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!