Our Team
Together – that’s how we choose to work.
Together with our clients, teammates and the craftspeople, tradespeople and experts who are part of the wider built environment ecosystem.
When you work with Co-Studio you are guaranteed experience that is both deep and wide, that has produced quality and results, and is driven by integrity, quality and humanist values. That talent, skill and experience – and our connection forged from years in the industry – are at your disposal.
A team of BIM managers, technicians, consultants, and business service professionals support our leadership group. Together, we are a bunch of creative, curious, and friendly people committed to evolving the practice of architecture.
We pride ourselves on fostering a culture of lifelong learning, accountability, innovation, collaboration and diversity.
Directors
Dennis Chippindale
Principal | Director
Registered Architect
Dennis’ approach to architecture reflects a desire to minimise impact by designing buildings that ‘touch the earth lightly’. Above all, he believes strongly in upholding social responsibility and stewardship in all business decisions.
Dennis is well-respected in the industry for this approach, and his years of practical expertise. This has led to him acting as an expert witness and he is also an assessor with the New Zealand Registered Architects Board.
Understanding that valued, empowered people create better results, Dennis employs conscious leadership, and offers hands-on mentorship and inspiration to the wider co-studio team.
In counterpoint to the complexity of architectural design you will often find Dennis indulging in the simple pleasures of watercolour painting, sketching, and baking bread (a hobby the co-studio team endorses whole-heartedly!)
Executives
Ian Maclean
Associate Principal | Executive
Registered Architect
Ian is one of Co-Studio’s founding members and offers Co-Studio clients the benefit of his 35+ years’ experience in design and construction. A Registered Architect and Associate Principal, he has worked in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
As a key member of our Executive team, he supports the wider company with his advanced skills in project leadership, technical resolution, and quality assurance.
An exceptional problem solver, Ian has accrued a wealth of valuable and practical knowledge, achieved during exposure to a variety of projects, from bespoke residential housing to larger commercial and education projects.
Away from work you’ll find Ian spending time with his family, enjoying a bike ride, and tending to his lifestyle property.
Nikki Thebault
Associate Principal | Executive
As an Associate Principal and key member of the co-studio Executive team, Nikki has led many of our large-scale projects. These have included Hagley Community College (Christchurch) and the Dunedin Law Courts, projects which enable Nikki to co-design not only with clients, but also the communities using these spaces.
During her 20+year career in New Zealand and overseas, Nikki has developed a passion for the architecture of eclecticism. She is particularly intrigued by how parts of new and old buildings relate to each other, and what these layers reveal and mean to a building’s users.
Nikki’s downtime is spent with her two sons and her husband, who together run a family business and quintessential French bakery, Le Panier Boulangerie. (More bread. Yum!)
Michelle Leonard
Operations Manager | Executive
As our Operations and Practice Manager Michelle offers the perfect blend of business acumen and creative design sensibilities to reinforce co-studio's collaborative approach.
Michelle's two decades journey began in large architectural firms, specialising in BIM technology and process. She ran a successful design and build company in Auckland with her husband for over ten years, during which time Michelle poured her creativity into design while also managing day-to-day business affairs.
This involved striking a balance between artistic vision and the practical aspects of operations, showcasing a smooth integration of design and operational expertise. This experience helps foster innovative ways to enhance co-studio's unique way of working.
Michelle embodies our values of social responsibility and equity which, combined with her friendly, approachable attitude, contribute to co-studio's thriving and compassionate workplace.
Off the clock, you'll find Michelle exploring mountain trails with her husband, two sons, and their energetic pup, Barney, or mixing up delicious cocktails during quality time with friends.
Team
