News.

Isthmus Chief Executive Ralph Johns has stepped aside after a decade at the helm. As Isthmus’ first design-led, internally-appointed CEO, Ralph has seen the studio grow from a team of 35 to an integrated studio of more than 100 architects, urban designers and landscape architects with studios in Tāmaki Makaurau, Te Whanganui-a-Tara and Ōtautahi.

Ralph is taking a break to focus on wellbeing and whānau before returning to the studio later in the year back in a design leadership role. Isthmus Principal Brad Coombs has been appointed as interim Chief Executive while the Board recruits a new CEO.

Ralph says: “Now is the time for new leadership to navigate us through the next stages of our journey. The future will bring new challenges, but wherever there is challenge, there is opportunity. Isthmus will go from strength to strength over the next few years; we have an amazing depth of talent in our team.”

Isthmus Board Chair Christine Spring says: “The Board and I are hugely grateful to Ralph for his vision and leadership over the last decade. These have been years of huge growth, not just in the size of the business but in the strengthening of our values, the maturing of our culture and the deepening of our kaupapa.

“Ralph has demonstrated a huge personal commitment to the company, and I admire his determination to make sure he and Isthmus keep evolving and growing as he steps out of the key leadership role. We look forward to welcoming Ralph back to Isthmus in a supporting role after a well-earned break. We will announce his successor in coming months following a recruitment process.”

Graduate to Intermediate  

Over the last year or so, Cass has gained the trust and respect of her peers and clients, becoming a reliable and sought-after team member with proactive communication and technical skills. Cass manages her time efficiently and effectively—this allows her to handle multiple projects while also dedicating time to studio culture and chair the Wellington branch of the NZILA. Dedicated and ambitious, she is already making great progress towards becoming a registered landscape architect. The future holds great promise for Cass.  

Since joining us two years ago Naomi has been on an Isthmus adventure with an unknown destination. She has grown into her role by focusing on a wide range of projects within and beyond her illustration wheelhouse. Constantly curious, Naomi has grown from being a 2D designer to one that now thinks fully in three dimensions.  Gently challenging, Naomi is able to elevate a project to something truly beautiful, simple and unique.  

Rhianna is willing to give anything a go! She is a lively and enthusiastic member of the Tāmaki studio and has rapidly gained confidence and experience as a graduate architect. She’s become a key team member on Jimmy’s Point, Evans Bay, and Hospital Road Apartments — three of the studio’s most complex Architectural projects. It’s been great to see her grow her critical thinking on detailed design and delivery, including liaising with clients and consultants.  

Josh is passionate about digital design innovation, dynamic parametric modelling and generative design workflows. He has been busy championing these ideas, showing leadership and development and extending his networks. His advanced digital skills and drive to do things more efficiently and effectively have seen him working on multiple projects across the studio. In a short space of time Josh has become a vital team member on some of our most interesting and complex projects. 

Since Dana joined Isthmus a year ago, she has consistently demonstrated her creative skills and dedication. With a curious mind and a good understanding of the built environment, she enjoys the overlap between Urban Design and Architecture. Always thoughtful, Dana is proactive in anticipating project needs and has developed positive relationships with colleagues, consultants, and clients. Dana has quickly found her feet at Isthmus, becoming a trusted pair of hands and a valuable team player.   

Since joining Isthmus in late 2021, Marie has consistently impressed us with her positive attitude, remarkable multitasking and unwavering commitment to our studio.  She has embraced every task thrown her way, demonstrating her exceptional organisational skills and adaptability.  Marie’s communication skills shone through as she started capturing our studio hui, ensuring that important information was communicated the Isthmus way.  This has quickly progressed to her being promoted from Studio Concierge to Marketing and Communications Coordinator.   

Intermediate to Senior

We all know Salva as a passionate and brave member of our studio. Over the past year she has demonstrated growing leadership skills both inside and outside of Isthmus. Salva has gained the trust and respect of colleagues, external consultants and contractors with her clear communication and diligent mahi. She continues to set goals and achieve results to a high standard. Salva has a strong and clear vision for her career path, with the final steps towards becoming a Registered NZ Architect planned for 2024.  

Senior to Associate 

Frank has been practicing as a landscape architect for over 14 years now. In the 5 years he has been with us, he has shown excellent growth and dedication to our kaupapa. Frank has excellent people skills and makes space to support individual growth team building. Frank understands how to manage and lead high-quality projects outcomes. He approaches client and collaborator relationships in an earnest and open manner and is held in high regard by collaborators and clients. Frank can be guaranteed to bring energy into the room.  

Zach has been with Isthmus for almost 5 years in which time he has honed an impressive set of technical skills. His work sets the bar for high-quality landscape documentation. Zach thrives in complex and technically challenging projects, recently delivering Maungawhau Stage 2 and Awataha Greenway. He proudly represented Isthmus during the January flooding, presenting Awataha flood mitigation to Auckland Council and Recreation NZ. Zach lives the Isthmus tukanga, dives deep into things he can and shows a continual desire to grow and learn, as show through his selection for this year’s Emerging Leaders Programme. 

Rose joined Isthmus 5 years ago and has continued to grow in her role as an adaptable and highly valued design planning specialist. From district wide policy to private development, aquaculture to future intensification studies, Rose shows a continuing passion and curiosity for her craft. She brings a deep understanding of landscape values and integrated design to the RMA process. Her collaborative way of working, ability to tackle complexity, and tenacity in any task is much appreciated. This shines through in her support of the Design Planning champion network, contribution to project teams, and skill sharing across the studio.  

In response to the rapidly increasing cost of living this year we temporarily introduced quarterly salary reviews, and as part of the process we are happy to announce eight promotions: 

Graduate to Intermediate  

Finn has been with Isthmus for nearly 2 years as an architectural graduate. In that time has made quite an impact. His enthusiasm and creativity are infectious. Finn sets himself apart through his abilities to communicate articulately and as a creative thinker. Finn is confident to set off on his own path, rather than follow in the footsteps of others.  

Intermediate to Senior  

Tessa has featured strongly in many rewarding & complex projects since she joined Isthmus at the end of 2018. Tessa has always been at the top of her craft and has a fantastic understanding around communication of project needs. She can always be trusted to lend technical advice and mentoring to others. She is a proactive designer, and has grown this into the project management space and will confidently challenge the status quo to keep projects aligned with our values.    

Mihali joined the Isthmus whānau in early 2017 at the start of his career. One of his first experiences at was as a core member of the Northern Corridor Alliance, working at the project office delivering amongst a multidisciplinary team. Mihali used this exposure to deliver in further alliances, specialising in bridge infrastructure, and with a true passion and skillset for working with mana whenua and artists in the mahi toi space. Mihali’s mahi across the studio is evident as a positive voice in the Tāmaki studio.   

Senior to Associate  

Simon joined Isthmus from England, nearly four years ago, where he had worked in the landscape planning and masterplanning space. He brought strong awareness of planning and consenting processes to our design planning team and quickly settled into Aotearoa. Simon’s energy and enthusiasm has seen him take on additional responsibilities across the studio beyond pure project work. He is also growing his experience in the role of an expert witness.   

Tim joined Isthmus in 2018 after spending several years working in the UK and Australia. Since returning to Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Tim has been applying his skills in design development and documentation to a broad range of projects, including Riverlink and Tahitai, and more recently Lets’ Get Wellington Moving—Streets. Tim is a trusted pair of hands, approachable and delivers what he says he’ll deliver.   

Nigel joined us in June at the beginning of our Agile Hiring Plan. In a short space of time he has become key to a number of our most complex architecture projects. With extensive experience across a number of sectors, including education, community and multi-unit residential, Nigel brings a deep understanding of what it takes to deliver well-crafted, award-winning architecture. Nigel leads empathetically, communicates with clarity and a dry wit, is diligent and accurate in his work and mentors with patience.   

Associate to Principal  

Damian has been with us since his mihi whakatau in October 2017, and it is hard to imagine what the studio was like without him. Over the last 5 years and across the motu, we have all benefited from the way that Damian openly shares his knowledge and builds relationships. Whether it is leading a noisy waiata, drumming up enthusiasm in a workshop, or sitting quietly round a table with butter paper, there is no doubt that Damian has added depth and richness to our Land People Culture Kaupapa through lived experience, not just words. Damian has a way with people, and has helped build two of our champion networks—Participatory Design, and He Pātaka Mauri Mana Whenua Partnering. His affiliations with Tuia Pito Ora and Ngā Aho, along with his immersive personal learning journey in Te Reo and tikanga has helped develop stronger connections with Te Ao Māori for himself and Isthmus. This is now spilling over into Design Review, a really broad range of projects across the studio, and an ever expanding network of clients and collaborators.  

Scott has joined Isthmus twice. Once as part of our burgeoning Tāmaki studio in the early days of integrating architecture, and again as part of our return to Te Waipounamu. Each time Scott has added to the energy, fun and positivity of the studio. Scott has helped to grow our network and deliver residential projects like Epuni and Harrison Street as well as being instrumental in supporting the studio with roles on management team, championing digital technology, managing the design and construction of our new Ōtautahi studio and nurturing his whanau group. Ka pai Scott!    

Back in June we developed an Agile Hiring Plan, a one-off initiative to rapidly grow the depth and breadth of our design team. The decision to grow was driven by several factors:

First, we needed to replace and future-proof lost capability and capacity from staff moving overseas once the world opened back up. Second, we required more talent across all four disciplines—architecture, graphic, landscape and urban design—to deliver a full pipeline of project work, build in resilience for future opportunities and protect the wellbeing of our existing team. And finally, we wanted to achieve critical mass in our new Ōtautahi studio as well as the new discipline of Graphic Design.

The Agile Hiring Plan enabled us to hire rapidly at all levels, across all disciplines and across all three of our studio locations. We were not prescriptive about the level, role or location of each position; rather, we found the people that had the talent and the fit with our culture, and went with that. Out of the planned 21 new hires, we have already onboarded 14 designers, roughly in proportion to the scale of our three studios and four disciplines:

Ella Mangan, Kauri Brown, Russell Hooton-Fox, Bronté Davenport, Dana Coleman, Nigel Fox James, Rebekah Lillie, Brandon Carter-Chan, Hugo Harvey, Chloe Alderton, Franziska Steinkohl, Grace Wilfred, Isaac Beetham and Lola Guirao-Sanchez.

Last week we ran a hui with these new hires. Everyone introduced themselves confidently with pepeha, then we discussed what worked well—and what could be improved—with our both our hiring and onboarding process. Some people had applied for one role and ended up being offered a different position, proving the benefit of the agile hiring process. Everyone had a slightly different experience, and response to, the onboarding process. Joining a busy studio can be a bit overwhelming at first, especially as we like to keep things open, fluid and relatively ambiguous.

Our whānau structure gives everyone a group to belong to and someone who looks out for their wellbeing and development. A buddy helps new hires feel supported as they get to grips with project work and the studio culture. While the feedback was overwhelmingly positive about our studio spaces, projects and people, we received plenty of commentary on how our systems and process could be improved to give a better experience. We are continuously improving the process with each new hire, and will work to ensure that the remaining 7 new hires are welcomed and onboarded well.

Thanks to Nicola Robertson from Positive People for helping us with this ambitious hiring programme. And finally, a big welcome to Suzanne Griffiths—our latest hire—who joins as our Head of People & Culture. Suz will help our new hires to integrate themselves with the dynamic studio, at the same time as getting the hang of it herself—keeping it agile!

Fifteen years after establishing the studio Isthmus’ three founders agreed they would each take a sabbatical. The intent was to step out of the day-to-day leadership of projects to reflect, learn and return with new knowledge and energy. For one reason and another, David never had the opportunity to take his time out—until now.

David is currently on sabbatical, or as he prefers to call it, ‘designers leave’. His project—Portraits of a Lost Landscape—has seen him travelling around the coast of Aotearoa to gain a new perspective on landscape. ‘Slowing down time’ and observing coastal processes through documentary photography, David is delving deeper into landscape, culture, coast, journey and change. As a designer, David has long argued for the importance of observation as a core part of the design process; understanding a place by engaging all the senses, then designing with purposeful lines that draw out the inherent qualities of the site.

Rising sea levels caused by global warming add impetus to David’s study of the dynamic interface between land and sea. What ecologies will be lost to the land, and what habitats will be gained by the sea? What will this change mean for land, people and culture? What can the rise and fall of the tide, the action of the wind and tectonic processes tell us about how the landscape transforms over time? How are these natural processes affected by humans? And what influence can we exert as designers to balance our impact?

David recently shared the results of his first phase of documentation; images of beaches, harbours and estuaries that a sense of evanescence (soon passing out of sight, memory or existence). We are excited to see how his project evolves over the next few months.

In response to the rapidly increasing cost of living Isthmus has temporarily introduced quarterly salary reviews. This week everybody got a pay rise! And as part of the process we are happy to announce four promotions:

Graduate to Intermediate

Shanika joined us in March 2021, in a small window between lockdowns. She quickly stepped into her role, delivering a high standard of work highly regarded by her peers. Shanika works across project scales and typologies. She exudes a natural effortlessness and is always calm under pressure—something she ‘just learnt’ at university. Shanika’s thesis ‘Envisaging a Predator Free Miramar’ is shortlisted in the student category for the 2022 NZILA Awards!

Jess joined Isthmus as a graduate a few months ago, having worked in a small Auckland practice for a year before. She brings an amazing attitude as well as an eagerness to learn to all her project work. Jess has demonstrated great commitment and strong performance. She can lead and own packages of work and apply critical thinking across all her projects all the while immersing herself in Revit.

Intermediate to Senior

Kate brings significant project experience and a wealth of technical knowledge to her work. A consummate designer, Kate brings a distinct approach to design along with a fascination in working out the detail and an understanding of what makes a great space. Kate has demonstrated an eagerness to mentor less experienced colleagues through technical details and construction issues whenever she can.

Senior to Associate

Noni joined Isthmus a couple of years ago and has demonstrated outstanding performance from the beginning. He brought with him significant experience in large scale project work from previous time spent at practices such as West 8 and Powerhouse and has leveraged that into his work at Isthmus. Able to work at scale, Noni can see the bigger picture on a project while able to focus on the smaller technical detail when he needs to. A proven team leader he has managed a significant team on Jimmy’s Point, juggling deadlines while mentoring and coaching the less experienced team members through the technical intricacies of apartment design along the way. A high performer with great attitude and strong technical skillset, Noni models great project management and delivery.

Wānanga is our annual event to come together, strengthen our connections, celebrate our work, and share ideas. Circumstance has seen that we have not been able to do this since 2019.

Wānanga 2022 was a special chance to slow down, connect, observe and reflect.

As we settle back into our studios across the motu—we are taking the time to reflect on a big day spent together in Tāmaki Makaurau.

An early morning at wharfs-end in the Waitematā was followed by hikoi tracing the path of the Waihorotiu, eventually arriving in 246 Queen—drawing a line under a period of time spent apart, and welcoming a time enriched by togetherness and collaboration.

Since joining us Liam has been discovering where he wants to position himself in design—the crossover of urbanism and brand. Liam is a juggler; he is always involved in many projects at once and provides everyone in the various teams the confidence that he will deliver—and he does. Liam is concept driven; he takes a rigorous intellectual approach to what he is doing. Liam’s a natural communicator, regardless of who he is talking to. He is confident in explaining his thinking to clients, and able to read their responses well.  

Kadin joined Isthmus just before the first lockdown in 2020; he has been resilient to change ever since. He’s had an excellent year, working across many projects across the studio, and has continued to grow his knowledge, ability, and delivery. Kadin has a keen interest in 3D modelling and script-writing software and is passionate about bringing digital innovation to his project teams. Kadin has a strong work ethic and willingness to succeed; we look forward to his continued development as a designer and innovator.   

Ellie studied Landscape Architecture at Lincoln and after a couple of years at Boffa Miskell she joined us in June 2019. Ellie has a passion for Urban Design and a no-boundaries approach to her work.  Ellie has contributed to many projects, spending time deep in suburban regeneration, parks, infrastructure projects.  Her tenacity, curiosity and can-do attitude is appreciated by clients and colleagues alike.   

Tom has an infectious personality and brings humour, laughter and positivity to the Ōtautahi studio. Tom recently got registered as an Architect, but lives happily in the overlap. He is a holistic designer who is honest and humble. He never comes across as being out of his depth or lacking confidence. Tom is excellent at working in cross discipline teams; and across project types/ stages from tactical trials, community engagement, conceptual thinking to detailed delivery.  

Azmon was one of the first Architectural Graduates at Isthmus some 8 years ago, and he has consistently embedded himself in the studio since. Azmon has a passion for ‘making’ and has a heart for designing through a cultural and community lens. In addition to being a talented craftsman, Azmon has strong technical knowledge. Azmon has taken on managing complex stakeholder and sub-consultant teams on his more recent projects and his communication skills have seen him establish a great rapport with clients and consultants.  

Iris brings a transdisciplinary mindset to all the projects she’s involved in. With a proactive attitude to design, she is inquisitive and eager to learn alongside others and brings an enthusiasm that injects energy into our studio culture. Iris has worked on a range of projects that have been ambiguous and/or new types of work for Isthmus. She has shown curiosity to tackle these types of projects, creatively solving problems, authentically communicating with clients and team, and tenaciously navigating the barriers and challenges these projects have thrown at her.   

Shannon joined Isthmus in 2021.  She brought with her experience in education, residential, interiors and commercial projects, along with a positive frame of mind, can do attitude and a sense of adventure and fun. Shannon has consistently shown a drive to create great outcomes for our clients and their people. Shannon has proven herself to be a safe pair of hands for our clients and their projects, a great collaborator and bring a curiosity to everything she does. Her most recent success is becoming a mum to Freddy. 

Yesterday, at a virtual studio meeting, we announced the latest round of promotions. This was the largest group that we’ve ever had, with eleven individuals from our studios in Tāmaki Makaurau and Te Whanganui-a-Tara recognised for their growth, and stepping up to new opportunities and challenges.

Graduate to Intermediate

Hannah joined us straight out of VUW in 2019; she jumped straight into complex infrastructure projects where her creativity has consistently shines through. Hannah is a confident communicator steadily deepening her cultural sensitivity. Always with a smile, Hannah continues to contribute and grow as an essential member of the Isthmus whānau. Miharo e hoa!

Abigail was born in the Philippines, grew up in Aotearoa and went on to study architecture. As a graduate she quickly became a very safe pair of hands contributing to multiple projects across the studio. With a hunger for knowledge Abi always asks good questions, keeping our design leaders on their toes. Abi sits on the NZIA branch committee and has entered a number of design competitions.

Salva was born in Afghanistan, schooled in New Zealand. As an architect she has a passion for design that positively impacts the community and has contributed to many regeneration projects within the Auckland Housing Programme. Outside work Salva tutoring migrant and refugee students in her community.

Harriet models our values in everything she does. Thoughtful and engaging, Harriet’s enthusiasm and intuitive eye for graphics and presentation make her a much sought after team member. She has quickly established a reputation for impeccable, high-quality delivery.

Intermediate to Senior

Sophie studied landscape architecture at the University of Edinburgh, and since third year dreamed of living and working in Aotearoa. Her vision and tenacity eventually paid off. Since joining us as a graduate Sophie has contributed to the design of schools, playgrounds, parks, waterfronts and transport infrastructure. She is working towards NZILA registration, and has just purchased her first home, at Hobsonville Point.

Brennan moved from the USA to Aotearoa and got two jobs. He worked half his time at Victoria University of Wellington, teaching in the landscape architecture programme, and half at Isthmus. Since he’s been full-time in the studio Brennan has been immersed in a space between theory, technology and design practice. Brennan is now stepping into a project management roles, his positive, can-do attitude appreciated by clients and colleagues alike.

Michael joined us in 2014 as a fresh landscape architecture graduate; his journey has seen him be challenged across many projects, spending time deep in suburban regeneration and across detailed design packages. Mike’s detail focus and strong eye for a quality-built outcome comes in very useful with solving tricky construction issues.

Aaron has grown in confidence and knowledge since he joined us as a graduate in 2016. An architect by qualification, his first big project was detailing the award-winning pavilion at North Kumutoto. Aaron has helped to design multiple cycleways in Pōneke and is currently part of the Te Ara Tupua alliance, bringing a considered approach to design and a thoughtful attitude. Outside work Aaron is very active in the community and is studying te reo. Ka rawe Aaron!

Hew was born in Malaysia, and grew up in Aotearoa. She embraces every project with passion, commitment and rigour. Over her five years at Isthmus Hew has worked on many of our largest residential master planning projects. She is actively involved in the wider architectural profession, holding a portfolio on the NZIA Auckland Branch committee as well as finding the time to enter multiple design competitions.

Senior to Associate

James joined us as a graduate with a positive, can-do attitude. With a passion for technology James looks beyond the project in order to understand the context and the wider opportunity, guided by his strong moral compass. He has worked extensively on active modes projects around Pōneke (including some challenging public engagement) and is key to our work for Kāinga Ora in the region. James has commitment, drive and the ability to draw the best out of everyone.

Tessa is totally committed, incredibly organised and maintains a steady presence within the studio. Her contribution to our culture, health and safety network and design discussions mark her out as an emerging leader within Te Whanganui a Tara studio. Tessa understands what it takes to gain support for a project, from initial ideas to the realities of funding and decision making. Her mentoring presence, tenacity for quality outcomes, and ability to grow relationships are all recognised in this promotion.

Earlier this week on the the 1st June we hosted an evening of kōrero, with exhibits, anecdotes and oddities from Sean Burke’s first two decades at Isthmus.  

Sean joined Isthmus as a graduate landscape architect in 2001 and has grown and evolved over the years in pace with the studio’s transformation from a small landscape architecture practice into an integrated design studio. 

A champion of the holistic view of land, people and culture—noted keeper of the project vision—Sean has a big reputation as a considered designer. Through his body of award-winning work Sean has advanced conversations of place, identity and human experience in Aotearoa.  

To mark this epic contribution Sean was awarded Study Leave—two extra weeks off and $2k expenses to gain new knowledge and fresh inspiration.  

Mīharo Sean! 

We are proud to share that Isthmus Founding Principal Gavin Lister has been presented with the NZILA President’s Award for his contribution to the profession of Landscape Architecture through his work in developing the Landscape Assessment Guidelines. 

The inaugural NZILA President’s Awards recognise individuals and groups who have gone above and beyond, who have engaged with a wide range of issues, or who have worked diligently to provide benefits to and for the greater good of the profession. 

Ka pai Gavin!

When the Board of Isthmus decided to search for a second Independent Director last year we sought a specific combination of skills and experience – a legal background, a deep understanding and connection to Te Ao Māori, and a good understanding of risk management. We found all of those qualities in Danny Tuato’o.

Danny is a descendent of Tiakiriri Kukupa and Te Parawhau, a Whangārei based hapū affiliated to both Ngāti Whātua and Ngāpuhi. Danny brings a grounded approach and a connection to people and whenua from Dunedin to Whangārei, where he lives and works.

Danny’s values POU TOKOMANAWA (backbone – ridgepole of the meeting house), TIKANGA (Purpose. Motivation. Direction), AKO (to learn), MANAWANUI (Big heart), WHAKAPAPA (Connection to place and people—relationships) are a great fit with Isthmus.

Danny has a deep connection to his moana and his whenua; he lives his whakapapa through his work. Married with 4 kids, Danny is an equity partner with a Northland law firm. He is a Board member of Maritime New Zealand and is also the Chair of the Whangārei Heads Landcare Forum (he lives on a lifestyle block at Whangārei Heads which he is replanting in natives).

We are delighted to welcome Danny Tuato’o to our Board. In his own words:

Hei hōnore māku ki te whakauru ai i te whānau o Isthmus, arā, he kaitohu hou.
Its an honour for me to join the Isthmus family, as a new director.

Ehara tāku toa i te toa takitahi engari he toa takitini
My strength is not as an individual, but as a collective.

We are really pleased to welcome Nik Kneale as a Principal Landscape Architect at Isthmus. Based in Ōtautahi Christchurch with a focus across Te Waipounamu Nik is a valuable addition to our design team.

Joining us at a time of global change and uncertainty Nik acknowledges it’s also a time of great opportunity: ‘Communities have never been more connected to each other and to their environments … Isthmus have a strong ethos of collaboration and teamwork, and actively blur the boundaries between traditional ‘disciplines’. This attitude, combined with the values of Curiosity, Creativity, Authenticity and Tenacity put us in great stead as we head into the unknown and I’m excited to be a part of it’.

Nik is a skilled and thoughtful designer — we are very happy that he has returned to Isthmus after a 12 year gap.

Our team continues to grow in experience and confidence; this week ten individuals have been recognised for promotions at all levels.

Graduate to Intermediate:  

Tayler has been heavily involved in the community regeneration projects across Auckland with a particular focus on Northcote. She is a safe pair of hands who takes the initiative and is solution focussed. As well as her strong technical skills she has also been communicating and collaborating directly with clients and consultants. Tayler is thriving working in the overlap between architecture and urban design and consistently performs at a very high level.

Intermediate to Senior: 

Danny has been actively working to advance to senior over the last year. He is a committed landscape architect project manager; balancing time, cost and quality. Danny makes sure that things get delivered and has become a core part of the infrastructure team, bringing his collaborative skills to fast paced multi disciplinary projects. On the social side Danny plays a mean guitar and brings that and his vocal talents to Isthmus band — the oi oi’s. 

Zach has a really strong technical landscape architecture skill set and is adapting well to a more relaxed profession than he is used to from the USA. Zach is strong at design development, fully focused on smart solutions and has impressive technical skills across a variety of platforms. Zach has quietly developed into a safe set of hands and is a proactive collaborator with our external partners and clients. With roots in New Zealand as well as in the US it is great to see Zach find his feet as an Aotearoa based landscape architect. Fun fact — Zach’s dog eats socks and is called Shackleton. 

Frank has become an increasingly confident and trusted member of the team. He has been busy across a range of landscape architecture projects, often leading detailed design production and liaising with clients and consultants. Frank is very thorough and detail focussed. He always resolves issues and gets the job done.  

Lydia has settled into the Isthmus studio really well since returning to Aotearoa from Europe. She has a lot of experience and talent to offer; her positive, energetic and professional approach have seen her work across a range of projects. Communication and collaboration are real strengths; Lydia is a natural when it comes to community consultation and engagement. 

Senior to Associate: 

Travis sets the bar high; he drives himself to do the best for the project, from concept stage right through to construction. Travis has maintained a strong career trajectory since joining Isthmus as a landscape architecture graduate less than seven years ago. Incredibly trustworthy and committed, Travis has become one of our strongest design managers where his personable skills serve him well as he encourages the best out of the people around him for the benefit of our projects.

Andrew joined Isthmus as a graduate ten years ago; since then he has been constantly learning and finding his voice as a designer. He works really well with others to deliver public realm projects from master planning to construction. With such a broad depth of experience under his belt Andrew is well on his way to becoming one of Isthmus’ future design leaders. After taking a year to travel the world in 2016 Andrew returned to Isthmus, and while based in Tāmaki contributes his flair to our seamless studio.

Sophie is a lively and enthusiastic member of the studio who has gained the necessary confidence and experience to become an Associate. Sophie shines when it comes to the detailed design and delivery of landscape architecture projects. She has been a key member of the design team that has delivered several award winning projects in recent years. Sophie ensures that issues are resolved on site; her sharp eye and communication skills have ensured high quality built work. 

Associate to Principal: 

Nada joined Isthmus way back in 2004. Over that time she has exerted her quiet-but-strong design influence on a huge number of award winning projects as well as to the culture of our studio. With a background in both fine arts and landscape architecture Nada’s work is imbued with meaning; she is particularly good at translating the essence of a place into subtle but fundamental design moves across all scales. As a Principal, Nada will continue to influence the design thinking across all types of projects. With her assured style and strong compass Nada is making a significant contribution to the discourse on Land People and Culture within Aotearoa New Zealand and Isthmus in our leadership role in that area.

Matt joined the SMT late in 2018, and has had his fair share of challenges to deal with, all of which he has worked through with a combination of energy and grace. Matt recently celebrated his 10 year anniversary with Isthmus. His career in design planning is advancing rapidly; he is a well respected expert witness currently working on various projects across Aotearoa and is a member of Auckland’s Urban Design Panel. Matt also finds time to chair the Auckland branch of the NZILA.

We are pleased to announce two mid-year promotions. Both are landscape architects and both are moving from Graduate to Intermediate roles.

Tessa Bradbury
Tessa graduated from the University of Western Australia and worked in Australia for a bit before moving to New Zealand a year ago to take up the opportunity at Isthmus. Her keen eye for graphic communication and document production mean that she is in demand across many types of projects. Tessa has been heavily involved in the Northern Townships project, and on Whangarei Streetscapes. She is a part of our CAD workgroup, helping to uplift our technical standards. Tessa shows great initiative, has a solid work ethic and is not afraid to question an offer alternative solutions.

At Isthmus we take an open-minded, inquisitive and inter-disciplinary approach to design. We start without knowing the answer and we pay careful attention to the creative process. Our studio culture incubates ideas; the closer and more collaboratively we work together, the more chance ideas have of spreading, growing, cross-pollinating and transforming.

We are very pleased to welcome into our studio the design thinker Nick Kapica. Nick is a problem solver, a connecter and a communicator who is totally at home in the overlap of our dynamic, inter-disciplinary design studio. He joins us as as Principal, based in Wellington.

Nick studied Visual Communication at Ravensbourne College in the UK then worked as a designer at The Independent newspaper before moving to Berlin in 1989 where he founded SV Associates. Over a 20 year period his work evolved from visual communication to experience design with a strongly human-centered focus.

Nick moved to New Zealand in 2009 to take up the post of Senior Lecturer in Design at Massey University. As a design researcher he operated within two distinct yet related areas of design practice: visual communication design within spatial environments, and the use of spatial environments to enhance and affect users’ experiences within them. In 2017 he joined Wellington City Council as the Design Lead responsible for Brand Experience and pushing ‘design as a process’ deeper into the city council.

Nick is happiest when bringing different people together to build diverse teams that try to understand complex problems and search for unusual solutions. He is already adding his experience in place branding, community collaboration, wayfinding and environmental graphic design into the mix of Isthmus projects across New Zealand.

A qualified Accountant, Penny has been a valued and trusted member of the Isthmus team for over a decade now. During that time she has risen from company accountant to Principal of Finance. As a key member of our Studio Management Team, Penny brings 30 years of accumulated professional and life experience to bear on the decisions we make for the business, as well as a cracking sense of humour. She works collaboratively across the studio providing clear financial support to our project managers, financial analysis for the Board and management team as well as process improvements that help the studio perform at its best.

Penny has grown as Isthmus has grown; our turnover has increased by 400% in the last five years. She is authentic, courageous, empathetic and extremely loyal. In addition to finance, Penny has a solid sense of fairness and is a keen supporter of the many unique threads that weave the Isthmus culture together. All of this has set Penny up for success as she steps into the Chief Operating Officer (COO) role to head our business operations.

As COO Penny will lead our team including Finance, IT, HR and Admin as well as manage our relationships with external suppliers such as Legal, Insurance and Health & Safety. Penny is excited about the opportunity and is, as always, ready for the next challenge.

Our team continues to grow in experience and confidence; seven individuals have been recognised for promotions as they are taking their career to the next level.

Graduate to Intermediate

Caroline Sollerhed came to Isthmus from Sweden. She works across a range of projects from our Wellington studio as an urban designer and planner. She thinks about the big picture and is very good at telling the story of a project.

William Brooks is a talented architect who has brought his quiet enthusiasm and commitment to public projects such as the Auckland Ferry Basin. Will loves a challenge, and is always thoughtful and considered in his work.

Simon Nicholson gained a BA in Accounting and Finance from AUT before starting at Isthmus. He has shown exceptional growth in the past year and has become a trusted and valued member of our team.

Intermediate to Senior

Alex Foxon is a landscape architect with green fingers and a safe pair of hands. Alex always delivers; he has a natural ability to manage people and projects which makes him a trusted member of our studio.

Dale Harrop has demonstrated exceptional personal and professional growth in the couple of years he has been at Isthmus. Dale combines his career as a landscape architect and urban designer with being a key member of NZ’s national Ice Hockey team.

Senior to Associate

Brad Ward has risen quickly and steadily through the ranks since he joined Isthmus as a graduate six years ago. Thanks to his dedicated work ethic, his ability to learn fast and deal with complexity while remaining clear and calm, Brad has become a master of his craft in a remarkably short period of time. Brad is a quiet and humble high achiever, working on community regeneration projects across Auckland.

Ben Scott came to Isthmus four years ago as our first dedicated ‘IT guy’. In that time he has made sure that the digital infrastructure of the studio has kept pace with our rapid growth. Ben keeps everything ticking along nicely, with no surprises.

The NZILA President’s cocktail evening was held last night. Ralph Johns was awarded his Fellowship of the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects for his contribution to practice and profession:

“Ralph Johns has contributed significantly to landscape architecture in Aotearoa through teaching, design, publishing and leadership. The common theme through each of these pursuits is Ralph’s vision of the influential and meaningful role landscape architecture has to play. 

Ralph came to New Zealand in 2001 when he was appointed, with programme director Dr Catherine Alington, to establish the new landscape architecture course at Victoria University. Ralph helped design the programme, lead the studios, lecture, supervise research, and guide the course through academic committee approvals and accreditation with the NZILA. He had a fundamental influence on the course’s urban and design-focussed character, thereby adding to the depth of landscape architecture education in this country.  

Ralph joined the Isthmus Group in 2006 as leader of what was then a small Wellington studio. He grew the capability of the team and led a range of design projects.  Several of these won NZILA awards including Government House, Ferndale, High Street Lower Hutt and Ngaio School. In particular he helped deliver Kumototo, a project he had earlier master-planned with Studio of Pacific Architecture, which went on to win the George Malcolm Award.

During this time Ralph served as chair of the NZILA Wellington branch, on the NZILA Registration Panel, and had earlier helped organise the 2002 NZILA Landscape Conference.

In 2013 Ralph was appointed Isthmus CEO – arguably the role in which he has exerted the most influence within the profession. His conviction is that a design practice is best led by designers. Importantly, one of his missions is growing staff capability and influence on projects. The practice has increasingly taken leadership roles in major housing, public place, transport, and infrastructure projects. In this way Ralph has helped change what people understand as possible within landscape architecture. He has had a significant influence on the careers of many people, and increased the standing of the profession.  

Along the way Ralph promoted landscape architecture through publishing. He has a body of articles and conference papers to his name, and has been instrumental in winning awards with other professional bodies. Notably, he also instigated and produced ‘Coast. Country. Neighbourhood. City.’ (CCNC) to mark Isthmus’s 25 year anniversary. Rather than a ‘glossy’ book, Ralph chose a ‘chunky’ format to suit his purpose of recording the ideas and thinking behind the projects. CCNC won the Charlie Challenger Award in 2017.  The citation reads: “Mighty in its ambition, its clarity in delivery, and its context in capturing not only influential projects, but also their essence that New Zealanders can all identify with.…. ‘Coast. Country. Neighbourhood. City.’ stands tall, at the forefront showcasing a New Zealandness, on a local, national, and global stage.”

Ralph is therefore one of a select group of landscape architects to have won both of the NZILA’s George Malcolm and Charlie Challenger Awards.

In summary, Ralph is a leader, innovator, and ambassador. He adds mana to the ranks of the Fellows of the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects.”

Congratulations to James Pattullo and Brennan Baxley who  have successfully passed the NZILA’s registration process! It’s been a long process and a lot of work. This is a big professional milestone.

Our whole team has grown in experience and confidence this year; ten individuals have been specifically recognised for promotions as they have crossed a threshold to take on their roles at a new level.

Graduate to Intermediate

Ivy has been a key team member on Roksill South neighbourhood masterplan, Eastern Porirua masterplan, and Buckley B precinct at Hobsonville Point. A landscape architect passionate about community, she’s well organised and conscientious under pressure. She’s been working out-of-hours on some interesting design competitions.

Hew is an up-and-coming architect who has contributed to too many projects to list. Her graphic and presentation skills are second to none. She has a hunger to learn and to succeed; this has led to her working with greater independence and self-direction. Hew has also entered a number of design competitions this year with her friend Ivy.

Sophie joined us from the UK in time for the Schools PPP3 – she was part of the competitive design tender and since then has been heavily involved in the developed design and documentation. Sophie has impressed us with her design thinking and thirst for knowledge.

Charlotte’s final year thesis explored ageing in place in rural communities. Her research has led her to a keen interest in designing for both ends of the community spectrum- from kids to oldies. Since she started at Isthmus where she has grabbed the opportunity to get into the middle of Northcote projects – the town centre masterplan and the Awataha greenway in particular – helping maintain integration and information flow between projects.

Intermediate to Senior

Wade took a decade out from landscape architecture to set up and run Sandwiches club, a Wellington institution. In his 4 years at Isthmus Wade has worked on numerous projects including Kenepuru, Civic and Riddiford Gardens, Porirua CBD and Cobham Drive Cycleway. He is now leading the next stages several projects; his eye for detail at site observation stage has led much of our recent work through to successful completion.

James started at Isthmus when still a student, quickly proving himself to be very helpful around the studio. Five years later he has worked on just about every project that has been through the studio, providing bullet-proof graphic support. This year he’s stepped up to take on bigger project roles, and he continues to cast his visualisation magic on many other projects. ‘Not a problem’ is James’ catchphrase.

Senior to Associate

Kamelia is qualified in both architecture and urban design. In her two years at Isthmus she has brought a sense of purpose, ambition and fun to the masterplanning work she has been involved with. She is passionate about trying to solve Auckland’s housing problems, and much of her work has been on the Auckland Housing Programme, including the spatial delivery strategies for Mangere and Mt Roskill Precincts and the Owairaka Neighbourhood masterplan. Kamelia is involved in women in leadership initiatives of the property council and the NZIA and is a committee member of the UDF. Kamelia has embedded herself in isthmus’ culture and become a critical part of the team not only on project work but also leadership and mentoring.

Greg has been instrumental in setting up and managing our BIM server and coordinating project collaborations with other practices. In his two-and-a-half years at Isthmus he been working on varied projects, most recently the Ferry Basin. In addition to his project work, Greg has contributed to mentoring and knowledge sharing – especially on technical issues – and has demonstrated his ability to help actively manage the studio. As a new father, Greg is functioning surprisingly well for someone so seriously sleep deprived.

Associate to Principal

Earl came to Isthmus back in 2015 and quickly and quietly delivered Isthmus’ biggest building to date, the 1,000m2 McKee Mangahewa Control Centre for Todd Energy. It’s a simple looking building that belies great complexity. Earl is a go-to industry expert on pre-fabrication and modular construction, having built a solid reputation for innovative and delivery with both clients and constructors. Earl is successfully collaborating with leading designers in NZ to advance exciting new projects. His calm demeanour, enquiring mind, attention to detail and encyclopaedic knowledge of the world around us have earned him a position among Isthmus’ design leaders.

Haylea is one of those people that seem to have always known where they are going.  She joined us full time 11 years ago, working as an intern while studying at Unitec. Since then Haylea has progressed in a straight, steady line all the way to Principal. The one constant throughout that whole time has been Hobsonville Point. Haylea has pushed the boundaries of the landscape architect to the limit, and beyond. As a residential masterplanner she has a deep understanding of place, community and development strategy. Today Hobsonville Point is a thriving, proud community and as HLC has expanded beyond Hobsonville, so has Haylea. She’s currently working on suburban regeneration projects such as Mt Roskill and Mangere, among much more. Haylea was appointed to the Isthmus Board a year ago in recognition of her strategic thinking and innovative approach to top table projects.

In our studios there’s plenty of opportunity to get involved in the work you want to do. Over the years we’ve observed some characteristics of people that thrive in our studio culture; these individuals are positive, proactive and collaborative. They are self-starters. And most of all, they are independent, self-confident and make their own opportunities.

The following three people have all progressed their careers this year, and are contributing at an even greater level. They are getting out of their comfort zones and going the extra mile.

Intermediate to Senior

HAYLEY WRIGHT graduated with a Masters of Architecture from VUW back in 2011, after which she worked for a while in London, before returned to Aotearoa and settling in Auckland.  Since joining Isthmus two and a half years ago she has worked on a number of key projects, including various Hobsonville houses, Te Hauauru (Westgate Town Park), Dominion & Valley Road Apartments and Northcote’s Everyday Homes. She’s been a member of the Auckland Branch of NZIA since 2017.

Hayley takes a proactive responsibility for all aspects of the projects she is running. She brings a calm, thoughtful and engaging presence to her work and the studio as a whole.

Graduate to Intermediate

BRENNAN BAXLEY holds a Masters in Landscape Architecture from the Harvard Graduate School of Design. After working and teaching for three years in the US Brennan made the move to Wellington in mid-2016 to join Isthmus. Since than he has balanced his studio role with teaching in the landscape programme at VUW. Key projects at Isthmus include the Gisborne Land-use Study, Kenepuru Stage1 and the Upper Hutt Landscape Study.

Brennan shows initiative, is highly organised and committed. He contributes to practice, academia and the profession and has quickly established himself in a ‘go-to’ role in the studio with his ever helpful and positive, can-do attitude.

ASHLEY WEST graduated with a Masters of Architecture Professional from Unitec. She joined Isthmus’ Auckland studio at the start of 2017 after spending a year as an Architectural Designer in her home town of Christchurch. She’s worked on a huge list of projects over the last year or so, predominantly in the area of housing and residential masterplanning.

From the first moment she set foot in the studio, Ashley has displayed energy, enthusiasm and a keen desire to learn. She has proven to be a fast learner, always performing to the best of her ability, and seeks to get involved beyond the immediate task at hand.

The NZILA AGM and Conference opening the other week was a big day for Isthmus Principal Brad Coombs. On the same day that he took office as NZILA President, he was also awarded Fellowship of the NZ Institute of Landscape Architects for his two decades of contribution to practice and profession:

“Brad’s contribution to the wider profession, like his contribution within Isthmus, has been achieved in a quiet manner. He is not one to ‘blow his own trumpet’. Yet he has gained mana through his service to others, the quality of his work, and his wisdom.  For these reasons, he fully deserves election as a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects.”

Brad sees the President role as “an opportunity to take a fresh look at where the profession is at, and as an Institute, to confirm the priorities for the next three years and beyond.”

“My first priority will be to get my head around the projects that the Executive has already initiated – particularly the Governance Review and the Landscape Guidelines, and to put in place processes to deliver them for the benefit of our members.”

We review our team twice a year as part of our process of continual improvement. Today we promoted five people who take the initiative, are quick learners and most of all, are independent and self-confident. These traits have enabled them to make the most of opportunities to progress their careers. They are all pushing themselves, getting out of their comfort zones.

From Graduate to Intermediate:

Aaron Miller. Aaron graduated with Masters of Architecture from VUW in 2016. He’s worked on the Kumutoto North pavilion, Cadness Apartments, Porirua CBD’s canopies, Cobham Drive Cycleway, McKee Energy Centre and the Chimp Enclosure at Wellington Zoo. He brings both skill and passion to his work, surpassing expectations. He has a calm and open demenour, and regularly contributes to design conversations and studio culture in general.

Greta Christensen. Greta came to work for Isthmus a little over over two years ago. She’s worked on Richmond Stage 3 concept, developed and resource consent packages; Onehunga Mall resource consent package; Sunderland Gully concept design; and Clevedon North. Greta has the ability to work independently and is not afraid of a design challenge. She’s a proactive problem solver.

Alex Foxton. Alex has been with us for close to a year now, since he moved to NZ from the UK. In that time he has made a solid impression on the studio. Key projects he’s been involved with over that time are; Barry Curtis Pavilion Plaza, Browns Bay and Freyberg Place. He’s shown his ability to deliver major aspects of projects with autonomy – he’s a very safe pair of hands.

Intermediate to Senior:

Julia Wick. Julia joined isthmus a year and a half ago as a design planner. She has quickly proved herself on Farm Street; Half Moon Bay Marina Extension Assessment;  Puhoi to Warkworth; and The Western Firth of Thames Marine Farm. Julia keeps a calm head under pressure, supporting the design planning team on large scale strategic projects. She’s on the NZILA Executive as well as being involved with the Resource Management Law Association through the Young RMLA Group.

Marita Hunt. Marita is interested in everything; she is a Specialist Generalist. She’s worked on a huge range of projects since joining Isthmus. Going forward Marita will be focusing on design planning, which combines her analytical, logical, methodical mind with an innate ability to communicate ideas through writing and drawing. Marita loves learning. She’s working hard at Te Reo. And she knows how to keep herself in balance – she’s an isthmus yoga regular.

Isthmus designers Haylea Muir, Duncan Ecob and Matt Jones have all been appointed to the Auckland Urban Design Panel (Haylea and Matt were nominated through the NZILA, and Duncan through the UDG).

The role of the panel is to provide independent urban design advice to promote good design and a quality environment. The panel is an independent advisory body and does not have statutory decision-making powers.

For Isthmus this is another way of supporting Auckland and influencing the future of its urban form. Design review really tests your ability to be analytical, and it challenges your ability to articulate design ideas, issues or relationships. It’s easy to have a gut feel about something, but it’s much harder to understand where that feeling comes from and then write it down and/or explain it at a meeting.

After several years on the panel Gavin and Andre are stepping down as part of this refresh. They have each put a huge amount of their time into the panel and in the process honed their analytical expertise and made their mark in the wider urban design network.

Isthmus are pleased to announce a new Board. With a mixture of youth and experience the Board will be firmly focussed on building upon recent change and growth, and leading the practice into the future.

We welcome Isthmus Founder David Irwin back to the Board. David brings a strategic focus combined with deep roots in our purpose and values.

We also welcome three new Board members:  Haylea Muir joined Isthmus a decade ago as a graduate and has grown to become one of our most valued design thinkers;  Helen Kerr has been with Isthmus since the early days and offers a mix of passion, creativity and intelligence; Sarah Bishop has been the lead designer on some of Isthmus’s most challenging design projects over the years, and she was a co-editor of our book Coast, Country, Neighbourhood, City.

Architect Andre de Graaf is the incoming Chair; this reinforces our focus as a design led practice. Andre has been on the Board since he joined Isthmus four years ago and in that time has grown architecture to be a key component of our service offering.

Andre replaces Dion Mortensen as the Chair. Dion will stay on as our Independent Director and continue to build on the transformational work that we have been doing together for the past seven years.

Our design-led CEO Ralph Johns remains on the Board and provides the connection to the Senior Management Team who have responsibility for the operation and management of the business. Ralph has been a Board member since 2009, and CEO since 2013.

And finally, we thank outgoing Board members Brad Coombs, Grant Bailey and Duncan Ecob. Brad has been on the Board since 2009, Grant and Duncan since 2013. During that time our design practice has developed significantly.

With a new Board and management structure Isthmus will continue its design-led purpose to advance the relationships between land, people and culture.

Over the years we’ve observed some characteristics of people that thrive in our studio culture; these individuals are positive, proactive and collaborative. They are self starters. They take the initiative and are quick learners. But most of all, they are independent and self-confident.

In our studios there’s the opportunity to get involved in the work you want to do and to make your own opportunities. The following people have all progressed their careers this year, and are contributing at an even greater level. They are pushing themselves, getting out of their comfort zones and going the extra mile. Each of them embody our values of creativity, curiosity, authenticity and tenacity.

From Graduate to Intermediate:
Azmon Chetty. Azmon joined isthmus in late 2014 as a graduate architect. A furniture maker in his spare time; he’s handy with tools. Over the last 6 months Azmon has brought a new level of accuracy and speed to the work he has been doing. He‘s developing new skills around construction detailing and design. He is also becoming very adept at complex 3D digital modelling for documentation. You’ll also find him crafting physical models.

From Intermediate to Senior:
Rebecca Jerram. It has been nearly two years since Rebecca moved back from Melbourne where she had been studying and working for a decade. Rebecca is Registered with AILA & NZILA. We hired her for her skills at the construction end of the design process – she has excellent technical knowledge of landscape construction. She delivers our work on site, dealing with contractors and negotiating the ins-and-outs of NZS3910. Rebecca has delivered a host of landscape projects including parts of Kopupaka Reserve, the Myers Splashpad, Kelston School and Airfields Stage 2. She is currently working on Westgate Town Park.

Travis McGee. Travis joined us nearly four years ago. He quickly showed himself to be very good at grabbing opportunities and running with them. Thrown in the deep end with the Schools PPP2, Trav took on the project management and quickly got his head above water. Trav’s skill at digging a little deeper into his projects and pre-empting the next move has set him up well as a project leader. His ability to take the lead when he needs to means he is a highly valued member of the of Isthmus team.

Brad Ward. Brad joined isthmus a little over 4 years ago. Known affectionately as ‘Brad the Grad’ when he started, he was the first new staff member we hired coming out of the GFC. Brad was quickly absorbed into the Hobsonville team as a safe pair of hands, learning very quickly, always going the extra mile. He did well in the “pressure-cooker” and his career accelerated. In just four years Brad has developed for himself a set of unique and specialist skills in residential masterplanning. Ka pai!

Sophie Jacques. After uni she headed overseas, gaining 6 years experience in the UK and Australia and becoming something of a skatepark construction specialist. She started with us in February 2014, a specialist in construction management. She has taken this role on a number of complex projects including the Children’s Garden, Wellington Zoo and Kotuku Apartments.

From Senior to Associate:
Alan England. Alan joined us in 2010 as our first visualisation specialist. With a background in architectural studies Alan had previously been working at Build Media. He’s been a backbone of our design planning team working behind the scenes assisting in major projects across the country. He’s been in planes, trains, boats and helicopters, and he’s a qualified pilot himself – of a drone. Over the last 6 months or so Alan has built and consolidated an expanded Geospatial team. He also plays an active role in the development of Isthmus’ Environmental Fund.

From Associate to Principal:
Lisa Rimmer. We hired Lisa in 2008. She has huge passion and really wide range of skills. She is a designer, first and foremost, but she also has rare talent and expertise in RMA planning. On the design side Lisa has contributed to Government House restoration, a host of Wellington Cycleway projects, the Children’s Garden and Christchurch Botanical Gardens masterplan, among many others. Her stand-out Design Planning project has been Kapiti Coast District Landscape Assessment. Lisa is uncompromising on quality.

Sean Burke. Sean joined Isthmus’ Auckland studio in way back in 2001. Since then he has worked on a multitude of projects, with a particular skill for merging planning, design and ecology. Over the years his projects have won the highest national awards from NZILA. And then last year the Taumanu Bridge won the World Architecture News Transport Award! Like his work, Sean is quietly authentic. He works with huge commitment and totally embodies our values. Sean is passionate about the environment and will be working to develop our services in designed ecologies.

2016 has been an extremely busy year across the studios. In addition to hiring 28 new staff – at all levels and across all disciplines – we have made 16 promotions.

The twelve new promotions (added to the four announced in April) reflect the rapid qualitative growth of our team, in addition to growth in numbers. The following people have all progressed their careers this year, and are contributing at an greater level. Every one of them works with creativity, curiosity, authenticity and tenacity. 

From Associate to Principal:

Helen Kerr – Throughout her time at isthmus, which goes way back, Helen has produced outstanding work and contributed greatly to our design culture. Helen continues to add value in her ability to constantly challenge and advance our thinking. Her recent project work and overseas research has helped advance our approach to community engagement and social regeneration. Her promotion to Principal recognises these qualities and will allow her more space to develop as a leader.

Sarah Bishop – Sarah’s presence in the Auckland studio has grown steadily in recent years as the design leader of no boundaries, collaborative projects. Sarah made a massive contribution to our CCNC book and has been involved in Isthmus strategy team. She is one of the rare designers with the ability to capture the essence of the design early. Her promotion to Principal is recognition of her growing design portfolio, strong client relationships and confident design leadership.

Penny McIntyre – Penny has been our Finance Manager for over 5 years. She has grown as Isthmus has grown. At times this year the growing pains have really hurt, but her positivity and tenacity have shone through. Penny moves up to Principal level in recognition of her accomplished management of our expanding finances (our turnover has increased by 400% in the last three years….). Delegation of accounts admin tasks will free Penny up to focus on financial planning and analysis, as well as board and management reporting. In addition to finance, Penny has a solid sense of fairness and is a guardian of the many threads that weave the Isthmus culture together.

Scott Donnell – Scott is one of the architect “pioneers” at isthmus. He has led the way on numerous key projects that are richer for their design integration across the studio. Scott’s always thoughtful, respectful and collaborative approach has earned him the respect of colleagues, consultants and clients alike. His promotion to Principal is in recognition of his contribution to growing our portfolio of work, the mana that he holds in multi-unit residential design, managing complex inter-disciplinary design projects and the reputation that he has built for always delivering.

Bruce McKenzie – Bruce joined Isthmus 2 years ago as a Design Planner. Since then he has flourished in our inter-disciplinary design environment. Bruce has a passion for the land, and a natural affinity with people. Together with his background in business studies this makes him a skilled and empathetic manager of people and projects. Bruce throws his considerable energy and positivity into project work, leading teams to deliver rich and deep design work with meaning. As a Principal Bruce will be even more involved with management, leadership and charting our course into new territory.

From Senior to Associate

Natasha Whitlock – Natasha joined isthmus just over three years ago. Her understanding of the complexities of urban design and residential masterplanning has made a significant contribution to projects across the studios. As a working mum, Natasha confidently balances work with family. Promotion to Associate will see Natasha move into more client facing and project leadership roles in which she will thrive.

Nada Stanish – Nada has particular skill in design development taking projects from concept to detail design. Her approach is grounded in the landscape and brings a softer hand and authenticity to the body of award-winning projects she has contributed to. Her thoughtful, creative and artistic approach is very much appreciated by those who work alongside her. Nada’s promotion to Associate is in recognition of the depth of experience and design thinking Nada has brings to the studio.

Matt Jones – Over the past 18 months Matt has consolidated his understanding of design planning in the challenging planning environment of the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan process. He has also recently applied this knowledge and practical experience in a number of key masterplanning projects. Matt’s unique combination of design planning and emerging master planning skills make him well placed to contribute to the growing demands of the Studio.

Graduates to Intermediate

Paggy Shen – Paggy brings her enthusiastic personality to every project she works on. Paggy’s development has been self-led and fostered by our project leaders, who have all supported her well-earned promotion to intermediate.

Emma Farmer – Since joining us just over two years ago, Emma has shown herself to have a wide variety of architecture and masterplanning skills. She has applied these on a broad range of projects, producing high quality work at all times.

James Patullo – Over the past couple of years the Wellington Studio has seen rapid growth changes and, with it, James has grown to be an established member of the team. James’ commitment and energising approach to work at Isthmus is clear to all, his promotion is well deserved. 

Michael Chu – With great drawing skills and a quiet, engaging manner, Michael has produced excellent work, presented to the Design Review Panels and grown in confidence. Michael’s promotion will help him share the skills he has developed with others and see him work more closely with clients and consultants.

It is with great sadness that we to acknowledge the passing of our esteemed colleague, Māori architect Rewi Thompson of Te Aitanga a Hauiti and Ngati Raukawa descent. Rewi’s relationship with Isthmus spans nearly thirty years of collaboration on a wide range of high-profile landscape projects across New Zealand. Over the last 12-months this collaboration became closer than ever as Rewi joined our inter-disciplinary studio as a permanent staff member.

While at Isthmus Rewi continued his role as adjunct professor at the University of Auckland and bought to us his ability to engage with projects with fresh eyes and an academic rigour. His influence on the studio over this short time has been profound. Rewi worked in a very tenacious and thoughtful way, always sharing his thinking and asking questions of the people working around him. He was very encouraging and generous with the young designers and also communicated a real satisfaction and joy about coming into the studio every day.

As a man who of the land, his enthusiasm about being at isthmus was fuelled by exploring the the relationship between landscape, architecture and people. Strongly values-based, Rewi brought clarity, depth, confidence and humility to every conversation. On housing, his philosophy was that all people deserve a connection with the land in a beautiful, well thought-out home. He was working to this end on his recent projects such as the ‘everyday houses’ for Northcote.

We have been privileged to have had Rewi in the studio for this period of time; his measured, experimental approach to his work will leave a lasting impression, as will his humour and inquisitiveness. We were lucky to experience his grandfatherly wisdom and his child-like playfulness. His presence will be sorely missed.

Our thoughts and condolences go out to his whanau, friends, colleagues and other collaborators.

The other week we received the very sad news that long time Isthmus friend and collaborator William Jameson passed away. This came as a great shock to us; for those who worked with William it felt as though someone from our own studio had gone. Will was an integral part of the Cicada team that have worked with us to design and make the creatures, seedpods, kelp, flax and flowers that appear in our most successful play-spaces.

He was a creative genius, a warm friend, a carefree spirit, an artist and a master craftsman who cared about people before anything else. David, Helen, Haylea and Grant attended his funeral in Hawkes Bay, a truly bi-cultural expression of honour.

William’s work with Isthmus spans back to the Hastings CBD project 17 years ago. David Irwin wrote this:

On Wednesday the Ngaruroro River flooded with tears.

A lone Karuhiruhi, wing tips reflecting in the mirror-like water, led for a while before heading skyward. The casket made of hand woven steel and wood William had rescued from the floor of Ricks fire ruined house, was cradled by two joined waka being paddled by mates, followed by an escort of waka ama.

A Haka is heard from the far bank, young voices from the local primary school. A call was made from the bridge. Karakia whispered, feathers in hair and on flax flowers.

It was the first time for 100 years such an honour had been bestowed upon anyone. William was being honoured in a New Zealand way- paddled down the river by a fleet of waka. He was carried from the waka – metres from where Gavins’ grand fathers house stood- on to the local church on the banks of the Ngaruroro.

One would have thought the honour was for a chief, yet William was a pakeha. Regardless of his whakapapa, everyone who met him knew he was humble and genuine. He was being respected on this stunning Hawkes Bay, blue sky day.

While all death is tragic, this death was a true tragedy – as not all death is. At age 58 in the middle of the night he left without saying goodbye, he was gone with no warning.

Clarity comes with grief. He was a man that did what he felt was right, a man with immense skill, not only with his hands but in the way he related to people. He worked where my heart is – in his own workshop. He wore jeans and rough shirts wherever he went. He would rock up here with Ricks, with a load of crazy stuff loaded (often dangerously) on the back of the ute. A far-cry from computers and Audis, he was hard to get hold of by email or phone (any kind of phone).

He just made great shit. As Jacob Scott explained, they started projects “not knowing how to do it, but knowing they will find a way”. Anything we dreamed up, he could do it- and make it even better. No problem to build a birds nest, giant flax leaves, eggs, pukehos or kina, hermit crab shells, sea anemones, or nikau seeds, giant birds nests, sparrows or curling tendrils. All in giant scale.

The process was collaborative, we drew some crazy ideas and they (Cicada) would say ‘no problem’. Maquettes were made, and today they litter our office (in a good way). Then protoypes at full size, and then the real deal. We would often have to argue with our clients to trust the process, trust the people and trust us. Not once were they disappointed, and every time the project has won national awards.

The outcomes were unique in a global sense. New Zealand ecology at a giant scale, to be played on and learned from. It bypassed fine design and put the artisan craftsman in the centre of the creative process. I like this process, and from my experience the collaborative trust developed in these types of projects is built on long term relationships, and provides so much more depth than the refinement of an idea to ‘destruction’, to where the essence and soul are lost from the work.  This was something I argued in my interview to get on the Auckland Public Arts Panel and why I got the job above a whole pile of pseudo fine art snobs. And there are still plenty of those. But to be truly and authentically ‘New Zealand’, to be part of and contributing to the vernacular of New Zealand, you do not need to come from Elam or Ilam or Charlotesville or Sydney.

But from Clive.

William in many ways was our hands. He could make what we could think, and for that skill I was always envious. His workshop was our workshop. He worked in steel. Together his team -with ours -could bring ideas to life.

Last night as Ricks predicted, I looked carefully in the sky and sure enough I watched as the stars were rearranged, a new better composition.

I know damn well who did it.

Will, William, Wiremu.

William Jameson.