Nspire Design

Meet the team:

Nspire consists of a friendly and relaxed team of professionals and their pot-plants. We each have our own professional interests, including high-end designs, interior design, and sustainability. You'll often find us out testing new foods or getting coffee.

Our Team:

• Darryl Lin, Director – BBSc

After working for another small Wellington firm, Darryl loved the work so much that he founded Nspire in 2008. After a stint working solo, he started to grow the company into what it is today. He's a father of two kids and can often be found on a basketball court after work (and occasionally at a makeshift court in the office). He's also keen on badminton and motorsports. Darryl's passions and expertise lie in residential architecture, with an added interest in furniture design. His designs often feature a harmonious juxtaposition between the traditional elements of a home and contemporary design and methods of construction.

• Anthony Liuvaie, Architectural Graduate – NDip Arch, BAS, MArch (Prof)

Anthony completed his Masters in Architecture (Professional) in 2018, where his thesis explored sustainable and cyclone resistant architecture in the pacific. He has been with Nspire Architecture since 2017, where he has worked on different range of projects from Extensions, high end residential, Town Houses & Apartment Developments. Outside of work, he enjoys Raglan Roast Coffees, Wellington local craft beers, cooking, and playing rugby among other sports.

• Thanh Tran, Architectural Technician, Homestar Practitioner – BBSC

Thanh has a BBSc from 2018. He is interested in food, gaming, getting gains, and being a landlord. He is a minimalist and prefers small, skux houses. No frills, except Ray Bans and Johnny Depp sponsored fragrances. He needs a pet cat or hamster.

• Jerard Bailie, Architectural Technician – NDAT

After graduating with his Diploma in Architectural Technologies back in 2011 Jerard has worked on an extensive range of projects in Residential, Commercial, Industrial and Educational. His experience has led to a well-rounded knowledge of documentation and building code as well as technical expertise in BIM and various CAD softwares. Outside of work he’s an avid gamer and tech enthusiast, enjoys time outdoors, and on occasion he’s out wakeboarding.

• Mei Shum, Architectural Graduate – BAS, MArch (Prof)

Mei has recently finished her Masters in Architecture (Professional) where she wrote her thesis on how architecture could utilise science fiction to create safer, community-focused vessels in outer space. Back on Earth, she has a particular interest in small housing. When she’s not at work she’s usually writing, playing games, or out getting coffee.

• Mariana Restrepo Sierra, Architectural Graduate / BAS

Mariana is a postgraduate student currently completing her Masters in Interior Architecture. Her thesis explores the role of the interior architect in expressing marginalized communities in the heart of the city. Her thesis is based in Colombia, South America as this is where she was born. She has a particular interest in high density housing as well as commercial and retail spaces. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, exercising and spending quality time with friends and family.

• Taylor Greer, Architectural Graduate / BAS

Taylor currently studies her Masters of Interior Architecture, where her thesis is positioned to challenge our design environment to arrive at new solutions regarding how we use, interpret and experience interior space, and incorporate meaningful narrative into design outcomes. Her thesis addresses design objectives and aims related to the development of sensory and emotive experience, and narrative depth of interior space. Taylor enjoys playing the drums for various R&B, Jazz & Pop bands, at festivals and shows around New Zealand.

• Helen Schofield, Architectural Designer, Homestar Practitioner & Assessor / BBSC, PGDIPBSC, GDDE (ARCH)

Helen is a recent 2020 addition to Nspire. She has post-graduate qualifications in both architecture and building science. She is passionate about well-designed buildings, which thoroughly consider their context and environment. Prior to Nspire, she worked as a designer, at a high-end, residential practice in the Wairarapa, where she has spent the last 4 years. When she’s not working (or commuting), you’ll find in her gumboots with her horses or planning her next bucket list item. Skydiving and canyoning were ticked off before the pandemic arrived!