Alex is a mechanical engineer with over 10 years experience in the facade industry with the Thermosash Group. He's been a project manager on multiple projects, worked in the engineering and product development teams on thermal analysis, sustainability as a Greenstar Accredited professional, and is the Technical Manager at Window Engineering Consultants, performing accredited Facade laboratory and onsite testing.

Andrew Vere-Jones is a senior architect in the Building Performance and Engineering team at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).  He has over 30 years’ experience in architecture and related fields.

Andrew’s expertise covers all aspects of the building regulatory system, building code requirements, and building envelopes.  He provides technical advice on buildings and building work to inform regulatory decisions and policy proposals affecting the building sector.  He has led the development of new and updated documents used to support building code compliance, including Acceptable Solutions, Verification Methods, Standards, and guidance information.

Andrew’s experience includes five years as a technical advisor in the Weathertight Services Group at MBIE.  He also has experience in running an architectural practice, teaching, and technical writing.

If you know where to look you can see Brian Aitken’s influence on many parts of Auckland’s skyline, from the Auckland War Memorial Museum in the Domain right down to the bottom of the city, where Auckland’s tall buildings – Vero, Metropolis, the old ASB tower – are clustered. Few architects, if any in New Zealand, know buildings – and especially tall buildings – as well as Brian does.

In his 40-plus years in architecture, Brian has amassed an unrivalled knowledge of building technology, detailing and design, as well as building code requirements and industry standards. His role in creating major buildings in Auckland and Wellington ­has been recognised with numerous industry awards – and the tally continues to grow, as buildings such as the bronze-glass landmark at 151 Queen Street, once the Fay Richwhite Building, continue to accumulate awards long after their completion.

Brian’s architectural journey began at the University of Auckland in 1967. Upon graduation, he moved to London, joining Fitzroy Robinson and Partners before being awarded a Hawkins Scholarship, which saw him move to New York to complete a Masters degree at Columbia University in 1970. On his return to New Zealand, Brian joined Peddle Thorp Architects, becoming an associate in 1973 and a partner in 1978, with the practice duly changing its name to Peddle Thorp & Aitken. In his time with the practice, the studio has grown from fewer than 10 staff to more than 40.

Brian Hubbs is a Founder, Principal, and Senior Building Science Specialist at RDH Building Science. With over 30 years of experience as a consultant practicing exclusively in the field of building science, he is a practical façade engineer and researcher. He has broad experience with a variety of building enclosure systems, delivering consistent innovative solutions. Brian brings a unique blend of theoretical and hands-on knowledge gained from designing façades for new buildings, as well as completing hundreds of forensic investigations, rehabilitation, and research projects. He has extensive experience with high-rise and iconic façade systems, components, and materials, designing new and innovative facade systems for high-rise wood and Passive House projects. An engaging and vibrant presenter, he regularly speaks at seminars, conferences, and guest lectures on a wide range of building science and façade engineering topics.

Ms. Candice Zhao has 10 years of experience in engineering glass processing industry. She has been engaged in the management and execution of overseas projects, especially HK market. Her recent projects include Taikoo Place 2A & 2B in HK, West Kowloon Station Commercial Building in HK, KIA headquarter in Korea, Chicago Mercantile Exchange Building in USA, etc.

NorthGlass is a world’s leading supplier of processed glass with integrated processing solutions. Since NorthGlass was established in 1995, it has developed the very first horizontal toughened glass production line in China. This changed the production history of toughened glass in China and ended the need for importing from foreign suppliers for specialty glass. NorthGlass continues to challenge itself in research, innovation, and the production of unusual shape and size requirements.

The size of NorthGlass jumbo size glass ranges from 3.6 meters, 12.8 meters, and 18 meters to today's 24 meters. Developed 3.3*8m 3D multi-curved glass, forward and reverse curved tempered glass, and customized 3.3*18m digitally printed glass to adapt to the diversity of colors. In order to make the insulating glass last longer, long-term energy-saving insulating glass was introduced, the air leakage for these insulated glasses will still meet the national standard within 30 years.

Chris Scott is a Principal at Jasmax and one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading education design specialists. Throughout his career, Chris has played a pivotal role in developing innovative spaces for the country’s leading universities that greatly enhance the learning experience for both students and staff.

Chris is focused on delivering evidence-based outcomes that provide long-term value to clients. His projects are a testament to his dedication to sustainability and include some of the country’s most energy efficient, large-scale education buildings. A major recent achievement is the University of Auckland’s B201 Building – the highest Green-Star rated building in New Zealand. His projects align with net zero carbon targets to extend building lifespans and offer a realistic roadmap towards a low carbon future.

As NZ Director, Dan leads Icon’s New Zealand business, with full accountability to the CEO and Board for all aspects of the business.

Established in June 2017, Icon NZ has completed six major New Zealand projects, including the 57 storey Pacifica and has four Auckland projects currently in construction. The business has grown to an Auckland domiciled staff of 110, and established a reputation as the go to contractor in NZ for high rise CBD and complex D&C projects.

Icon NZ is a subsidiary of the Icon Group of companies, a large and diversified commercial construction business headquartered in Melbourne, with operations in all Australian states and territories, and New Zealand. The group is owned by the Kajima Corporation of Japan, one of the world’s largest construction and engineering businesses.

Trained in architecture, Dan’s 17 years of experience has encompassed leadership of multiple large-scale construction projects and businesses in New Zealand and Australia, with a particular focus on design management, preconstruction and procurement, and innovative construction methodology and planning.

For over 40 years (30 years as owner/operator) David Hayes CPEng, High Risk Producer Statement Author,has worked at Thermosash designing,manufacturing,testing and installing facade solutions around NZ on the highest risk projects. Thermosash, a 51 year old business, has no leaky building history,their facade solutions performed exceptionally well in both the Christchurch and Wellington earthquakes, better than a number of primary structures they were connected to, both from a human safety perspective  and continuity of business use. The recently completed National Archives Project in Wellington would represent one of the highest performing specifically designed facade solutions in the world today, designed to comply with Conservation of Cultural Heritage Code BS/EN 16893 (requiring a U-value average < 0.4 W/m2.K and factor of 10 better than NZS 4284 airtightness after a DLS +/-35mm seismic interstorey building movement). Laboratory tested twice in WEC's IANZ certified Test Facility as well as an in-situ as-built testing post installation which all passed the specification requirements. Thermosash has also been responsible for the recent facade solutions on UoA 201 Refurbishment project (an as-built 6 Star Green Star project in part due to our system solution's high tested airtightness performance and low embodied carbon content), the Skycity Convention Centre, the Central Rail Link Stations architectural finishes and facade artworks. David leads the Engineering team at Thermosash and manages the design/build risk through the peer review process of issuing of Design Producer Statements for Council Facade Building Consent confirming NZ Building Code compliance

Dyann Stewart has been in the construction industry for 27 years, performing various senior management roles such as Technical Manager, Business Development Manager, and Commercial Manager, all within the New Zealand window and door industry. She is the previous chairperson of the technical committee of the Window and Glass Association of New Zealand and a previous deputy chairperson of the Board of the Window and Glass Association of New Zealand, and a former board member of the Cladding Institute of New Zealand. While recovering from a severe accident, Dyann started DPS Consulting and undertook the carbon analysis report for Technoform as part of her consultancy work. Dyann is now a Façade Consultant with Technoform Bautec Asia Pacific, undertaking projects to improve the industry's knowledge of insulation solutions for windows, doors and facades, which impact long-term sustainability, energy efficiency and the built environment's carbon footprint.  

Eloise is a sustainability engineer with Aurecon New Zealand, based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington. Eloise has experience delivering Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and upfront embodied carbon assessments for commercial and public building projects. As the former New Zealand Future Thinker of the Year, she is passionate about working with design teams, contractors and clients to drive more environmentally sustainable outcomes on projects. She harnesses her experience in carbon assessment to influence design decisions at crucial points in the design process. 

As a Green Star Accredited Professional (GSAP), Eloise has worked on green buildings and communities' projects in New Zealand, Australia and Asia. Eloise has an academic background in architecture, and her Master of Architecture (Professional) focused on retrofitting strategies, low-carbon strategies and how value perception contributes to the uptake of more sustainable building practices. 

Geoff Horne (Director); Geoff is the founding director of Precon and a Registered Architect. Geoff is a market leader in pre-construction phases of large-scale construction projects, having led many projects of significance over the last 25 years including The University of Auckland’s B302 Science Building, B507 Park West Development, B201, and Health New Zealand | Waitemata’s recently completed Tōtara Haumaru.

Geoff brings extensive knowledge, energy, passion, and commitment in motivating project teams to achieve the very best outcomes. His holistic approach adds immense value to the projects he is involved with. Adept at preconstruction, programming, and project strategy, he has a demonstrated history of delivering large complex projects.

Since joining Populous in 2010, James has worked on numerous projects around the globe including the Jamsil Sports MICE Complex in Korea, International Convention Centre Sydney, Philippine Arena in Manila, Datong Sports Park in China, KL Sports City in Malaysia, The Gabba Stadium masterplan in Brisbane and the Los Angeles Convention Centre. James was also the Project Lead for the Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, a 28-hectare Sports, Entertainment and community focused development situated on the edge of Victoria Harbour.

James heads up Populous’ Research & Development program within Asia Pacific, encouraging global collaboration, innovation and connection through Populous’ online sharing platform and annual global innovation conference. He also leads their Regional Advanced Technology Group for Asia Pacific, exploring ground-breaking new ways to work. James is passionate about fostering the culture of Populous, in particular driving innovation in design and knowledge management across offices, studios and teams.

Jayrold has over 15 years experience in the built environment, providing technical, application and consulting expertise to stakeholders in the curtain wall  and construction industry.

He is a civil engineer by qualification and has helped many clients to achieve energy efficient, durable, well-designed facade for high-performance building projects with silicone and material science technology.

Prior to joining Dow, he worked for a major façade consultancy firm and was involved in some tall building project projects in different parts of the world..

John has 15 years’ experience in New Zealand’s buildings sector and is currently the Building Sciences Practice Leader for Mott MacDonald New Zealand, John leads the community of façade engineering specialists and engineering scientists within the New Zealand business. John is a registered architect with a business background in international procurement and supply chain management. He has professional experience in both architectural and engineering companies and has a great understanding of the issues faced in coordination between design disciplines. This understanding leads to well-developed solutions, particularly those can be addressed through the coordination of BIM models to resolve complex geometry, and to resolve problems by “virtual construction” prior to any work on site. John believes in lifelong learning and recognises that education is an on-going process to improve personal skills, meet evolving expectations, and develop competitive advantage.

Kaare is Snøhetta Partner and Managing Director of Snøhetta in Australasia, he is responsible for numerous projects across the Australasian region including Harbourside, Clarendon Tea House, and The Maltings. Kaare is a member of the Office for Design and Architecture South Australia’s Design Review Panel.

Karl has 24 years’ experience in the New Zealand buildings sector and is currently the buildings market lead for Mott MacDonald New Zealand, overseeing the structures, facades, services and sciences teams. Karl also preforms the role of technical excellence lead, responsible for driving excellence in knowledge and innovation within the New Zealand business. Karl’s multidisciplinary background and experience facilitate technical competence across many aspects of buildings engineering. He has provided project governance on several of the country’s largest building projects, including Commercial Bay, the Canterbury Multi-Use Arena, the Symphony – Aotea Central Over Station Development, and the new Auckland Airport Domestic Jet Hub. Karl's has a passion for improving building performance, and he aims to deliver considered creative solutions to building design challenges and is always willing to challenge the default.

Kent is a registered New Zealand Architect who has spent a majority of his 26-year career in construction focused roles – Project Architect, Project Management and Design Management – within main contractor and subcontractor businesses. Kent prefers working on the technical and management aspect of construction and employs his sympathetic architectural point of view when necessary.

Kent collaborates regularly with consultants, main contractors and clients which requires a deep appreciation of the construction project from each of these stakeholder’s point of view. He is a key strategic and national leader at The Thermosash Group – including Thermosash Commercial, Woods Glass, Insite Facades and Stile Aluminium – a team of 650 people.

Kent is passionate about bringing all elements of a construction project together and creating a critical path to success. He is also passionate about working with the different disciplines within The Thermosash Group to ensure that the regional businesses and international export business work together to deliver the best outcomes possible.

For over 35 years, Marc Zobec PhD FIE Aust CPEng EngExec has worked in the façade contracting industry, notably for the Permasteelisa Group based in the group headquarters in Italy, having held the position of Group Technical Director. His responsibilities extended across multiple operational areas including design, engineering, technical support and training, innovation, procurement, production, site installation and QESH management. A Chartered professional engineer with bachelor and master’s degrees in civil, structural and building engineering and a PhD in Blast Enhanced Facades; he has published 35 technical peer reviewed publications, holds various building patents and been involved in the delivery of over 100 iconic façade projects. Currently Marc works as a contracting façade engineer assisting clients, architects and contractors in holistic design and delivery risk awareness, building envelope design solutions and forensic building investigation.

Marta is a Lead façade engineer with Aurecon New Zealand, based in Ōtautahi Christchurch. 

She has over 15 years’ experience in the façade industry, gained working for leading façade contactors across Italy and New Zealand, before moving to consultancy roles. 

Through her academic background in Building Engineering and Architecture, formal training on building envelope design during her early career in Italy, and years of experience in the façade manufacturing industry, Marta developed a holistic knowledge of envelope design and performance requirements. These skills combine with a strong understanding of local regulations, manufacturing and delivering processes. 

Passionate about making an impact in the industry, Marta believes that building a collaborative working relationship with stakeholders is the key to successful delivery of high-performance building envelopes.  

She enjoys collaborating closely with architects, contractors and other key partners, providing technical and engineering support, from early design stage to construction, with an ambition to promote more sustainable practices within the external envelope design. 

Paresh Dave has been a Sales and Specification Manger – Inside sales at EQUITONE since 2021.

He currently looks after architects and specifiers in New Zealand and Australia (WA, SA, QLD & TAS).

Paresh has a proven track record of 15+ years assisting architects and their projects through conducting CPD’s and product presentations. He strives to support specifiers and their projects at every stage. Actively participating in industry events is what he loves.

Rebecca Irwin is a Project Director at Jasmax, with over 25 years’ experience focused on the design of tertiary education and healthcare projects. She is an exceptionally capable architect with proven skills in design, co-ordination, management and project leadership.

Rebecca has a proven track record of leading large teams, planning complex, multi-phased projects and successfully delivering architecturally exciting structures, such as the University of Auckland’s B201 Building, recognised as one of the most sustainable developments in Aotearoa New Zealand. Other recently completed projects for the University of Auckland include the Park West (B507) building for the Schools of Population Health and Medicine, and the Faculty of Engineering / Te Herenga Mātai Pūkaha (B405) building.

Shane serves as the Head of Client Relations at Insol, where he has been instrumental in the development of testing capabilities and standards to cement the firm's reputation as the nation’s leading bespoke façade provider. His expertise in project management and client engagement shines through in his work on significant projects, notably the design, testing and construction of the Auckland Airport Transport Hub façade. His hands-on approach, passion for research and ability to problem solve helps find creative advantages in design, procurement and construction that generate quantifiable value for clients. With a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement, he is dedicated to advancing the standards of façade engineering and client relations at Insol.

Simon Hoyle is the Managing Director of Ventüer, an innovative New Zealand-based company that specializes in engineered ventilation solutions for high-performance building envelopes. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Simon has developed a deep understanding of ventilation and façade systems. He leads Ventüer in designing, engineering, and delivering products that optimize building performance and longevity. His commitment to quality and precision underpins the company's collaborative approach, working closely with architects, engineers, and contractors to integrate their products into complex architectural designs.

Simon's leadership at Ventüer is defined by a focus on engineering excellence and a dedication to pushing industry standards. He has been involved in several iconic projects, including Burwood Hospital, Metro Sports, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, and the new Christchurch Stadium, Te Kaha. Under his guidance, Ventüer has earned a reputation for its tailored, high-performance ventilation systems, offering expertise from early-stage design through to project completion. Simon’s hands-on involvement ensures that every project is delivered to the highest standards, meeting the unique needs of each client. His vision continues to drive Ventüer’s growth and innovation, making the company a trusted partner for New Zealand’s leading construction professionals.

Simon is an accomplished strategic leader in the development and operational management ofmulti-site property portfolios and high profile buildings. He has experience spanning manygeographies including the UK, Singapore and New Zealand, and a range of prestigious organisationswithin the Higher Education, Local Government, Education, and the Culture and Heritage sectors.

During his tenure at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland he has created Te RautakiTūāpapa, the inaugural Estate Strategy and was instrumental in the production of Te Rautaki ArongaToitū, the Sustainability Strategy and Te Taumata Tukuwaro-kore, the Net Zero Carbon Strategy.

The award winning B201 redevelopment project, opened in September 2023, achieving a 6 GreenStar Certified Design rating with the highest score awarded to any New Zealand building to date.

Simon is a Board Member of the New Zealand Green Building Council and Chair of the FMCommittee for Universities New Zealand.

Stijn has 25 years of experience in external envelopes and was involved in the design and construction of projects on 5 continents, before settling in New Zealand 15 years ago. His expertise includes building materials, façade system development, project delivery and remedial work.

Stijn has a Master Degree in Building Physics from the KU Leuven in Belgium and obtained a MBA from Tulane University (USA) and Universidad de Chile (Chile). He is passionate about complex and challenging projects, completed his Passive House Design over 10 years ago and developed and installed off-site modular façade panels such as the ones on the Auckland City Mission. He believes that the early design drives project excellence and by embracing new technology, we can improve quality, performance and budgets. He believes that in the future, façade engineering will include active systems to control comfort, health and energy in our living and working spaces.  

Since joining Babbage, he has focused on training his team in the art of façade design and combining the requirements of one of the most multi-faceted engineering disciplines in construction.

Tom leads the Sydney studio of Eckersley O’Callaghan (EOC) having previously worked as part of their London facades team. With a background in architecture and environmental design Tom embodies the integrated design and environmental performance central to EOCs engineering philosophy. Tom has experience delivering technically challenging designs for a wide range of complex projects.

Originally established to manage the Atlassian Central project EOC Sydney provides the same 50-50 split of facades and structures with a focus on design excellence, architectural collaboration, and environmental efficiency. Now with a wide range of projects in NSW, Qld, Vic and WA, Tom manages an Australian team while leveraging the global expertise of the EOC group.

Vajini is a uniquely talented designer and communicator. She is passionate about the transformative power of architecture to transform cities and societies.

“Buildings must give back to our planet and our communities beyond functionality or beauty. It takes a brilliant vision and tenacity to create architecture that is socially and environmentally sustainable as well as beautiful and functional. I like to work collaboratively, drawing on the diverse skills and perspectives of a strong team. Design iterations should grow around a central idea or narrative that anchors all decisions and remains legible in the final building. I love solving problems from an urban design scale through to architecture and the finer more tactile details that are experienced by everyone.”

What sets Vajini apart is her unique ability to recognise and appreciate skills in others. As a moderator of voices, she skillfully extracts a brief and draws on diverse talents to create harmonious, innovative design responses. When presenting to clients, her passion and confidence is palpable, inspiring excitement and assurance in both the process and the outcome.