Director
BAS, M.Arch Prof (Hons) University of Auckland
NZRAB Registered Architect
Design 2 LBP

Growing up in the rural Bay of Islands, Han developed a strong passion for sketching and design at a very young age which propelled him through his education and into a full career in Architecture. After graduating from the University of Auckland with a Master of Architectural studies degree in 2015, he gained valuable experience working in various practices across the field and led an architectural design team of 12 as a co-director before forming Shape in 2021.

As a Design LBP and registered Architect under the NZRAB, Han has successfully completed a portfolio of over 300+ residential projects ranging from luxury town-house developments to private villas and large lifestyle homes. Residential Architecture has always remained Han’s professional focus and passion, as every project is a chance to design a building with its own narrative and story, bespoke to each individual client.

Outside the studio, Han also runs several development projects in East Auckland and is a regular guest speaker at the University of Auckland’s School of Architecture. A weekend game of basketball is a must, and a minimum of two rounds of golf a week helps to balance out the architectural madness

Architectural Designer
BAS, M.Arch Prof (Hons) University of Auckland
NZGBC Homestar Practitioner

Jim is passionate about exploring the relationship between architectural space and nature, redefining the term “space” through the manipulation of architectural elements with consideration to materials, textures, lighting, and form, to shape unique experiences bespoke to each project. Jim’s passion for painting and crafting gifts him with a very natural attention to detail and eye for composition which continues to form the foundation for his design application.

Graduating with a Master of Architecture (Prof) degree at the University of Auckland, Jim acquired work experience across multiple architectural practices with projects including multi-unit developments and small apartment complexes. Coming from a construction background, Jim is actively engaged in the building process and has developed substantial knowledge and expertise in the field.

Jim is a dedicated Barista coffee and snowboarding enthusiast.

Graduate Architectural Designer
BAS, M.Arch Prof University of Auckland (ongoing)

Anson is currently completing her Master of Architecture degree at the University of Auckland and is one of the newest additions to the team at Shape. She is an extremely fast-learner and adaptable member of the team.

In her tertiary involvement, Anson’s elective group was hand-picked by Heart of the City to construct and exhibit their art installation, "The Supermarket of Choices," to the public as part of the Auckland city’s Art Week event last year. Her passion and sensitivity towards fine arts intertwined with architecture is a powerful tool in her skillset.

She is a dog lover, and on a nice day can be found walking Chilli, her German Shepherd puppy. She loves Harry Styles as much as Han does (and that’s a lot).

Architectural Graduate
BAS, M.Arch Prof (Hons) University of Auckland

Born and raised in Auckland, Kristy has recently completed her Master of Architecture degree at the University of Auckland. Having had a strong proclivity towards creative subjects, her interests developed in design and architecture, leading to her pursuing a degree in the field.

Interested in the ways architecture can be conveyed, Kristy takes particular interest in model making and film. She spent her thesis year exploring architecture through moving image, drawing inspiration for films such as Budapest Hotel and Rear Window.

In her spare time she enjoys watching movies and reading.

Senior Design Lead
BAS, M.Arch Prof (Hons) University of Auckland

Eric grew up in Christchurch and attended Riccarton High School before moving to Auckland to pursue a degree in architecture. Since graduating with a master’s degree from the University of Auckland, he has worked alongside Han and completed a large number of projects over the past 5 years, developing a strong collaborative design process together. Eric has led many subdivision projects, predominantly in the north shore, which has culminated in a number of design awards.

Taking on a senior role at Shape, he brings a detailed approach to the design process and seeks to create thoughtful, well considered spaces that enhance the experience of its occupants. His characteristic sense of style and rationale in developing projects of differing typologies from start to finish honed over the years has landed him a network of clients who trust him to successfully deliver great outcomes.

Outside of work, Eric’s enjoys getting out into nature to go hiking.

Architectural Designer
BAS, M.Arch Prof (Hons) University of Auckland

As part of her architectural program at the University of Auckland, Sandra studied abroad at Lund University in Sweden and participated in study trips to various European countries where she widened her knowledge and exposure to a multitude of international design theories and practices. This valuable experience broadened her outlook and established a greater appreciation for European culture and architectural history, especially considering the nature of New Zealand as a young country. At the base of her European travels, Scandinavian and Swedish design principles were a particular influence which she now takes to be applied to the local context.

Since graduation, Sandra has helped to deliver numerous retail, hospitality, and education projects throughout Auckland including early childcare centres, shop fit-outs and restaurants. With a hands-on knowledge of interior design and commercial fit-out, she joins Shape to further her experience in the residential field. As a conscientious and adaptable designer, she appreciates thoughtfully crafted design, guided by an interest in the interaction between inhabitants and their setting.

Sandra has a keen interest in baking & cooking, tending to houseplants, reading, piano, and enjoys playing a game or two of badminton with friends.

Architectural Designer
BAS, M.Arch Prof (Hons) University of Auckland

From a young age, Mio developed a love for art, where she explored various mediums and developed her skill in sketching and free hand drawing. Her passion for art led her down the path of seeking beauty in the built environment, where she discovered classical architecture and beautiful buildings from a bygone era. Mio enjoys sketching the intricate and fantastical details from Art Nouveau architecture, most notably the creations of Antoni Gaudi.

Before joining Shape, Mio had formed a solid foundation in architecture, working on a large number of small-scale residential projects across Auckland. At Shape, Mio continues to refine her skills, incorporating her love for art and detailing into the design process. She continuous to strive to create functional yet aesthetically pleasing designs, and loves a good challenge that comes along the way.

Outside the office, Mio enjoys exploring different food and cuisines. She keeps an visual journal where she documents the urban landscape of Auckland city via hand sketching.

Office Mascot

To be completely honest, Blue doesn’t really do anything. But we do love her