Working closely with specialist and multidisciplinary engineering firms, housing developers, property agents, and architectural practices, we find talented, highly-skilled individuals to fill permanent and temporary positions. We have the contacts, experience and resources to help you get to your goals faster.

We’re a passionate team equipped with the skills and support needed to be able to work in a way that suits you best. It’s just one of the reasons why we stand out from the crowd.

Today the priority for employers is to find the right match both in terms of skill set and cultural fit in order to make the correct hire rather than rush the recruitment process.

Despite real estate recruitment activity being on the up, the interview and assessment processes adopted by real estate companies are not easing up. In reality, employers both large and small are putting potential employees through their paces.

Within the smaller property companies, we have certainly seen the number of interview stages rise and an increase in the adoption of competency based interviews. For larger companies, it is much more common place to expect skills based testing or an assessment centre. In some instances, we see employers inviting prospective employees to a full day of assessment on-site as part of their hiring process.

If you are a real estate professional looking to seek a new career move, it is worth:

1) Preparing for competency interview formats2) Brushing up on your presentation skills3) Asking your consultant about the format of any assessment days so you are clear on what to expect on the day4) Be prepared to be tested – particularly if your role involves modelling skills 5) Make sure you have researched the company fully and demonstrate this during the interview

6) Ensuring you know the answer to “why do you want to work for the company?”

Job hunting can be full of uncertainty. But with us, you can be sure that we’ll do everything we can to get you to your ideal job. Send your CV to us to get started or search for the latest job vacancies and we’ll get the ball rolling.

Cities of the future may well be home to many pop up workplaces, offering a way of tackling the challenges of overcrowding and population growth. There will be an increase in the amount of people working in an increasingly diverse job climate, so offices must reflect that. 

The opportunity to create adaptable and flexible buildings has arisen due to emerging technologies, such as click-raft. This is an advanced building system that award-winning, Wellington based architect, Chris Moller has spent a decade developing. This new building system optimises the benefits of CNC technology, a fabrication delivery system that has overtaken traditional building methods. Although the adoption of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) has been slow within the construction industry, the rise of pop-up offices shows how far the technology has come. Essentially, click-raft uses a prefabricated structure that ‘clicks’ together with a plywood framework, comprising of roofs, floors and walls. So, there’s no need for fasteners and nails, ensuring for a more efficient building journey.

With the greater need for efficiency and productivity, modular designs allow companies to easily accommodate employees, according to the changing needs of the team and the specific projects. Also, pop up offices allow businesses to connect their employees to the outside world and with natural light. According to a survey conducted by UK-based YouGov Omnibus, 30% feel they are more productive when working remotely. In addition, there is research to suggest that being surrounded by nature can help improve people’s work ethic. A Human Spaces Global Report found that workplaces that integrate natural elements are 6% more productive. So, a flexible and more natural work environment has the potential to ensure a better work flow and promote collaborative thinking.

A notable pop up office is London’s TREExOFFICE, a transparent-like dome structure located in Hoxton Square. It’s a temporary office space wrapped around a tree, anchored to the ground by stilts, and it’s made from timber and compressed paper. CNC cut materials were used to create the project, which was designed by Tate Harmer, a London architectural studio. Also, in 2016 the Outbox office in Maryland, US was unveiled and it has reopened this year for the summer. It’s free and open to the public, designed with the intention of ensuring that people can foster their creativity in an outdoor environment. It was created by architects at the Montgomery College.

Pop-up work spaces are popping up all over the globe. It’s a cost-effective alternative to a traditional office. Pop-up offices are the answer to the growing movement to working outdoors, in the landscape of the city. New Zealand can expect to see an upsurge in pop up offices in the future, as designers and architects are rethinking workspace design, to find new ways to enjoy sustainable, flexible working environments.

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We’re here if you need help defining a role or brief, specialist insight to help shape your ideas or expert help with your recruitment process. Just get in touch to arrange a conversation with one of the team or if you’re ready for us to find the perfect person for you, send us your brief.

If you’re looking for your ideal job send your CV to us to get started or search for the latest job vacancies and we’ll get the ball rolling.

 Image sources:

Image 2: http://architecturenow.co.nz/articles/cnc-the-new-approach-to-building/

Image 3: https://www.groundwork.org.uk/Sites/london/pages/tree-office/

“I think I’ve already exhausted the market and applied to all possible jobs available but still, I am not getting a call for an interview.”

Does this scenario appear familiar to you?

Is there something wrong with my application?
This is a common question that candidates ask themselves when they don’t receive requests for a job interview. It can be a very frustrating experience but as a serious jobseeker, you need to look at it as an opportunity to assess your approach in the market and be ready to take a bold step in your strategy to increase your chances of being shortlisted.

1. Have you properly completed your online application?
Nowadays, numerous companies request applicants to submit their application online and therefore it’s important that you complete it accurately. If the information requested is not at hand, do not submit your application until it is.

2. Have you updated your online application?
If you have recently changed your number, email address or changed jobs, you need to update your application. Even if you are not actively looking for work, it is important that your details are updated in order for potential employers to be able to reach you and discuss potential opportunities. You never know if they might just have the job you’ve been waiting for.

However, if you don’t want to receive phone calls because you’ve just moved to a new job or you’re happy where you are, most job portals allow you to hide your phone number or activate the option “keep information confidential” on the settings of your online application.

3. Have you reviewed the job details of the role advertised before submitting your application?
Your profile needs to be marketed and branded properly. Only submit your CV against roles which are relevant to your background. Refrain from sending your application to all advertised roles as this will damage your image in the market. Read the job description carefully and identify the underlying requirements of the role to ensure it’s the right fit for you. Where possible, research the company and check the profile of some of the individuals from that company to verify if it’s an organisation which you want to be part of.

4. Have you highlighted your skills and experience against the requirements of the advertised job?
You have gone through the job details and feel confident that you’re the candidate who the employer is searching for. The advertised job perfectly matches your experience and qualifications. If this is the case, it’s a positive sign. However, unless you highlight in your profile and articulate your claims to the position prior to submitting your CV, you may jeopardize your chances of getting shortlisted. Try not to have a single CV which you use for all your job applications. Customise it and make sure you emphasise on each application – depending on the role – certain information such as your responsibilities, achievements, projects you’ve been involved in and other details which are relevant and important to the role.

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Job hunting can be full of uncertainty. But with us, you can be sure that we’ll do everything we can to get you to your ideal job. Send your CV to us to get started or search for the latest job vacancies and we’ll get the ball rolling.

The space age is entering a new phase and in the future, booking a ticket on board a rocket headed into outer space may not just be for the mega rich. All around the world, in places like Japan and Russia, space agencies are working on pioneering ways to explore deep space. NASA is currently developing the Orion Spacecraft, which is designed to carry humans deeper into space than ever before. New Zealand is also preparing for take-off and could soon become a major player in spaceflight. Here we outline the ways New Zealand is participating in the global space economy.

NZ Space agency
New Zealand’s new space agency was formed in 2016, aiming to oversee and stimulate New Zealand’s participation in space exploration. The agency is part of the Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE). This means New Zealand will likely play a more active role in the space economy, particularly since they are now a part of the United Nations Convention on Registration of objects launched into space. With the development of a space agency, exciting opportunities have been created for economic growth in New Zealand and the pursuit of new technologies. Also, it presents more opportunities for employment as essentially a new industry is being introduced to New Zealand.

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Orbital launch site
New Zealand is making huge contributions to the future of space tourism and travel. In 2016, the world’s first privately owned orbital launch site, Launch Complex 1, was opened on a remote peninsula. It was completed by Los-Angeles based spaceflight company Rocket Lab. However, the construction of the site was completed with the help of local contractors in from Wairoa. The remote location is ideal as it provides clear skies and convenient launch angles. In comparison, US skies would be too crowded as ships and planes would need re-routing whenever a rocket is launched.

This new launch site is a new milestone for New Zealand, as the country emerges as a space leader and a hub for rocket launching. Rocket Lab aims to launch four or five rockets per month and enable more affordable space travel.

The orbital launch site has contributed to the increasing opportunities for construction workers right now in New Zealand. There has been a strong growth in construction jobs in recent years and combined with entering the space age, this country could see the construction industry grow to exceptional heights.

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Regulatory regime
Even on the legislative side of things, New Zealand is making huge strides to ensure the security and efficiency of space exploration. A new regulatory regime for space and high altitude activities has been put in place. The regime will enable secure, safe and responsible space launches from New Zealand. Also, the regime includes the creation of a new law called the Outer Space and High Altitude Bill. This governs all space launches so there is complete control over all high-altitude activities that originate from New Zealand. In addition, there will be penalties for launching a space object without permission. This new bill is set to be reviewed in two years to ensure the legislation is meeting its objectives.

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The future of spaceflight offers exciting possibilities, presenting lots of opportunities for employment also. Although space travel has been realised by national agencies, private companies are surging forward in the space race too. It’s exciting to see that New Zealand is one of the many nations shaping the global space economy, with a strong emphasis on being an industry leader in commercial space tourism.

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We’re here if you need help defining a role or brief, specialist insight to help shape your ideas or expert help with your recruitment process. Just get in touch to arrange a conversation with one of the team or if you’re ready for us to find the perfect person for you, send us your brief.

If you’re looking for your ideal job send your CV to us to get started or search for the latest job vacancies and we’ll get the ball rolling.

Few materials in the world have the same environmental benefits as wood. As climate change becomes an increasingly hot topic, wood is undergoing a quiet resurgence in the construction industry. Man-made materials leave a massive carbon footprint whereas wood uses significantly less energy. It’s versatile, renewable and could become a key resource in the future.     

Building with wood has many advantages. It can be formed into various shapes, it’s renewable and energy efficient. 75% of the energy used in the manufacturing of wood products comes from recovered wood or wood residues. This is minimal compared to producing other building materials, such as concrete and steel, which consume 12% and 20% more energy than wood respectively.

A study found that when wood replaces other materials in buildings, there is an estimated substitution of 1.6 tonnes carbon dioxide per cubic metre of wood material. So, wood can cut down on carbon dioxide while providing some of the same functionality as steel and concrete.

To achieve carbon neutrality, a wider use of renewable resources is essential. One of the great benefits of wood is that it has multiple ‘lives’. Trees and wood-based products absorb carbon through photosynthesis and release oxygen into the air. At the end of its first life, wood can be recycled, reused and used as a carbon-neutral source of energy. For example, doors and timber materials can be reused as can pallets and packaging.

Once the wood can no longer be reused or recovered, it can still generate energy through incineration. The natural lifecycle of wood enriches the environment and helps to mitigate the greenhouse effect. Roughly around a tonne of carbon is stored in every metre cubed of timber. In fact, if we built 200,000 new houses from timber, the material would store 4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. Using more wood in construction projects can remove carbon from the atmosphere.

Also, wooden interiors in the home have positive health and well-being effects. A study by non-profit organisation, Make it Wood found that being ‘surrounded by wood at home, work or school has positive benefits on the body…’ – including lowering stress, reducing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure. Wood products within a room have been shown to improve air quality, by moderating humidity.

New technologies have made the wood-building process easier. Cross Laminated Timber (TLC) is one of the most promising wood panelling products. It’s made from gluing industrial dried-lumber together at right angles. It was developed in the 1990s, but it was only in the 2000s when CLT became more widely used. British architect Michael Green, a dedicated supporter of utilising wood, completed a 6 storey CLT building in Prince George, British Columbia. Prefabricated wood has an array of benefits for the construction industry. It can be assembled in 30% less time, which saves money for building owners and contractors.

One of the main arguments against wood, however, is that the material may pose a fire risk. But wood is not nearly as flammable as you may imagine, especially when it’s prefabricated. CLT is made to be highly durable, long-lasting and fire resistant. Some critics have pointed out that wood is only sustainable when it’s harvested. Its important primal forests are preserved for the future and more trees get planted to help the climate.  

When it comes to construction, wood has become a top material for green builders. For a sustainable future, more wood needs to be used in structural innovations. If managed properly, wood could pave the way for more widespread environmentally-conscious building practices.

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We’re here if you need help defining a role or brief, specialist insight to help shape your ideas or expert help with your recruitment process. Just get in touch to arrange a conversation with one of the team or if you’re ready for us to find the perfect person for you, send us your brief.

If you’re looking for your ideal job send your CV to us to get started or search for the latest job vacancies and we’ll get the ball rolling.

Sarah Hewlett Diprose is an Architect at Warren and Mahoney, a multi-disciplinary architectural and design practice. Having been with the practice for over 15 years, Sarah holds the senior position of Associate and has been involved in numerous award-winning educational and commercial projects throughout New Zealand’s north island.

 1. How did your career in Architecture come about?

I was a painting/art history student torn between going to Elam or Architecture School. Frustrated at the subjective nature of art and lack of appealing career options, I chose architecture. The creativity, scale, depth of engagement and technical component enticed me. I love the collaborative design process required, working with clients and consultants to deliver the very best solution possible within the time, cost and quality parameters that inform all projects.

  2. What influences your signature design style?

I am a firm believer that Architecture should respond to its specific context, in particular the nuances of the site. The solution for a secondary school in an urban environment will be quite different for a secondary school in a rural setting. Similarly, the building itself should look different on all sides as it responds to the sites variances, optimising positive attributes of the site; daylight, prevailing breezes and topography. Working within a wider school campus also requires respect for the scale, materiality and physical position of the surrounding buildings. I’m also particularly interested where modern learning is taking us. For example, the move from formal to informal learning environments offers opportunities for a variety of collaborative spaces recognising learning is no longer a linear process but about engagement and integration.   

 3. Who inspires you?

Those who continuously strive to raise the bar, to exceed expectations. Kunle Adeyemi’s design of a floating school in the historic water-based community of Makoko, Nigeria, inspires through its ability to address contextual physical and social needs in view of the growing challenges of climate change. Providing local children access to the opportunity for education. In addition to using local materials and skills, it is designed to use renewable energy, to recycle waste and harvest rainwater. Clients from the education sector inspire in their pursuit of excellence. There is a sense of responsibility to provide the opportunities and challenges to ensure each and every student reaches their full potential.   

 4. What is it about Education and Commercial projects that made you decide to specialise in those fields?

Educational projects are incredibly rewarding. There is a real joy in working with schools who are committed to creating quality learning environments that enrich a student’s education, better still when they view the building itself as a tool for learning. Typically educational projects are many years in the making and it is a privilege to be part of the journey.

 5. How do you promote sustainability in your buildings?

Sustainability should be integral to all design solutions. I am continually looking to provide sustainable solutions on projects, be it through building orientation, durable materials, water conservation, renewable/low energy systems or structural solutions that provide for greater future flexibility. I believe we have a responsibility to “touch the earth lightly”. I instinctively find myself inspired by nature and seek to have a clear strategy for minimizing environmental impact.  

 6. The market can be very competitive for Architectural Graduates entering the job market, what advice would you offer them?

In the NZ context, learn Revit and if you think you’ve mastered it, learn some more. That said, we should never lose sight that CAD systems such as Revit are simply a communication tool. Without a sound knowledge of how buildings go together, Revit skills will only get you so far.

 7. With the Auckland market being so buoyant, what career advice could you give to Architectural Graduates still developing their career?

The risk is becoming complacent, thinking that there are a lot of jobs and always will be. Now is the time to make your mark and stand out from your peers. A focused work ethic applies as much today as it ever has.

 8. What is your ultimate goal when it comes to your work? What do you want to be remembered for?

Creating beautiful timeless architecture, with a strong sense of place that exceeds client expectations.

We’re here if you need help defining a role or brief, specialist insight to help shape your ideas or expert help with your recruitment process. Just get in touch to arrange a conversation with one of the team or if you’re ready for us to find the perfect person for you, send us your brief.

If you’re looking for your ideal job send your CV to us to get started or search for the latest job vacancies and we’ll get the ball rolling.

Auckland Port is potentially on the verge of being relocated and reclamation plans have been drawn up to move the ports to a new home, in the Manukau Harbour or the Firth of Thames. While the port has played a tremendous role in the development of Auckland, today the current site has become increasingly polluted and constricted, making it unsuitable for long term operation. There have been ongoing discussions to revitalise the area, once the move is complete. There’s no doubt Auckland can benefit from a new area, provided we repurpose the port for alternative uses, that are viable for the long-term.  

 As expected, the relocation plans have attracted both critics and supporters. The plans have been criticised for the cost of moving, which has been predicted to be between $4 billion to $5.5 billion. This number could be even higher depending on how much connecting infrastructure needs to be built. In spite of the controversy, plans and discussions appear to be moving forward, so we need to think strategically about the future. If we are to revitalise the area, we need to ensure it fits in with the rapidly expanding city, and that it’s socially, environmentally and economically viable.

What’s clear is that relocating the ports of Auckland presents a great opportunity for Auckland to provide growth for the city. Whether the land is used for housing, offices, retail or public spaces, there are range of ways that Auckland could redevelop the site that would benefit the city long-term. One idea that was put forward earlier this year is to create an underground waterfront stadium. Dubbed the “The Crater”, the idea was conjured up by Auckland designer, Phil O’Reilly. The stadium would sit on the waterfront but would be sunk underground to avoid being a visual barrier. If it were to be built, the concept would be a world first and it would set Auckland apart as a unique and innovative city. Any traditional structure would have to be truly exceptional to compete with other structures around the world.

It only takes a glance at Sydney’s Bangaroo Reserve, to see how we could redefine the waterfront in Auckland CBD. Bangaroo is a new harbourside renewal project, that is expected to be a lasting legacy of the 21st century, when it’s finally completed. It will have a 2km waterfront walkway, plazas, parks and homes, as well as cafes and restaurants. Also, it’s estimated that the Bangaroo reserve will contribute an estimated $2 billion every year to the economy. So, if Auckland were to build their own harbourside project, there could be some serious net benefit for the economy, and the country would eventually earn back the money spent on moving the ports.

For now, the current Auckland Port is being improved to make sure it stays in good condition. In the short-term, there are plans to expand the foreground of the Bledisloe Wharf at the Auckland harbour, increasing its capacity to make more space for large ships and general cargo.

To ensure we make the right decisions for the future of Auckland’s waterfront, we need to investigate all the options and carefully work through any economic and environmental issues. If we replace the ports with a city-defining waterfront, just imagine the great social and cultural impact for both current and future generations living in Auckland.

Article written by Andrew Stevenson, Civil & Infrastructure consultant. 

We’re here if you need help defining a role or brief, specialist insight to help shape your ideas or expert help with your recruitment process. Just get in touch to arrange a conversation with one of the team or if you’re ready for us to find the perfect person for you, send us your brief.

If you’re looking for your ideal job send your CV to us to get started or search for the latest job vacancies and we’ll get the ball rolling.

New Zealand already has excellent renewable energy credentials but still wants to set its sights higher – a vision endorsed by Prime Minister Ardern.

Taking advantage of its ‘geographical luck’ in the words of one commentator, New Zealand already produces 80% of its electricity from renewable resources; hydro, geothermal and land-based wind power. Auckland, Wellington and Kapiti have been listed as some of the world’s most ‘renewable’ cities or urban areas – cities where a high proportion of their electricity comes from renewable energy sources.

National ambition for a future with renewable energy

Now the government has set an ambitious target of 2035 for an electricity grid which is 100% powered by renewables – just one of the issues in its new Zero Carbon Bill.  Also working towards an ambitious vison, the National Energy Research Institute (NERI) launched its Energy Research Strategy for New Zealand, shortly after Ardern’s election in Oct.

The strategy aims to ensure that the country has ‘a secure, resilient, energy supply that meets environmental demands’ without needing ‘a safety net’ of traditional fuels or imported technology.  This means looking at areas that don’t currently use renewable resources. One key area of focus is transport.  

Light vehicle transport – renewable potential

With a lower than average distance for a typical commute, New Zealand is well placed to look at a rapid transfer to electric vehicles for day-to-day travel. New Zealand also has expertise in inductive power transfer and rapid charging that could be used at home or earn export revenue.

Air and marine transport – renewable research goals

Such transport is vital to New Zealand’s tourism industry and food trade. The strategy suggests more research into biofuels and biomass feedstocks. An initiative taking place at the Robinson Research Institute at Victoria University is collaborating with international partners to work on long-range hybrid-electric aircraft. The work needs to achieve step changes in power/weight ratio, which may involve superconductor technology.

Accessible research

The NERI strategy also includes setting up a searchable database of New Zealand research initiatives. This is one of the ways the vision and tools can be shared to create an even greater renewable future for New Zealand.

The strategy and vision for New Zealand’s sustainable future certainly seems to have national backing. It also appears to have a wide-ranging view looking at both easier to achieve objectives and longer-term goals. For these it needs to draw on a range of engineering expertise and creative ideas to meet New Zealand’s own particular energy needs. 

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We’re here if you need help defining a role or brief, specialist insight to help shape your ideas or expert help with your recruitment process. Just get in touch to arrange a conversation with one of the team or if you’re ready for us to find the perfect person for you, send us your brief.

If you’re looking for your ideal job send your CV to us to get started or search for the latest job vacancies and we’ll get the ball rolling.

With the last glimpses of winter behind us, it’s understandable if you’re starting to look towards the summer months with excitement! For many of us professionally, planning is already starting for 2020 so it’s the perfect time to get started if you’re considering making the next step in your career.

To ease you into the process, we’ve come up with 4 top tips to getting the role you want by 2020:

1. Get started now – If you have your sights set on taking the next step in your career by the New Year, the number one tip is to get started and take action now.

2. Get clear about what your want and need. Take the time to think through what’s important to you and what you’re really looking for in terms of your work, environment, location, benefits, team and organisation. This will make decision-making and communication so much easier during the process and will save you wasting time on opportunities that aren’t right for you. If you’re considering a career change, connect with professionals already in that line of work and talk through the options available to you.

3. Update your personal brand – Update your CV with your achievements, skills and experience, reach out for testimonials and ensure your social media profiles are all consistent. Ideally get some confidential feedback on this to maximise your chances of being selected for an interview.

4. Be focused. Ideally find one trusted specialist recruitment partner you can rely on to help with the process and look to build a strong, long-term relationship with them. The recruitment process can be exhausting, so be selective about who you invest your time and energy in

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Job hunting can be full of uncertainty. But with us, you can be sure that we’ll do everything we can to get you to your ideal job. Send your CV to us to get started or search for the latest job vacancies and we’ll get the ball rolling.