The Tilt Approach - (agile / innovative / collaborative)
1. We listen and understand : Style, aspect, environment, budget, users… every project is different. First, we listen to you. With no-preconceived ideas, we then offer suggestions and seek clarification where required to develop an initial understanding of your requirements and what it will take to make your architectural project a success.
2. We research and refine : You’ve told us what you know, now we’ll dig a little (or a lot!) deeper, undertaking our own research to develop an in depth understanding of your project’s requirements. This could include for example: site limitations, climatic conditions, pedestrian/traffic flow or other design constraints. This additional research phase is vital to form as complete a picture as possible before we start the design phase. Time spent on the design brief now, means no surprises later!
3. We design and develop : Now the fun begins – the exploration of ideas to fit the brief. Aesthetics and form, colour and texture, finishes and materials, people flow and user experience are all ideas that are shared, tested and refined with you. An actively engaged team and collaborative process is vital. We will have regular communications with you, the design team, contractors and product suppliers. We communicate via face-to-face meetings or using the latest screensharing/model navigating software. As further detail is added, the 3D model of your project becomes a visually engaging tool for analysis and joint decision-making. We bring your project to life with realistic renders, animated fly-throughs, or virtual reality (VR).
4. We deliver and you enjoy : Your exciting project is now complete, and we hope it lives up to all of your expectations. We are proud of the relationship we have built with you while working together. There is nothing better than seeing buildings being inhabited by you, sharing in the joy and excitement of a successful project.
5. We reflect and review : What did we learn from the project? Is there anything we can do better next time? Client feedback is a key part of the process, as we are always learning and welcome opportunities for improvement. Important to us, is that clients become friends, advocates for our work, trusted part of the team. Hopefully your first project is just the start of a long-term relationship.
Meet the Team - (enthusiastic / practical / focussed)
Tilt Architecture was created to provide a fresh and exciting approach to architecture, to inspire and challenge our team and our clients by exploring not just the obvious but innovative and unique possibilities that may not be initially apparent. We look at projects a little differently… bold and brave in the way we work, embracing design challenges as opportunities to collaborate and create memorable and unique, yet practical and functional, commercial and residential buildings, in New Zealand and overseas.
Gregory Shadbolt - Director
B Arch (Hons), ANZIA Registered Architect 3031
“I am fascinated by how people use and occupy the spaces we create, often in unexpected ways! I love the process of creating something from nothing.”
Driven by the challenges and possibilities that each project brings, I love working with people to exceed their expectations and realise their dreams. I always strive for design excellence from project inception right through to construction, and pride myself on the personalised delivery of my work.
My 23-year career spans overseeing residential, commercial, hospitality, childcare, medical and naval architectural projects and I love being involved in all stages of project work, from initial feasibility to construction completion. One of my core beliefs is that we must strive to create a close dialogue with clients to understand their requirements, to challenge, to engage, resulting in a building that surprises and excites! Rather than looking at architecture as simply an object, I believe our work must create spaces that fascinate people, that contribute to the wider community and speak to who we are as a culture. What we build often outlives us, and we must be sensitive of this.
Born in Wellington, I left these shores for seven years to Auckland, London and Tokyo, before returning in 2005 to this wonderful windy harbour with its amphitheatre of hills, to continue my passion for sailing - and of course, to apply and extend what I had learned in architectural practice overseas.
Mobile: 021 676 559
Gavin Urquhart - Director
Dip Arch Draughting, Adv. Dip Arch Draughting
LBP Design L2 BP140254
“I still get a kick at the thought of getting started on a new project and I love being involved in each stage, right through to the opening day – and beyond.”
I was 4 years old when I drew a large cityscape on the wallpaper behind the couch! In many ways that moment was the catalyst for my future career in architecture – and that passion for buildings has never changed.
I’ve honed my craft in a variety of architectural projects ranging from small residential alterations to large multi-story, mixed use buildings, education facilities, historical buildings and commercial fitouts. This extensive track record covers all stages from conceptual design, detailed design, consultant engagement and co-ordination, contract management and on-site problem solving. Three years as a set designer for the Hobbit film trilogy gave me great experience in creative spatial design. I’ve since been in a key figure in over 30 different developments at Hobbiton Movie Set as well as the redevelopment of the Hobbit-themed iSite in Matamata.
Technology in the industry is ever-evolving. I keep my finger on the pulse of the latest developments and pushing the boundaries of what can be done with computers and gadgets, to ensure we’re at the forefront of innovative, cost-effective services for our clients. I’ve been instrumental in the development of IT and Revit systems in a number of architecture firms in New Zealand and overseas. This includes extensive experience in BIM Management, advanced 3D modelling, visualisation, animation, construction and people flow simulation, and also the implementation of virtual reality in the architectural workflow.
Understanding problems, thinking outside the box, developing practical solutions and delivering them in a logical and concise format, is what really makes me tick.
Mobile: 021 428 468
Glen Barris - Senior Designer
D Phil
“I am intrigued with the subtle signals that buildings send and the way they influence how we move through, use and inhabit them. I think this stems from experiences with particular buildings where the wrong signals got me into trouble.”
I have always wanted to design buildings, but for a while I allowed myself to be diverted into science. In a previous career I worked as a Materials Scientist specialising in ceramics and cement and concrete. My work involved developing new materials and products for different corrosive, high temperature, high wear and high impact environments. I made a key breakthrough that lead to a range of products that are now used around the world for manufacturing aluminium components. My work also spanned ceramic-metal composites for rock crushing, new cementing systems as alternatives to Portland cement, and developing new armour materials in collaboration with NZ Defence Technologies Agency.
However life eventually lead me back to design and architecture, initially opening design stores with my wife, Martha, and then deciding to return to university to study architecture. Since retraining I have worked in Auckland and Wellington on a variety of commercial, residential and education projects, from minor house renovations to large mixed-use commercial developments. I love the entire process from preliminary design through to construction. I naturally retain a strong interest in materials and technology and I am excited to be involved in what I expect to be a transformative period for architecture, as it responds to new technology and societal need.
Mobile: 021 656 680
Jasmine Tran -
Architectural Graduate
MArch (Prof)
“I love how design can invoke an emotional response and captivate one’s attention, through a narrative told in the detailing of the materials, colours and lighting.”
With an early exposure and insight through older siblings with careers in interior architecture, landscape architecture and engineering, I’ve developed a sense of navigating through the many layers required to problem solve and the importance of collaborating to find the right solution.
I am particularly drawn to creation. For me, design is tangible imagination, and I can explore this through architecture. Here, I have the potential to transform the way people use a space or change an entire city through design. The most satisfying part of my job is seeing how projects benefit our towns, cities and spaces to become healthier, more productive places to work, live, and play.
I am a strong believer in the power of architecture to address emerging global issues such as climate change and sustainability, and how to prepare cities for the future. Growing up in Christchurch, I was able to see the effects of the earthquakes and subsequent waste generated from the destruction of buildings. I became more aware of the sustainability impacts of construction materials, and inspired me to strive for more smarter, sustainable solutions when possible.
Mobile: 027 386 0065
Brayden Jennison - Architectural Graduate
MArch (Prof)
“I believe that thoughtful design has the potential to enhance the lives of those who interact with it, impacting everything from health and well-being to equity and opportunity.”
Architecture presented itself to me as a teenager, presenting itself as a point of inflection between practical solutions and the unleashed potential of creativity. It was this potential to make a meaningful impact on the world through design that initially drew me in. While university provided me with the essential design foundations, I chose to step away after completing my Bachelors, longing for hands-on experience to upskill before undertaking further study.
The time I spent outside of academia has become invaluable to me - immersing me in real-world design and broadening my perspective while sharpening my focus on sustainability.
This time sparked my passion for pushing the boundaries of achievable sustainability in design, and fueled the completion of my qualification with a desire to push for higher standards within our built environment - especially our homes - through considered and enduring design
The joy of watching something emerge from an initial idea or sketch on a page through to a tangible part of the world has yet to lose its excitement for me. More importantly, I believe thoughtful and targeted design has the capacity to improve lives in both subtle and transformative ways. Our built environments influence everything from health and well-being to equity and opportunity, and architecture has a responsibility to create solutions that enhance quality of life.
Mobile: 022 013 3934
Ethan ten Broeke-Smith - Architectural Technician
Dip. Arch Tech, BAS
LBP Design L2 BP135770
“Being able to create spaces that change the way people interact and use these spaces is both fascinating and a privilege”.
Since an early age, I have always been drawn to the creative fields. This curiosity led me to explore various disciplines, but it was during college that I discovered graphics. A subject where I could refine my skills in technical drawing and visual communication. Little did I know, this would be the subject that ignited my passion for architecture. After college, I pursued a Diploma in Architectural Technology at WelTec, where I gained a solid foundation in design principles, construction methods, and the technical aspects of architectural practice.
After my studies at WelTec, I had the opportunity to work as a draughtsperson within the residential sector. It also made me realize that my passion for architecture extended far beyond technical drawing and residential dwellings, I wasn’t just fascinated by the technical aspects but also the broader design process and the impact architecture has on the way people live and interact with their surrounding environments. This realisation inspired me to continue my academic journey, going back to university to enroll in the Bachelor of Architectural Studies. Now, as I prepare to pursue my Masters of Architecture, my passion and obsession with this industry has grown.
Architecture is an ever evolving discipline, and I believe staying at the forefront of these changes is essential for not only creating meaningful designs but also practical solutions. One of the most pressing concerns today is sustainability. As the world faces climate change and resource wastage, architects play a critical role in shaping a more sustainable future. By embracing innovation and maintaining a forward thinking approach, I aim to contribute to a future where architecture responds to today's needs while safeguarding the well being for future generations.
Mobile: 027 477 6090