Woods Bagot appoints new Auckland Studio Chair
Tim Melville (left) and Andy Gentry.
Tim Melville (left) and Andy Gentry.
Well-known New Zealand architect, Tim Melville, has joined the leadership team of Woods Bagot as Auckland Studio Chair.
Melville starts at Woods Bagot after a two-year stint as Chief Advisor – National Design Assurance at the Ministry of Education of New Zealand – and is a recent past president of Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects.
His business experience includes co-founding his own successful architecture firm and several senior roles with New Zealand’s leading practices. He will work closely with studio leaders including Andy Gentry, who he succeeds in the position, to build on the company’s strong growth since Woods Bagot opened its Auckland studio in early 2021.
“It’s a really exciting opportunity and a great time to be joining Woods Bagot in New Zealand,” says Melville.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for the way Woods Bagot has established and grown its New Zealand business and am looking forward to continuing the company’s successful collaborative approach and deepening local connections.”
Andy Gentry is returning to Melbourne after establishing the Auckland studio but will remain a regular presence in New Zealand, working closely with key clients including Winton and Kiwi Property.
“I’m very proud of what we have achieved since setting up the Auckland studio and feel now is the right time to move into a different role and be closer to my family,” Gentry says.
As a global practice, with 17 studios in six regions, Woods Bagot brings international learnings with a local perspective to its work in New Zealand.
Highlights over the past decade include award-winning designs for Te Pae Christchuch Convention and Exhibition Centre and the PwC Tower, Commercial Bay, Auckland, both in collaboration with Warren and Mahoney.
The Woods Bagot team is currently working on several significant projects such the Northbrook luxury retirement villages for Winton, and Kiwi Property’s Sylvia Park development with Peddlethorp NZ.
Melville says Woods Bagot’s approach to design is based around the ethos of People Architecture, partnership and collaboration.
“People are at the centre of everything we do,” Melville says. “I’m really looking forward to working with our New Zealand team and going on the journey together as we connect more deeply with the architectural community and wider construction industry.”
