integrated Campus. His focus has been on initial design concepts, design development, through to coordination of documentation, with a specific interest in detail as well as structural solutions, providing a connection to his engineering background.
Max grew up in Wellington's Eastbourne Bays. A keen sportsman, he played basketball for New Zealand and is now a regular in the K2 and Lake Taupo Cycling Challenges. He lives in the Wellington suburb of Strathmore, when not escaping to his Kapiti Coast beach house.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Registered Architect, ANZIA
Nic Sewell, Registered Architect, ANZIA, moved back to his hometown of Christchurch in 2011 after travelling and working in Europe. Experienced in all facets of the design and construction process, Nic has a strong interest in sustainability and a hands-on approach to construction and building technology. He worked on experimental building projects in Portugal, Denmark and Belgium and attended short courses on alternative construction and energy systems in Wales and Germany. Nic is a Register Assessor for the New Zealand Green Building Council's (NZGBC) Homestar programme.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate, Registered Architect
- Registered Architect, ANZIA
After graduating from Auckland University, Nic moved to Nelson and worked with a local practice on a range of institutional and residential projects that fostered a practical and direct approach to project development. Nic lives with his wife and two young sons in the Christchurch suburb of Spreydon. He loves snowboarding, has spent seasons at resorts in Canada and Austria, and enjoys exploring the clubbies and backcountry in Canterbury (when the kids allow). Nic is a keen cyclist who also volunteers with Christchurch's RAD Bikes, read more on the blog.
Job Titles:
- Consultant, Registered Architect
- Registered Architect, ANZIA
Oliver Markham, Registered Architect, ANZIA, joined the practice in 2005. He has recently stepped aside to focus on his own projects but continues his involvement with HMOA as a consultant.
With over twenty years' experience in the industry, Registered Architect Rochelle Tse returned to HMOA in 2019 after being part of our practice (then known as HMA) from 2002-2007. During that time, she worked on a range of projects including undertaking the Construction Documentation and Administration for Seatoun and Ngaio Houses. On graduating from Victoria University in 1996, Rochelle worked for Melling Morse Architects (1997-2001) on low-cost sustainable homes.
In 2007, Rochelle established Tse Wallace Architects with her business partner Liz Wallace. She has always enjoyed working with the variety of people who make up a project team to create thoughtful, well-detailed designs.
Rochelle lives in the Wellington seaside suburb of Eastbourne with her husband, Matt, and their two daughters. She enjoys the ‘slow' crafts of pottery, floristry and handicrafts, which link her back to nature.
Originally from Queensland's Sunshine Coast, Sally Britten, Architectural Graduate, has been with HMOA since 2013. She studied in Brisbane and Melbourne, before moving across the Tasman to be part of the Christchurch rebuild. While at HMOA, Sally has developed her skills in design, construction detailing, detailed design production and Autodesk REVIT for a range of projects including residential new builds, alterations and multi-residential projects. She enjoys the variety her role provides; working across different scales, from the big picture of the urban environment to the small scale of construction details.
When she has the opportunity, Sally loves exploring the South Island's network of backcountry huts - on foot or by bike.
Sally and her partner have recently built their own house and had their first child. More
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate, Registered Architect
Bringing a slice of France to the practice, Stephanie Gardner Registered Architect, ANZIA, Diploma of Architect, EPFL (Switzerland) has been with HMOA since 2004. Before then, she worked in Switzerland and France on commercial and residential projects, as well as architectural competitions. Steph is experienced in construction detailing, detailed design production and has been running contract administration/site observation on residential projects for over ten years. She is skilled in Autodesk REVIT and associated presentation software, and is passionate about Building Information Modelling as part of her role for NZIA BIM Committee.