DESIGNGROUP STAPLETON ELLIOTT - Key Persons
Since Agatha arrived in NZ in 2017, she has been working on a range of Residential, Commercial, and Educational projects, from concept through to delivery. Eleven years of overseas and local experience combined have strengthened her technical acumen and problem-solving skills, as she focuses on practical and tangible solutions.
Agatha joined DGSE in 2022 and has since been involved with a number of projects, managing tasks and deliveries for different design stages. She is self-motivated, driven and enjoys a good challenge. Currently Agatha is finishing her Master in Architecture at the University of Auckland.
With over 15 years of experience, Alison has worked on a diverse range of projects in practices across New Zealand, the UK and Ireland. Her time overseas, within leading multi-disciplinary firms, has given her inside knowledge of industry-related Consultants and their work ethos.
Based in DGSE's Napier Studio, Alison was Project Architect on the recently completed Hawke's Bay Airport and the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre. She is currently leading the Kāinga Ora Hawke's Bay/Gisborne Retrofit programme and a few projects commissioned by the (former) Hawke's Bay DHB.
Alison believes that the connection between a building and its environment is fundamental to the design process and the final outcome. To provide the best result for her clients, the end user and the future occupants, architecture must be functional, flexible, and economical, as well as aesthetically pleasing and exciting.
Alison leads teams through the design and detailed documentation phases, whilst coordinating with all involved efficiently and effectively. She is especially motivated by environmentally sustainable design and always sets high standards for herself and her clients.
Amy is a diligent worker with an eagerness to learn. She has a genuine willingness to help clients and her colleagues to the best of her ability.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Design Team
Arran is a skilled and motivated member of DGSE whose detail-oriented approach is evident in both the conceptual and practical components of projects that he is involved with. Through experience, Arran has developed a strong understanding of the fundamentals of effective design, especially in the context of affordable housing in New Zealand. He has a solid appreciation of urban design principles and an interest in how new buildings can best be integrated with existing communities for the benefit of all users of the built environment.
Arran has been a valuable member of the design team on two large-scale medium density housing projects: the Comprehensive Residential Development in Lower Hutt and the Kaimai Views Development in Ōmokoroa.
Job Titles:
- Director / Executive Principal
- Founding Principal
Brian Elliott is a founding Principal of Designgroup Stapleton Elliott and is the founding Chairman of Designgroup New Zealand. He has served the New Zealand Institute of Architects in several capacities and was National President from 1997 to 1999. Brian holds a Bachelor of Architecture with Honours from Auckland University, is a Life Fellow and Past President of the NZIA and holds an NZIA Award of Honour.
With over 40 years' experience working for clients throughout New Zealand and Australia, Brian is a recognised expert in the Education sector. He is an Education Planner working across all education sectors, including ECE centres, Primary and Secondary schools through to entire Tertiary Education campus planning throughout New Zealand. He has been appointed by the NZ Government to a number of educational organisations, including Early Childhood and Tertiary Boards and working parties.
Brian's delivery of many major architectural projects is testimony to his wide-ranging achievements. Brian provides essential front-end client/community involvement and design and master planning skills. His portfolio of work covers new-build, redevelopment and remediation work across many sectors and design typologies, including Residential, Community and multi-storey Commercial projects.
Chris has 30 years of nationwide experience in architecture, a sound construction knowledge, and a passion for design and technical problem-solving. Chris's experience over this time has resulted in a vast portfolio that includes Residential, Public, and Commercial projects. He has a keen interest in Urban Design and currently sits on an Urban Design Panel for the Napier City Council, and the Westquay Design Group, which reviews and comments on proposals in the Ahuriri Character Area.
Technological evolution, in conjunction with practicality, is an important element of Chris's methodology. He believes that both elements must coincide in order to provide the best possible results for client and project. Chris considers the bigger picture at a strategic level, while ensuring the finer administration particulars are running efficiently.
Chris possesses a comprehensive understanding of the technological, commercial and environmental fields of architecture, and he is motivated by translating that experience for others to utilise and benefit from, when applying functionality to design.
Some of Chris's most recent projects include the Hawke's Bay Airport Terminal expansion, and the restoration and reinstatement of the Napier War Memorial. Expertise in Conservation and Heritage Design has also ensured his leadership of several high-profile projects in Napier.
Chris has achieved a significant track record in the design and documentation sector during his 20 years' in the industry, specifically with many of DGSE's award-winning projects. He has led the design on a range of projects which include Multi-Unit Residential Developments, New Builds, and Conversions.
Chris's recent work includes Apartments, Townhouse Developments, and the Master Planning/design of Aged Care Villages. Projects of note include the recently completed Sunset West Apartments. Recent experience includes the integration of unitised façades to apartment buildings to accelerate construction along with many other construction techniques. Chris encourages standardisation in many design projects to ensure construction efficiencies can be achieved while ensuring high quality outcomes.
Chris has designed and overseen the construction of many successful Commercial Fit-outs. Projects of note include the Greater Wellington Regional Council Shed 39 Fit-out and Harrison Grierson's Wellington character office space, and he has co-designed and overseen the construction of DGSE's own Wellington office fit-out.
Chris has experience in complex high security facilities, with multi-level security and couple service requirements, having designed and overseen the construction of Revera's state-of-the-art Trentham Data Centre over three stages. Other areas of experience include Retail, Chris having worked on the roll-out of numerous Kathmandu stores throughout Aotearoa.
Job Titles:
- Design Director
- Executive
- Principal
A founding Executive Principal of Designgroup Stapleton Elliott (DGSE), Craig is responsible for the design leadership of major projects undertaken by the practice nationwide. As Design Director, Craig assumes the pivotal role of design direction and strategy within the practice. Craig is recognised for the extensive body of work produced by DGSE, the alignment with client aspirations, and the clarity of the design intent and process.
Craig has an extensive portfolio across a range of sectors including Master Planning, Urban Design, Housing, Multi-Unit Housing, Civic, and Education. Significant projects include the NZIA national award-winning Regent Park and Marshall Court Apartments that have been recognised internationally. Craig has extensive expertise in social/affordable housing projects for Kāinga Ora, The Salvation Army, and Community Housing Providers (CHP) throughout New Zealand.
Craig is currently Design Director for the mixed use social and affordable housing for Kāinga Ora on Arlington Street in Wellington, their largest national project. He is also Design Lead and Advisor for Made Group on the community of Auranga in Karaka-Drury and the Town Centre creation for Drury West, Auckland.
Job Titles:
- Senior Architectural Designer
Elisa is a Senior Architectural Designer with experience workingon Residential and Multi-Unit projects across New Zealand.
Being a Homestar Practitioner and living off-grid, Elisa is passionate about creating sustainable and resilient built environments. She designs spaces that work harmoniously with the environment and encourage people and communities to feel more empowered in the role they play as part of the wider context.
She enjoys creating vibrant, inspiring spaces,and exploring out of the box solutions.
Architecture is Emma's vocation. She enjoys the vibrancy, diversity, and collaboration of working in the industry. Her experience means she is confident across all stages of design, from project inception and feasibility studies through to delivery. She has a holistic approach to architecture in terms of people, place and programme, and excels at tailoring an architectural response to achieve client's needs. Above all, Emma aims to deliver beyond expectations.
As a Project Architect, with over 10 years' commercial experience in New Zealand, Emma draws on her skills in leadership, communication, design, and problem-solving to provide the best possible outcome for her clients. Emma has experience across a range of typologies including Residential Housing, Commercial Developments, Hospitality, Office, and Embassy Design. In addition she has delivered Seismic Strengthening projects and Internal Fit-outs of varying scales.
Emma is currently leading the team at DGSE to deliver the Hyde Lane Apartments, a new 13-storey apartment building located off Courtenay Place, Wellington.
In his role as Principal, Ezra manages DGSE's marketing and strategic direction for the Hawke's Bay and Tairawhiti Regions, as well as working in the capacity of Lead Architect for various projects nationwide. Ezra is an award-winning architect, with over 25 years' experience across a wide range of project types, including Public, Education and Healthcare. His expertise also includes Sustainability, Urban Design and Master Planning, Community and Education Architecture, Commercial and Workplace Design.
A Green Star Accredited Professional, Ezra is assisting in strengthening DGSE's Sustainable Design team.
Hannah has over 12 years' experience in Residential, Multi-Unit Housing, and Master Planning work, as well as Community buildings and Public projects. She leads numerous project teams within the company.
Among the recent projects led by Hannah are extensive master planning undertakings, ranging from residential infill and combining several lots through to larger developments, such as master planning a 30ha greenfield site. She also plays a pivotal role in delivering social/affordable housing and open market residential developments from bulk and location/ feasibility studies through to documentation and completion.
Hannah is committed to the wider architectural profession and was a member of the NZIA's Auckland Branch Committee for four years, including two years as the Environmental Portfolio holder, and two years as the NZIA Representative on the Future Auckland Leaders Programme.
Hannah is involved in projects from the outset, including client liaison and concept design, through to documentation and construction observation/administration. She is passionate, hardworking and enthusiastic, bringing a fresh perspective to projects and a dedication to creating innovative, contemporary architecture which is fit for purpose and place.
Jay has been a member of DGSE since graduating in 2019 and has experience in a variety of projects ranging from apartments and medium-density housing, through to retirement villages, industrial developments, commercial fit-outs, and high-end residences.
Kaz has a wide range of knowledge in architectural designing, project management, resource management, sustainability, and civil engineering. He is a skilled and valuable member of DGSE who utilises those skills to ensure that projects are delivered promptly and to the highest standard.
An inspiring and enthusiastic person who thrives under pressure, Kaz brings experience from working on a diversity of Public, Residential, Educational, and Commercial projects. He also ensures each build will achieve the requirements of the New Zealand Building Code and council regulations.
With her 20 years' experience as a Registered Architect. She manages DGSE's marketing and strategic direction for the Central Otago region. Keryn has played a key role in many projects ranging from residential alterations, new houses, multi-unit houses and apartments, to workplace fit-outs, education buildings, commercial office buildings and aged care.
Since joining DGSE in 2013, Keryn has been lead Project Architect in a variety of projects, including converting an office building into a hotel; complex education rebuild projects for the Ministry of Education; design standard development and project roll-out works for Z Energy; a new Engineering and Trades School at the Mt Albert Campus for Unitec; and office fit-outs. More recently, Keryn has been involved in the Aged Care sector and continues to work with key Tertiary Education clients.
Keryn has been an Assessor for the NZ Registered Architects Board (NZRAB) for several years, something that she finds immensely rewarding. Keryn's clear communication and people management skills are key to the success of every project she is involved with.
Job Titles:
- Registered Architect ( Thailand )
Job Titles:
- Executive Principal / Chief Financial Officer
Mark joined Designgroup Stapleton Architects in 1986 after working as a Research Fellow at Victoria University of Wellington's, School of Architecture, and as an Architectural Graduate in London. Mark became a Director of the company in 1990 and is now one of the founding Principals of Designgroup Stapleton Elliott Limited. He has worked on a variety of projects, including Educational Institutions, Religious Buildings, Office Interiors and Industrial Developments.
Many prominent companies and national institutions, such as WelTec, Latter-day Saints Church, Hutt City Council, Fulton Hogan and ANZ, have benefited from Mark's involvement. His Education clients include Hutt International Boys' School, St Oran's College and Pukerua Bay School, to name just a few. He has been involved in many seismic strengthening projects, working through the decanting and health and safety complexities of clients operating in the buildings while work is undertaken.
Mark's professional approach to creating and fostering a culture of teamwork ensures all contributions are focused on achieving successful, rewarding, and meaningful results. By working collaboratively with all parties, everyone is listened to and appreciated. Mark's design experience, technical knowledge, and management skills ensure projects are delivered to standards second to none.
Michael is an Executive Principal at Designgroup Stapleton Elliott. He manages DGSE's marketing and strategic direction for the Bay of Plenty and Waikato Region, as well as working in the capacity of design leader and mentor for major projects nationwide.
Michael is a national award-winning Architect, with extensive experience across a variety of sectors. Having been in the industry for over 15 years, Michael is able to successfully deliver projects across all stages of the design process. Clients are Michael's top priority, and his completed builds are testament to the collaborative and industrious method by which he works. Michael's proficiency in realising his clients' visions means he brings to life intelligent, functional, and elegant works of architecture.
Time living overseas, including Sweden, has influenced his architectural approach of simplicity, honesty and clarity of both design process and architectural response. Michael is concerned with the art and craft of architecture through the pillars of People, Culture and Context. He strives to create designs that have a sense of place, and that move people both physically and emotionally as they walk, pause and dwell within the architecture.
Job Titles:
- Director / Executive Principal
Mike's significant experience and specialisations cover projects ranging from Commercial, Civic and Educational Institutions to large-scale Residential Developments. He is a key member of our design team, where he leads projects, develops Concept Designs, creates presentations to assist design development and client understanding and approvals. Mike is also the HR Director overseeing the now large DGSE team, from hiring to helping form the culture of the Company.
Graduating with an Honours Degree in Architecture from Auckland University in 1996, Mike has since received a number of awards for his work. Current projects as Design and Project Architect include significant work for New Zealand Police, with the main project a new station in Blenheim, and the redevelopment of the Upper Hutt City Council Civic Building. Recently completed work includes new school buildings for Aotea College, redevelopment of Brooklyn School, and the Willis Street Grand Arcade project involving high-end retail spaces and a new childcare facility.
Job Titles:
- Executive
- Principal
- Executive Principal of DGSE
Neil is a founding Executive Principal of DGSE. With his extensive design and project management experience, Neil assumes direct responsibility for the delivery and strategic planning of DGSE commissions. Neil has been Project Director for many award-winning DGSE projects in the Education, Social Housing, Commercial, Sports, and Government sectors. Many of these high value projects have required delivery within demanding timeframes.
Neil is an advocate of collaboration from project inception to final handover to harness the unique skill sets of all team members. On all projects, Neil establishes a culture of open and transparent communication to ensure client needs are understood and best value is delivered.
His expertise and experience are significant, including completion of landmark projects for Government Ministries such as Education, MSD, Corrections, Conservation, and MPI. Neil has also completed high-profile projects for Local Authorities.
Neil is currently leading our DGSE team on the Arlington Street housing development which, on completion, will be the largest project undertaken by Kāinga Ora.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director
- Managing Director / Executive Principal
- the Key
Nigel is the Managing Director of Designgroup Stapleton Elliott and a Director of Designgroup New Zealand. Nigel is also a National Board member of the New Zealand Institute of Building. He has an extensive portfolio across the Commercial, Office Workplace, Education, Multi-Unit Housing, Retirement, and Hospitality sectors which includes new-build and interior refurbishment work.
Nigel assumes the key role of Strategic Planning and Marketing for the practice and works extensively across all of DGSE's Design Studios providing support and guidance on Governance and project matters. In this capacity, Nigel has led DGSE to a successful growth strategy leading to many appointments of significant public and private projects, many of which have been the recipient of Architectural Awards and accolades from within the construction sector. Nigel has played a pivotal role in the planning and implementation of key DGSE projects, whilst working directly with senior client management groups and other lead consultant representatives.
In the role of Project Director, Nigel has completed numerous projects for high profile clients such as Rocket Lab, Weta, and Bloomberg. Nigel also has an extensive portfolio of market and social multi-unit housing projects for private and Government/Central Government clients. Nigel assumes a national role within DGSE, providing oversight and support to all DGSE staff and their clients.
Job Titles:
- Member of Our Wellington Studio
At DGSE, Paul has been involved in a range of developments: Commercial, Residential, Mixed-Use, and Office Fit-outs. Among his key projects are Summerset Boulcott Village, Elsdon Business Park, Moxham Avenue, and Waring Taylor Street. He has been involved in a range of design stages, from conceptual design through building consent documentation.
Paul is a highly motivated and adaptable member of DGSE, utilising his skills to ensure projects and associated documentation are completed to the highest standard. He is excited to extend his creativity and broaden his knowledge and understanding of the industry with DGSE.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Registered Architect
Sam is a Registered Architect with more than 10 years' experience in New Zealand. Before migrating to New Zealand, Sam worked for a small architectural practice in Sydney, Australia for two years. He joined DGSE in 2014 after working for a few other firms in Wellington and Palmerston North.
Sam is a Senior Associate at Designgroup Stapleton Elliott and leads numerous project teams within the office. He has vast experience in Commercial projects ranging from small office fit-outs to $100million+ developments.
Sam works alongside clients and consultants to manage and meet expectations for the better outcome of projects.
Job Titles:
- Senior Architectural Technician
Scott has over seven years' experience in construction detailing, documentation, and contract observation across a wide range of project typologies, including Commercial, Education, Residential, and Industrial.
He leads the documentation of projects from concept to construction, working closely with Project Architects, Consultant teams and Contractors to produce digital technical design that is well detailed and coordinated. His comprehensive knowledge of the New Zealand Building Code and eye for detail allow the intricacies of the design to be carried right through the project life cycle and ensure quality and accuracy are upheld to a high standard.
Among the recent projects Scott has led are a large Commercial Redevelopment in Hamilton and new 12-classroom block in Tauranga.
Shani is a Principal and a key member of DGSE's leadership team. Working as Project Architect, her leadership, mentoring and people management skills allow her to deliver projects with an emphasis on producing quality design solutions through open and clear communication across the entire project team. Liaising closely with colleagues and clients, Shani produces well-coordinated documentation with specialist consultant delivery teams, and successfully meets design and project deliverables that exceed client expectations.
Shani is passionate about ensuring that the design intent is always at the forefront of decision making and is translated throughout the project and evident in the detail. Under her leadership, documentation achieves the quality, compliance, and functional needs of the client and end users.
Stacey is a highly skilled and driven team member with five years‘ experience in a diverse range of projects, from concept design through to delivery. She draws on her skills in communication, design and problem-solving to provide the best possible outcome for her clients.
Stacey enjoys the vibrancy and diversity of working in architecture, and is confident in all mediums of design, drawing, documentation, trade coordination, and contract administration/observation.
She has worked on apartment buildings, commercial projects, educational new builds and fit-outs, and residential housing developments, through to complex residential alterations and new builds.
Steve has over 15 years' experience on a wide range of projects from private residences to multi-million dollar institutional developments. He has a strong track record of design, documentation, project, and construction management. His background with a multi-disciplinary consultancy working across full service projects means he is experienced in the production of practical, feasible designs, and a comprehensive and coordinated assembly of drawings and specifications that consider all facets of the design. His team-oriented attitude brings a collaborative approach to any project in which he is involved.
Recently, Steve has been focused on the Residential sector and is bringing a design-lead focus to projects across a broad range of budgets working both for developers and private clients. He is passionate about bringing architecture into the mainstream housing market and raising the standard of design across the board.
Steve leads DGSE's partnership with eHaus and is excited about the future of the PassivHaus movement and the influence good architecture can have on people's lives.
Job Titles:
- Registered Architect ( Thailand )