Architect & Designer - Owner

• Jul 2021 - Present

Taking on projects in Europe, Australia New Zealand, in close collaboration with New Zealand firm Seear-Budd Ross.Current projects:- Private residence, Sailors Grave, Coromandel New Zealand- Cabin, Coromandel New Zealand- Interior architecture for new private home, Riehen, Basel, Switzerland- Renovation and extension, Mews house, London UK Taking on projects in Europe, Australia New Zealand, in close collaboration with New Zealand firm Seear-Budd Ross.Current projects:- Private residence, Sailors Grave, Coromandel New Zealand- Cabin, Coromandel New Zealand- Interior architecture for new private home, Riehen, Basel, Switzerland- Renovation and extension, Mews house, London UK

Founder & Editor

• Dec 2015 - Present

I founded Portico in 2015 to provide open & accessible resources, inspiration and support for High School students interested in studying architecture, current University Students, and early career professionals in New Zealand. The platform now has a global audience and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.Portico is a personal project, and I am responsible for all aspects including overall strategy and direction, web design, content production, audience engagement and public presentations.• Recipient of the New Zealand Institute of Architects Presidents Medal in 2017.• Presented the possibilities of Portico as a platform for learning and communities at the Generosity Conference, Cardiff Wales 2018.• Partnered with architecture organisation in New Zealand, including NZIA and SANNZ, to deliver events.• Invited speaker at events for young architects and students throughout New Zealand.• Email: sophie@portico.space

Senior Architect and Interior Design Lead

• Mar 2019 - May 2021

As Interior Design Lead at Oppenheim Architecture Europe I was responsible for design overview, strategic direction and day-to-day management of our growing Interiors department.As Senior Architect I led our project team through full architectural scope, from concept to construction, on a range of commercial, fit-out and residential projects. I delivered projects for a range of clients and stakeholders, working with large, multi-lingual consultant and contractor teams. I completed commercial projects in Zürich, Bern and Basel, with ongoing private residential projects in Geneva and on the shore of lake Zürich. Through my time with Oppenheim Architecture I developed my knowledge of SIA standards, building permitting procedures and construction methodologies in Switzerland. I also had the opportunity to build a broad and skilled network of contacts and partners in wider Europe.

Project Architect, Team Leader

• Sep 2017 - Feb 2019

As a Project Architect and Team Leader at Fearon Hay I led national and international projects of various scales and typologies through all architectural phases from concept to construction. I was responsible for design decision-making and managing detailing strategies and compliance. I was the primary point of contact for consultant coordination and client relationships.I was also actively involved in practice strategy and direction, particularly with regards to staff mentoring and development, internship policies, and online presence.

Design Team Leader, Architectural Graduate

• May 2014 - Sep 2017

As Design Team Leader I was responsible for the conceptual and preliminary design development of all architectural projects and competition entries, working alongside the Directors. In this role I oversaw a design production team and was responsible for initial project coordination with clients and consultant teams.

Professional Teaching Fellow

• Feb 2018 - Jun 2018

Design Studio Leader, responsible for development and delivery of Design Studio for 3rd year undergraduate Architecture students. Assisted by Annie Tong.

External Moderation Panel Member - School of Architecture

• Jul 2017 - May 2018

2017, 2018. Invited member of a panel of three external moderators. Responsible for the review of student projects and grades, and reporting on broader observations of the work reviewed including critical feedback on the direction of design studios and any shifts or innovations that might be adopted in future studios.

Architectural Graduate

• Aug 2012 - May 2014

Work comprised a range of small to medium projects throughout New Zealand, including master-planning, multi-residential, single residential and renovation projects. My responsibilities included concept design though detailed design for each project type, resource and building consent applications, presentations and competition entries, consultant and client liaison. Work comprised a range of small to medium projects throughout New Zealand, including master-planning, multi-residential, single residential and renovation projects. My responsibilities included concept design though detailed design for each project type, resource and building consent applications, presentations and competition entries, consultant and client liaison.

Architecture / Interior Architecture Tutor

• Feb 2011 - May 2014

I tutored a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, ranging from Structural Systems and Construction courses to Design and Design Research Methodologies. My role involved: - management of groups of between 12 and 25 students for the course duration;- preparation of tutorial session content and structure;- enabling student learning, individually and in group settings;- providing critical review and comment;- design review;- guest lecturing;- grading and moderation of projects. The specific courses I taught were: Year 1 Undergraduate: Architectural Design; Design Communication.Year 2 Undergraduate: Structural Systems; Construction; Design CommunicationYear 3 Undergraduate: Interior Architecture Design - Retail and SustainabilityPostgraduate Masters Level: Architectural Design Research Studio; House and Home (Design Research Topic); Design Research Methodologies (Preparation of Thesis Proposals).

Teaching Fellow

• Jul 2013 - Nov 2013

Course Co-ordinator, Lecturer and Tutor I designed and delivered a semester-long elective Design Studio course on Architectural Design Communication to approximately 50 2nd - 4th year students. I was responsible for and supported by two tutors, Angus Earl and Josie de Guzman. I managed all student queries and concerns, oversaw marking and moderation of student work and presented the outcomes to the University review committee.

Research Assistant

• Nov 2010 - Mar 2011

Developing and writing a book on Victoria University's Solar Decathlon Project: First Light.

Architectural Intern

• Mar 2012 - Aug 2012

Adventure Specialist

• Mar 2004 - Dec 2009