People
Creating the best work and being the best to work with, we are the people at the heart of Catalyst.
The core to Catalyst’ proven success is our people. We pride ourselves on maintaining an unmatched depth of resource and knowledge across our architects, designers, engineers, builders, contract managers, project managers, and our analysts, financial and administration professionals.
Executive Team
Our executive team has proven top tier management experience. They have a diverse range of backgrounds, this broad-ranging expertise is what strengthens and unites us.
Colin Depree
Director
Grant Heighway
Director
Jenni Crow
Design Team Lead
Kayla Allan
Associate | Regional Manager
Lewis Watson
Associate | Regional Manager
Nigel Shaw
Director | Chairman of the Board
Pat Kenny
Regional Manager
Sarah Courtney
Associate | Project Delivery Team Lead
Tessa Leonard
Associate | Design Team LeadColin Depree
Director Auckland
In his role as a Director at Catalyst, Colin is dedicated to keeping the company ahead of the competition by adapting to market and client needs.
He offers valuable insights to clients' strategies and projects, particularly during the planning phase, and maintains oversight throughout projects to ensure that the best team is assembled to meet client objectives.
Additionally, Colin is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors (NZIOD).
Grant Heighway
Director WellingtonGrant, one of the Directors at Catalyst, possesses extensive expertise in managing large and complex fit-outs for new builds, refurbishments, and building alteration projects in the construction sector.
He is highly regarded as a trusted advisor by clients and industry peers alike.
Grant is based in the Wellington office and is always available to both clients and team members. He inspires his team to excel by encouraging them to express their opinions and providing live support.
Grant has been a valuable member of the Catalyst team since 2004 and is also a member of the Property Council New Zealand - Wellington Regional Committee.
Jenni Crow
Design Team Lead Auckland
Highly productive, Jenni is skilled in formulating interior design concepts, designing multiple office fit-outs, procuring furniture and materials, and managing building consent packages.
Leading the Auckland Design team for over 13 years, Jenni supports new clients and projects and overseeing her team across Catalyst projects.
Since joining Catalyst in 2008, Jenni has acquired considerable knowledge of Green Star New Zealand principles and rating tools. She has a flair for analysing programmes of work, identifying key components and delegating tasks to the most appropriate Designer to ensure the team delivers well and on time.
Innovative and generous with suggestions and technical design advice, Jenni has a maturity and team-focused approach that enables her to remain responsive to client requests while achieving high standards of quality and time management.
Jenni holds a Bachelor of Art (majoring in Spatial Design).
Kayla Allan
Associate | Regional Manager Wellington
Kayla is a dynamic all-rounder who joined Catalyst in 2009 and has since spent 14 years with the company, including eight years in the Project Management team, gaining a deep understanding of the business.
As a regional manager and a Catalyst Associate, Kayla leads the business operations, overseeing the financials, systems, operations, processes, and people with a hands-on approach.
Her primary objective is to ensure that Catalyst's services are efficient and productive. Kayla is highly motivated and passionate about enhancing the business's performance, striving for excellence in all aspects of the operation as a self-proclaimed vocal perfectionist.
She relishes challenges and takes great pleasure in improving all facets of the business, consistently working smarter to keep Catalyst at the forefront of the industry.
Lewis Watson
Associate | Regional Manager Auckland
Lewis is a highly experienced Project Manager with over a decade of experience in Tier 2 Commercial, Architectural, and Seismic Remediation Construction.
As the Regional Manager of Auckland, he not only leads the Project Delivery Team, but also demonstrates his agility by actively integrating himself into all aspects of the business.
Lewis is responsible for developing business cases, feasibility pricing, and engaging clients, while also providing support to the core project management team. He collaborates closely with the sales team to structure and negotiate packages of work, drawing on his background in commercial construction and building refurbishment.
Nigel Shaw
Director | Chairman of the Board Auckland
Meet Nigel, the visionary founder and Managing Director of the Catalyst group of companies.
With his unwavering commitment to exceptional client service, Nigel has been instrumental in securing long-running contracts for nationwide government departments and commercial organisations.
Pat Kenny
Regional Manager Christchurch
Pat wears two hats at Catalyst, acting as both the regional manager in Christchurch and a project manager for the project delivery team.
In his role at Catalyst, Pat follows a project from conception to construction, ensuring a happy client at the end - something he prides himself on. He has delivered numerous projects in both the commercial and residential sectors in Christchurch and brings a broad range of knowledge and experience in construction fields, including specialist EQC repairs.
With over 40 years of experience in the construction industry, Pat is equipped to handle any challenge that comes his way. He ran his own construction company in Ireland, honing his carpentry and leadership skills. He drives ambitious project deadlines while maintaining a dedicated client focus and open communication. His fastidious attention to detail ensures thorough quality control and H&S measures, guaranteeing the best results every time.
Pat is passionate about creating functional spaces and all the fundamental elements in any project process, from start to finish.
Sarah Courtney
Associate | Project Delivery Team Lead Wellington
Sarah's management approach is characterised by her ease of collaboration and professionalism, which ensures that both clients and team members feel comfortable discussing any concerns with her. With a Master of Architecture degree and a comprehensive understanding of design, Sarah's project management skills in the construction sector are top-notch. She adeptly interprets design, communicates it clearly and confidently, and manages its implementation to ensure that high-quality, timely projects are delivered.
What sets Sarah apart is her ability to anticipate design and delivery issues before they arise, thereby saving time, stress, and money. Should a problem require further consultation, Sarah has a vast network of industry experts within her team to call upon. She is well-versed in building codes, consenting processes, earthquake compliance, and fire ratings.
Sarah is pragmatic, level-headed, and a pleasure to work with. Her educational background, personality, and experience all contribute to her exceptional project delivery record. As a member of our Catalyst senior leadership team, Sarah provides valuable insights and input to the company's strategic planning and management decisions.
Tessa Leonard
Associate | Design Team Lead Wellington
With over a decade of wide-ranging design experience and a specialist in commercial interiors, Tessa has the exceptional ability to conceptualise space, bringing innovative yet efficient design ideas.
With her strong communication and organisational skills Tessa adds genuine value to all projects.
A specialist in space utilisation, Tessa can dive deep into her clients’ operations, gaining an understanding of their vision, then tailoring the design solution to enhance the work environment for their people and promoting efficiencies.
She is extremely competent and a proactive relationship manager, anticipating issues and overcoming challenges before they require solutions.
Tessa joined Catalyst in 2005 and leads the highly capable Wellington design team, managing resources, training, and implementing development programmes.
Tessa provides valuable input to the company’s strategic planning and management decisions as an Associate and a member of our Catalyst senior leadership team.
Partnerships & Operations
Our partnerships team is the first port of call for project enquiries. Our experienced team work closely with you to understand your business drivers and identify your success factors in order to combine a team perfect to deliver exceptional projects.
Amy Robinson
Office Administrator
Ben Price
Commercial Manager
Emma Cody
Office Administrator
Jacqui Le Prou
Commercial Manager
Nickie Bennett
Brand & Marketing Manager
Shanel Wijeratne
Systems Administrator
Sophie Hislop
Business Support
Tim Rayner
Commercial ManagerAmy Robinson
Office Administrator Wellington
Meet Amy Robinson, Catalyst Wellington’s friendly and welcoming office administrator.
Always putting clients first, Amy manages Wellington’s front of house and provides a seamless and enjoyable experience for those visiting.
Amy is forward thinking and always looking for ways to improve processes. Coming from a background in business development and sales, she loves being a part of the vibrant team culture at Catalyst.
As a mother of two, outside of work she finds the time to play netball and is a member of her children’s kindergarten and school whanau committees. She can often be found organizing fundraising events and activities. Amy is also partial to a wine in the sun with good friends.
Ben Price
Commercial Manager Auckland
Ben is a Catalyst Commercial Manager based in Auckland. With over a decade of experience in client relationship management, Ben is dedicated to delivering a client-centric approach and building trusted relationships to help clients achieve their goals and visions.
His passion for research keeps him up-to-date with the latest industry trends and competitor activity. With extensive experience in the financial sector, Ben brings a wealth of knowledge to the partnership and operations team, providing exceptional client services to small business owners, high net worth individuals, and company executives.
When he's not working, Ben likes to stay active by working out and walking his dogs. He takes a keen interest in the investment markets, domestic and international politics, and enjoys staying informed about current events.
Emma Cody
Office Administrator Wellington
Emma is our friendly and efficient office administrator of our Wellington branch.
With her exceptional people skills, Emma is a natural peacemaker who ensures that everyone is satisfied with the process and results. Her love for art has taught her patience and attention to detail, which she applies to her work.
Working alongside creative individuals is what Emma enjoys most about her role. She appreciates the unique quirks and working styles of each team member, making Catalyst a perfect fit for her. Having worked in various positions, Emma has gained adaptability and a passion for learning new things.
Emma loves the lively and welcoming environment at Catalyst. Witnessing the team's passion for their work is what she finds most inspiring.
Jacqui Le Prou
Commercial Manager Auckland
As a Catalyst Commercial Manager based in Auckland, Jacqui has an unwavering ability to stay informed and seek out opportunities to nurture and maintain client relationships.
She provides expert guidance and advice from onboarding to project completion, always with an impeccable eye for detail and a visionary approach to achieving profitable outcomes.
Jacqui's passion for sustainability, health, and wellness is evident in her role as a committee member of Tree of Knowledge (TOK) NZ, as well as her membership in NAWIC.
With a natural flair for leadership and a highly creative mind, Jacqui excels at helping clients realize the full potential of their spaces.
Nickie Bennett
Brand & Marketing Manager National
Nickie is skilled at building relationships and gathering insights to inform a clear strategic direction – she also knows how to showcase the talent and efforts across the whole of Catalyst New Zealand’s design and delivery teams.
Nickie’s strong commercial acumen and brand knowledge supports Catalyst’s decision-making and inspires the team into action.
Having started her career as a graphic and visual designer and later completing a business degree majoring in marketing, Nickie is adept at working both sides of the line with creativity and a commercially driven edge.
Shanel Wijeratne
Systems Administrator National
Shanel, known as the Catalyst tech wizard, holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree with a specialization in Software Engineering.
His role as a Systems Administrator involves testing software for the wider team, a task that he thoroughly enjoys. An eternal optimist, Shanel sees any broken system as a chance to fix it, and he takes great pride in completing tasks and solving issues.
His software engineering knowledge and expertise, coupled with his outstanding time management and task prioritisation skills, are his greatest strengths.
Sophie Hislop
Business Support AucklandMeet Sophie Hislop, the business support for Catalyst Auckland. With a diverse background in legal, retail, and hospitality industries, Sophie handles pressure with grace and poise. She is a human octopus, providing in-house administrative support to the busy Auckland team.
Sophie's role involves supporting various functions, including operations, finance, design, architecture, project and construction delivery, and sales and marketing.
Her responsibilities range from tender coordination and preparation, project financial analysis, team leader administrative support, project administration, accounting administration, process improvement, and people and culture support.
Tim Rayner
Commercial Manager Wellington
In 2020, Tim joined Catalyst as the Business Development Specialist, responsible for researching the office market and collaborating with commercial agents and businesses to identify opportunities nationwide.
As COVID-19 has transformed the way businesses balance home and office work for their staff, Tim strives to be the go-to problem solver in this evolving landscape. His expertise lies in relationship management, and he has a keen interest in Green Star Buildings.
Tim's strength lies in understanding the factors driving business decisions. He takes pride in providing excellent service and communication, and ensures that no phone call or email goes unanswered. With his skills and knowledge, Tim is a valuable member of the Catalyst team.
Projects & Build Delivery
Our delivery team bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to your project. From small to complex projects, they know what it takes to execute effectively with reduced risk to the client.
Adrien Serasse
Project Manager
Alison Kenny
Project Coordinator
Cristopher Tika
Construction Contracts Administrator
With a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Economics and Marketing from the University of Otago, Emma is a highly motivated and driven person with a passion for building strong, long-lasting professional relationships - this is what enables her to deliver on client expectations and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
Emma Levestam
Project Manager
Hamish Sail
Construction Delivery Manager
Luke Davidson
Site Manager | Builder
Montana Barker
Project Manager
Nicola O'Loughlin
Project Manager
Quentin Potts
Site Manager
Ryan Swart
Senior Contracts Manager
Sarah Robinson
Project Manager
Sarai Gamliel
Project Coordinator
Scott Wright
Senior Contracts Manager
Shane Tse
Project ManagerAdrien Serasse
Project Manager Wellington
Introducing Adrien Serasse, a highly skilled project manager at Catalyst. Adrien holds a Bachelor's degree in project management and sustainable construction and is a certified CAPM professional from the Project Management Institute.
Having worked in France, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, Adrien brings a global perspective to the Wellington team, where he joined in December 2022. He is known for his outstanding problem-solving skills and meticulous attention to detail, which he leverages to exceed client expectations and ensure project success. Adrien finds great satisfaction in delivering projects that leave clients happy and fulfilled, while also relishing the opportunity to meet new people with innovative ideas.
Adrien's role as a project manager involves bringing his clients' visions to life while staying within budget and completing projects on time. He views project management as a puzzle to solve or an intricate operation to perform, where the stakes are high.
When not at Catalyst, Adrien enjoys staying active by hiking and surfing, taking advantage of the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand. He is an avid rugby fan and finds Catalyst's work culture and commitment to employee development highly commendable, as it translates into the best possible results and experience for clients.
Alison Kenny
Project Coordinator Christchurch
Alison, originally from Ireland, moved to New Zealand following the Christchurch earthquakes in 2012.
After settling in, Alison began working part-time as a Project Coordinator at Catalyst while also holding another part-time position.
Her outgoing and friendly personality makes her a great fit for the role, as she thrives on people contact. She takes great pride in her exceptional attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of the project runs smoothly.
Cristopher Tika
Construction Contracts Administrator Wellington
Cris plays a crucial role in supporting the project management team by ensuring that all the details are in place and every project runs smoothly. He is willing to put in the hard work required to make sure everything is done correctly.
Cris identifies most strongly with the Catalyst value of 'People at Heart,' which reflects his upbringing in a business-oriented family. He believes, like Catalyst, that people are the key to success and embraces the cultural concept of omotenashi, which prioritizes delivering the best service to clients without expecting anything in return.
Emma Levestam
Project Manager Wellington
Emma is a Project Manager based in our busy Wellington office.
With a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Economics and Marketing from the University of Otago, Emma is a highly motivated and driven person with a passion for building strong, long-lasting professional relationships - this is what enables her to deliver on client expectations and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
Emma has 8 years’ experience contributing to operational efficiency for well-established organisations. She specialises in maintaining commercial property, and has a comprehensive knowledge of facility and operation management. Over the years, she's been successful in delivering a range of capital projects and building improvements.
Hamish Sail
Construction Delivery Manager Wellington
Hamish is people-oriented and values the relationships he builds with his co-workers, contractors, and clients. With a decade of experience in commercial construction management, Hamish brings a fresh perspective to Catalyst.
His expertise ranges from a deep understanding of health and safety requirements to managing projects with tight timelines and high-quality finishes. Hamish is always up for a new challenge and pays close attention to details, making him a skilled problem-solver who draws on his team's strengths to deliver excellent results consistently.
Hamish has over 18 years of construction experience, having worked on successful commercial projects for various clients, including large-scale construction for Victoria University and private hospitality fitouts. Moreover, Hamish has an eye for business and co-owns the brewery, bar, and restaurant Heyday Beer Co.
Luke Davidson
Site Manager | Builder Auckland
Luke is an accomplished site manager and builder who is an essential member of Catalyst Auckland's project delivery team. Luke's experience in the construction industry is vast and encompasses a wide range of projects, including commercial offices, hospitals, schools, universities, and hotels throughout New Zealand.
Luke is well-known for his commercial approach to problem-solving, and he is resourceful, flexible, innovative, and professional in his dealings with all stakeholders. He brings a dynamic approach to every project, ensuring that deliverables are achieved with regards to safety, quality, program, and cost.
Luke's management and coordination skills are exemplary, and he is adept at managing construction activities to ensure that all aspects of the project are completed to the highest standard. With Luke on board, you can be assured of a successful project delivery.
Montana Barker
Project Manager Wellington
Montana is a skilled professional who excels at working with numbers. Her commitment to accuracy and reliability is evident in every project she takes on. Montana takes pride in her work and strives for perfection in everything she does.
With her strong negotiating skills, Montana is a fierce advocate for her clients, always seeking the best possible outcome for them. She values open communication and is receptive to feedback, as honesty and transparency are at the core of her professional ethos.
Nicola O'Loughlin
Project Manager Auckland
As a Project Manager, Nicola thrives in the fast-paced environment of managing multiple projects simultaneously. This allows her to gain valuable insights into the unique approaches and methodologies of different organizations. She is particularly passionate about the fitout component of her role and finds the design and construction process fascinating. This makes her interactions with the Design and Trade teams an enjoyable aspect of her work.
Nicola's commitment to professionalism is unwavering. She approaches each day with a clear agenda and sets goals to stay one step ahead for her clients. Her focus on efficiency ensures that her clients' needs are met promptly and effectively.
Quentin Potts
Site Manager Wellington
Quentin's journey to becoming a Site Manager was unconventional. Initially, he studied Criminology and Psychology with the aim of joining the police force. However, his passion for building led him to work on building projects on the side. Quentin gained experience working on projects in New Zealand and London before joining Catalyst in 2020.
One of Quentin's greatest strengths is his ability to communicate and build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds, including contractors whose first language is not English. He enjoys meeting new people and the dynamic community that emerges on a worksite. Quentin recognizes that effective communication is essential, as individuals have different perspectives and ways of thinking.
Quentin's strong work ethic is evident in his commitment to completing projects on time and within budget. He is dedicated to ensuring that every job is done to the highest standard.
Ryan Swart
Senior Contracts Manager Wellington
With over a decade of experience in high-end residential and light commercial construction, Ryan is a valuable addition to the Catalyst team. He brings a practical and in-depth understanding of the building process to every project he works on.
One of the keys to Ryan's success is his ability to build strong relationships with colleagues, contractors, and clients, which enables him to navigate construction issues effectively. He believes that good communication and strong relationships are the foundation for successful outcomes that benefit everyone involved.
Ryan thrives on a challenge and excels in working within constraints. Whether it's a tight timeframe or a complex design build, he finds the satisfaction of seeing hard work pay off extremely rewarding.
Ryan enjoys the energetic atmosphere at Catalyst and the variety of work the team undertakes. Being part of a team that promotes and supports one another is a great source of pride for him.
Sarah Robinson
Project Manager Auckland
Sarah's love of fast-paced environments and diverse projects with unique challenges makes her an invaluable member of the Project Management Team.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma in Interior Design, which gives her both the technical skills of design software and the practical skills of procurement planning. Her experience in procurement and project delivery provides a strong foundation for managing turnkey projects.
Sarah's strengths lie in her ability to engage with clients and her multitasking skills, which she uses to keep projects on track and ensure their success. She is always seeking opportunities to advance and develop her skills, embracing challenges and new advancements. Sarah's role exposes her to the ups and downs of working efficiently and effectively, both independently and as part of a team, which she finds immensely rewarding.
Sarai Gamliel
Project Coordinator Wellington
Saraï is a dynamic project coordinator based in Catalyst's Wellington office. She possesses strong communication skills and is always seeking to be part of the solution. Saraï's working style is to "measure twice and cut once," ensuring that she communicates well with teams to manage expectations accordingly.
At Catalyst, Saraï helps manage administrative tasks such as document and information distribution, report collation, and supporting communication throughout the team. Her experience ranges from customer service, education, luxury goods, to administration, all of which have required her to nurture her interpersonal skills, allowing her to thrive in fast-paced environments.
Saraï loves the fact that every day is different at Catalyst and that she gets to work with a passionate team who love what they do. She finds the people at Catalyst to be warm and welcoming, and it's great to be in an environment where people are driven.
Scott Wright
Senior Contracts Manager Wellington
Scott is a versatile professional who joined Catalyst in October 2021, bringing a wealth of experience from diverse sectors.
Originally from the UK, Scott has developed a range of adaptable skills and gained valuable knowledge in various aspects of business. His ability to listen and understand the needs of clients and colleagues, as well as his effective communication skills, make him a valuable team player. Scott's calm demeanor creates a positive working environment where everyone can focus on achieving the best results.
Scott is passionate about seeing drawings come to life and working collaboratively to achieve the highest level of customer satisfaction. He is committed to delivering quality work and ensuring that clients' needs are met or exceeded.
Shane Tse
Project Manager Wellington
Shane's career started in finance after he completed his Bachelor of Commerce and Administration. He worked his way up the ranks in the finance industry worldwide before returning to New Zealand. However, Shane's true passion lies in construction, and he made the admirable decision to switch careers. He is currently completing a Diploma in Construction with a focus on Quantity Surveying.
Shane's energy and enthusiasm are contagious, lifting everyone around him. With strong financial and stakeholder management skills, he excels at building relationships and delivering satisfying results to clients and the team.
Since joining Catalyst in April 2022, Shane has appreciated the company's collective and dedicated culture, which encourages effective communication and project delivery across all levels of the organization.
Design & Architectural Team
Our award-winning design and architectural teams offers clients a better way to design and deliver their projects. They are highly-skilled problem solvers, creatives, that are always looking for a better approach.
Allan Stevens
Senior Designer
Anya Kouzminova
Senior Designer
Beatrice Starby
Designer
Brani Vasiljevic
Senior Designer
Drew Blair
Senior Designer
Grace Alexander
Architectural Designer
Hayley Minshull
Designer
Jamie Oakley
Designer
James De Bono
Designer
Laura Becker
Designer
Lauren Schott
Designer
Lana McCormick
Workplace Strategy | Designer
Marzanne Bothma
Senior Designer
Mikayla Roadhouse
Senior Designer
Natasha Horan
Senior Atchitectural Designer
Nicole Wilson
Senior Designer
Thijs De Leeuw
Architectural Designer
Vyvienn Steele
Senior Designer
Xin Jiang
Registered ArchitectAllan Stevens
Senior Designer Wellington
Allan is an experienced designer with a background in 3-Dimensional Design, specialising in Interior Design.
He started his design career in the UK, where he completed his Bachelor of Arts with Honours. He then worked as an Industrial Designer on secure environments such as prisons and banks, before moving on to work as an Interior Designer on retail and hospitality projects.
After relocating to New Zealand, Allan shifted his focus to commercial office fitouts, warehouse refurbishments and the hospitality sector. In 2014, Allan joined Catalyst as a Senior Designer. In his current role, he is responsible for leading design services throughout the project, working closely with clients to understand their needs, developing conceptual designs, creating detailed documentation for consent and ensuring quality assurance on site.
Allan liaises with consultants and contractors, collaborating with in-house or external Project Managers as required. He takes pride in delivering exceptional results for clients, by transforming their visions into reality.
Anya Kouzminova
Senior Designer Wellington
Anya is a highly sought-after Interior Designer with a wealth of experience gained from interning in New York and working with prominent firms in London and New Zealand.
She was awarded the prestigious $15,000 Victoria University of Wellington - Masters by Thesis Scholarship for her research on converting warehouse spaces in New Zealand into residential apartments.
Anya has worked on award-winning projects in the public and private sectors, including commercial workplaces, residential buildings, and civic spaces. Since joining Catalyst in 2020, she has led multiple government and commercial projects, using her expertise to support and collaborate with her colleagues.
Anya enjoys the varied aspects of her role, from communicating and presenting to clients, to collaborating with consultants and delivering innovative design and technical solutions. Her passion for design and commitment to delivering outstanding results make her a valuable asset to the team.
Beatrice Starby
Designer Auckland
Beatrice was born in Sweden but moved to Abu Dhabi with her family when she was three years old. It was in Abu Dhabi where she witnessed the remarkable transformation of the city from a small, undeveloped town to a modern, fast-paced metropolis with a fully developed infrastructure, which ignited her passion for design.
To pursue her passion, Beatrice moved to Singapore to study spatial and interior design, earning a Bachelor of Arts with honours and receiving a scholarship with HBA. She gained experience working on high-profile projects, including the Four Seasons, Shangri-la, Ritz Carlton Hotels, and the St Regis, before joining a dynamic start-up design build & firm. There, she led projects across Singapore, Hong Kong, and Sydney, seeking more independence as a designer.
When the pandemic struck, Beatrice shifted her focus to furniture design before deciding to move to New Zealand to experience a different quality of life and work in a new environment.
Brani Vasiljevic
Senior Designer Auckland
Brani is a talented interior designer based in Catalyst's Auckland office. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for solving problems, Brani specializes in creating innovative and functional designs that are cost-effective for clients.
She has experience working on various projects in the retail, commercial, institutional, and hospitality sectors in both New Zealand and internationally. Brani is skilled at designing beautiful spaces that meet budget, timeframe, and other requirements.
Brani takes great pride in helping clients achieve their vision and finds satisfaction in seeing their happiness with the final design. She appreciates the family-like culture at Catalyst, where everyone is dedicated to delivering the best results for clients. Brani enjoys working in a supportive environment where there are plenty of opportunities for creativity and personal growth.
Drew Blair
Senior Designer Wellington
With over 30 years of design experience and a Diploma of Industrial Design, Drew brings a wealth of knowledge to Catalyst. His diverse experience includes work in government, residential, hospitality, product design, commercial workplace design, stage and screen set design, and even the interior of a Cook Strait ferry. He has also worked on window displays for Selfridges on Oxford Street in London.
As a Senior Designer at Catalyst, Drew's responsibilities include meeting with clients, taking their briefs, and creating preliminary design concepts, as well as managing accounts. He enjoys the creative space planning and design aspects of his role and values building long-term relationships with clients, suppliers, and other consultants. Drew believes that shared experiences bring incredible value to a project.
Drew is a member of The Designers Institute of NZ.
Grace Alexander
Architectural Designer Wellington
Grace joined Catalyst in 2018 and brings a wealth of experience in local government, community facilities, earthquake strengthening, as well as working with government entities and commercial clients. She enjoys building relationships and rapport with clients and is known for her relaxed style that puts them at ease. Grace is also calm under pressure, making her an asset to larger-scale projects.
With a passion for creativity and sustainability, Grace focuses on incorporating natural elements into her designs and is strategic with space planning. She is particularly interested in heritage buildings and takes into consideration the existing elements of a building when creating clever designs.
Grace holds a Bachelor of Architectural Studies in Interior Architecture, a Diploma of Creative Technologies in Fine Arts, and is currently studying for her Graduate Diploma of Designed Environments. She firmly believes that there is no problem that cannot be resolved, which aligns perfectly with her work philosophy.
Hayley Minshull
Designer Wellington
Meet Hayley Minshull, a creative and detail-oriented designer with a Bachelor of Interior Architecture. Her passion lies in transforming existing spaces into new and exciting ones, and she enjoys the challenge that comes with it.
Fresh on the design scene after graduating from university, Hayley has a customer service background that enables her to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues. As a Junior Designer, she supports the senior team by drawing up as-builts and brainstorming innovative concept ideas.
Hayley loves working with a small team where she can interact with everyone and learn from her colleagues. In a short amount of time, she has already gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in her role.
When she's not designing, Hayley can be found taking her dogs on walks, exploring her creative side through painting and drawing, whipping up delicious baked goods, or hitting the gym to stay active.
Jamie Oakley
Designer Wellington
Jamie joined Catalyst after obtaining a bachelor's degree in interior architecture and a post-graduate degree focusing on leadership from George Washington University in the USA.
As a designer, Jamie enjoys using Revit to showcase designs and ensure client satisfaction. He values the office dynamic at Catalyst and appreciates working with an experienced and friendly team that supports each other.
Outside of work, Jamie is a former New Zealand junior squash champion and a sports enthusiast, particularly a die-hard Canberra Raiders fan.
James De Bono
Designer Wellington
James holds a Bachelor of Architectural Studies and a Master of Architecture, with a focus on the impact of design and digital aspects on the inhabitants of a space.
With experience in draughting for residential kitset homes, government departments, and commercial spaces, James brings a focused and inventive approach to design that delivers the best possible outcome for each project.
Having worked in both architectural and interior design, James has honed his skills in drawing details, creating efficient sets for council or construction, and designing smaller scale pieces, such as joinery. As an analytical and logical thinker, he excels at problem-solving, laying the groundwork for more creative elements to enter the design process.
Laura Becker
Designer Wellington
Laura returned to New Zealand after studying Visual Communication Design and spending some time in Australia. She further pursued her passion by studying Interior Architecture and joined Catalyst in 2020.
At Catalyst, Laura works on a variety of projects, including government and commercial projects, where she focuses on documentation ready for consent and working drawings. With her strong work ethic, Laura is committed to completing all tasks set before her to a high standard.
Lauren Schott
Designer Auckland
Lauren brings her Bachelor of Interior Design degree and a strong desire to improve people's lives through her design work to Catalyst.
With a curious mindset, Lauren consistently seeks opportunities to learn and grow as a designer while ensuring her clients' vision is met. She values patience and understanding, striving to deliver high-quality results that meet their expectations.
Lauren finds the most fulfilling part of her job to be seeing her designs come to life and transforming spaces into something truly special.
Lana McCormick
Workplace Strategy | Designer Wellington
Lana is Catalyst's Workplace Strategist and Designer, holding a Master of Interior Architecture and a Bachelor of Architectural Studies from Victoria University of Wellington. Her role involves proactively responding to design challenges and adapting workflow to suit clients' needs.
Passionate about bringing wellness to all built environments, Lana sees client satisfaction and problem-solving (either technical or spatial) as key to achieving this goal. She listens and engages throughout the design process, working to refine clients' key drivers alongside the spatial design development, then focuses on the end-users' engagement with spatial change.
Lana has developed her career across workplace, healthcare, and community architecture both overseas and in New Zealand. In the UK, she worked extensively in the communication sector alongside Virgin Media and BT Group, delivering workplace strategies that cohesively integrated brand identity. Upon returning to New Zealand, she worked in the healthcare sector, collaborating with clients throughout the Waikato on a regeneration project of healthcare facilities.
Lana was a finalist in the Best Awards 2022 in the following categories:
- Office & Workplace Environments Project: iCLAW (Role - Design Director)
- Healthcare & Wellbeing Project: Tend Health (Role - Technical Lead)
Outside of work, Lana enjoys hiking, hockey, brunching, and horse riding to stay active.
Marzanne Bothma
Senior Designer Auckland
Marzanne is a South African native with a Bachelor of Interior Design. She has spent the past three years living in New Zealand, where she has been involved in a wide range of projects, including national and international retail brands, hospitality, commercial, and workplace designs.
Marzanne's love for working closely with clients to help bring their visions to life is evident in her approach to her work. Her meticulous organization skills are reflected in her diligent work through the different stages of design documentation and construction drawings. She works closely with Catalyst's project managers to ensure that the drawings are implemented as intended, ensuring project tasks are performed correctly.
Marzanne is passionate about seeing the results of her hard work, client satisfaction, and the teamwork involved in completing a project. In her spare time, she enjoys the great outdoors and is always up for a walk or hike. She also cherishes spending time with her family.
Mikayla Roadhouse
Senior Designer Auckland
Mikayla is an Interior Designer at Catalyst who graduated with a Bachelor of Architectural Studies and a Post Graduate Diploma in Interior Architecture in 2015.
Her work at Catalyst includes concept design, selecting furniture, producing working drawings, and construction observation. Mikayla enjoys establishing strong client relationships and the variety that comes with each project. She has a particular love for joinery design and finding the right balance between functionality and aesthetics.
Mikayla adapts well to the unique challenges of each project and enjoys seeing the end result.
Natasha Horan
Senior Atchitectural Designer Wellington
Natasha is a highly skilled Senior Architectural Designer with a wealth of industry experience. With a background in Architectural Drafting and Visual and Applied Arts, she joined the Catalyst Wellington office in 2007. Natasha brings together her love of mathematics and construction with her eye for creative design to produce lively and dynamic architectural solutions.
Throughout her career, Natasha has worked on a diverse range of commercial, educational, and government projects. Her portfolio includes new builds, office refurbishments, youth care and protection facilities, factories, warehouses, residential homes, and heritage buildings such as Parliament House and the Parliamentary Library.
Natasha's expertise in technically robust design ensures that every client benefits from her effective use of office space without compromising on safety or convenience, regardless of budget. Her flair for creative design, combined with her meticulous attention to detail, ensures that each project is delivered to the highest standard.
Nicole Wilson
Senior Designer Auckland
Nicole is an experienced designer with a passion for variety. With a broad background that includes successful design work on hotels and casinos in South Africa, aged care facilities in Australia, and recent work on galleries, museums, tourist attractions, hotels, and offices in Auckland, Nicole brings a wealth of experience to every project.
Having completed her interior design qualifications in Durban, South Africa, Nicole's journey has taken her across the world, working on a wide range of commercial and government projects. She joined Catalyst in 2013, where she focused on office upgrades and fit-out projects.
Nicole's designs are always carefully considered and articulated to clients, resulting in well-executed solutions. Her work has been recognized with several awards, including a Silver award for the Arts of Asia Gallery at the Auckland Museum in 2008 when she was with HBO+EMTB, and a Silver award for Constellation Brands (Catalyst) in the Design Awards 2017.
Thijs De Leeuw
Architectural Designer Wellington
Thijs, a Dutch native, is a new addition to the Catalyst team, having joined in 2021 as an Architectural Designer. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Bouwkunde from the Hoge School van Arnhem en Nijmegen in the Netherlands.
Prior to joining Catalyst, Thijs worked as an Architectural Technician for an architectural and building consultancy bureau in the Netherlands, where he gained experience working with national and international clients.
Thijs is a calm and open-minded individual with a keen desire to learn. His problem-solving skills are top-notch, and he excels in solving technical details using new materials, systems, and products. He appreciates the dynamic and open office environment at Catalyst, which makes it easy for him to approach his colleagues and work effectively as part of a team.
Vyvienn Steele
Senior Designer Auckland
Vyvienn is a highly skilled designer with a sophisticated understanding of the interplay between the design process and onsite considerations. With a strong sense of logical design, she has the ability to apply her knowledge to diverse environments.
Joining Catalyst in 2011, Vyvienn brought with her exceptional experience in retail and commercial office design projects. Her brief often includes concept design, developed design, consent submissions, construction documentation, and bespoke furniture design. Her client-focused approach and extensive experience make her a respected and valued team member who is regularly involved in projects from the client briefing stage right through to the final handover.
Xin Jiang
Registered Architect Wellington
Xin is a Registered Architect who is always seeking opportunities to learn and expand her knowledge.
Having completed her Bachelor of Architecture, Xin has gained extensive experience across various commercial projects, including private and public schools, multi-unit residential, retail, office fitouts, civic and seismic upgrades. She finds immense satisfaction in seeing a project come to life, especially when she can lead and design innovative work while adhering to the constantly evolving building code - an architect's law.
Xin enjoys solving problems in a creative and compliant manner, considering the long-term effects and creating future value for the project. Recently, she became an accredited Green Star Professional, adding to her expertise in sustainable design.