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ESSE TEAM - Meet Waikato’s leading architectural technicians

Esse is essentially a group of skilled and experienced professionals. Our close-knit team includes registered and award-winning architects, as well as internationally-trained senior architectural technicians dedicated to delivering excellence in design and project management. We highly value our incredible team, each bringing unique expertise and passion to every step of the architectural process.

Contact our local architectural specialist today to discuss your specific needs.

PETER HUNT

DIRECTOR / SENIOR ARCHITECT

B. Arch (UPE -RSA)

B. Build (UPE – RSA)

A. Arb (Arbitration – RSA)

Peter joined Esse Architects as a Principal Architect and Director in the Hamilton office in December 2015 and became the sole director in July 2018.  Peter's philosophy in architecture is aligned with Esse's philosophy, he has 41 years’ experience, of which 26 years were gained in New Zealand.

As a NZ registered architect he has experience in weathertightness projects, commercial projects, education facilities projects, health projects and security related work such as police facilities, correctional facilities, defence contracts, justice projects and banks (where attention to detail in critical), and this experience includes contract management.

Peter has successfully attended the PSMJ Project Management accreditation course and has experience in leading large design teams for complex security related projects.

BIRGER KIRSTEN

SENIOR OPERATIONS

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

DIP.ENG (ELEC)

Birger has worked for many years in the international and regional markets.

His management experience includes multiple senior management and executive positions.

Birger is specialist in, general, project & operational management, strategic & business planning, sales & marketing and recruitment.  He has applied his trade in industries such as security, utilities, commercial construction & telecommunications. Other industries include manufacture, scientific research, ports & airports. High security installations for DOD and correctional facilities.

International market experiences include UK & Europe, USA & Americas, South Africa & Africa, Australia & Asia and New Zealand.

Birger manages our Enable NZ Projects and assists with the planning of projects and general management issues.

VANESSA BARCLAY

ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST

Bachelor of Architectural Studies

Auckland University (NZ)

Vanessa first joined Esse Architects in 2016 as a draftsperson, after completing her Bachelor of Architectural studies at the Auckland University. She has freelance drafting experience, and later in 2021 came back to the company after taking a break.  Vanessa completes Enable NZ bathroom renovation work under contract and enjoys other creative artistic practices around this.

ANICA NEL

SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST

Bachelor of Science in Architecture

University of Pretoria (RSA)

Anica joined Esse Architects as an Architectural Technician in the Hamilton office in September 2022, after working with the firm on a contract basis from South Africa since September 2021. Anica has 12 years experience, which includes 2 years of New Zealand experience. During her time in South Africa, and as owner of her own business, Anica was closely involved in all aspects of various projects, which included concept design, detail design, construction documentation, and the monitoring of projects on site.

Anica’s experience include projects from the Vehicle Industry, Office Developments, MoE Weathertightness Remediation, Commercial Development, Health, Institutional and Residential Sectors. She is currently working towards NZ registration.

“In architecture, I am in favour of contextual design. The physical aspects as well as the cultural values of an environment should always be well considered and should form the basic departure point. Nature is the base of life and, more specifically knowledge. Therefore, I believe in sustainable design and careful consideration of environmental impact. The honest usage of material is also important to me. Materials in its most basic form contribute, in my opinion, to an enhanced sensorial experience of space. The physicality and tangibility of such materials improve our memory of place.”