People

James Blackburne

Company Director

• Bachelor of Architecture
• Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Architects (FNZIA)
• Registered Architect

James is proud and passionate about practicing architecture in his tūrangawaewae – Tairāwhiti.

Having been a practicing architect since 1995, James has developed a unique set of skills and experience relating to the design and project management of technically challenging projects on remote sites. He has a proven strength in leadership, providing strategic oversight of entire projects and managing multiple other parties.

James is interested in heritage, commercial and education projects. James has been awarded numerous awards and in 2016 he received a National Award from the New Zealand Institute of Architects (the only one to ever be received by a Gisborne Architect).

With an interest in heritage architecture, James is currently the national president of Historic Places Aotearoa Inc. James’ interest in our heritage has been nurtured and developed through many significant restoration projects, including St Mary’s Church in Tikitiki and Toko Toru Tapu Church in Manutuke. James’ specific skills, his experience, and the esteem in which he is held have also allowed him to undertake restoration projects on numerous marae.

With an extensive track-record of numerous successful projects for the Ministry of Education, James has a proven ability to deliver stunning and functional long-lasting buildings that will serve the tamariki of Aotearoa for many generations.

James was made a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) in 2005 and was a member of the NZIA Practice Task Group, which provided NZIA members with the various contracts and practice notes used by the profession.

Daniel King

Company Director

• Bachelor of Architecture
• Associate of the New Zealand Institute of Architects
• Registered Architect

Daniel’s love of the outdoors, and particularly of the sea and of surfing, drives him to design great buildings that complement the landscape.

Bringing an international flavour to Architects 44, Daniel spent his early years in South Africa before his family relocated to New Zealand, where he attended Palmerston North Boys’ High School and then Victoria University.

Daniel joined Architects 44 in 2008 and has been a director since 2011. He is delighted to be driving an inspiring architectural practice in a superb part of the world, where he can balance his enthusiasm for design with the joys and demands of raising a young family.

An excellent relationship builder, Daniel places great importance on developing and maintaining strong relationships with staff, clients and contractors.

With a meticulous eye, Daniel takes pride in creating great architecture where no detail is overlooked.

Daniel has been key to the success of many projects that Architects 44 has executed for its clients. Recent highlights include the ongoing development of Rangiwaho Marae, a completely new facility embracing modern design but referencing historical forms, the 66 Reads Quay (Property Brokers) redevelopment, and the ongoing work on the inner harbour wharf shed buildings.

Daniel was the head convener of the 2010 Gisborne / Hawkes Bay Architecture Awards.

Rachael Spriggs

Company Director

• Bachelor of Architecture (Honours)
• Graduate Member of the New Zealand Institute of Architects

Rachael has always had a strong interest in architecture, having worked for Nicoll Architects during her final year of high school. Rachael studied architecture at Unitec in Auckland, where she graduated with First Class Honours. She was awarded the top Year Four student prize, which included a trip to Italy.

Returning home to Gisborne on completion of her study, Rachael has become a key member of our team with more than 15 years’ experience under her belt. Rachael applies her strong design and documentation skills in her leadership role and is enjoying taking on new challenges as her young family becomes more independent.

Rachael has extensive experience in the documentation and construction of projects. She is currently deeply involved with several schools, commercial clients and new home builds in the Tairāwhiti region.

Rachael has been the local President of the Business and Professional Women’s Club and was on the national board. In 2008, she was awarded a Young Professional Women’s Scholarship, which allowed her to travel to Mexico, where she attended an international congress.

Adam Gatley

Project Manager

• National Diploma in Construction Management (NDCM)
• Project Manager, Quantity Surveyor

Adam has recently returned to Tairāwhiti, where he grew up, and is loving the lifestyle and work opportunities that the area has to offer.

He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience from the commercial construction sector, having worked for 30 years in Auckland, Tauranga and Wellington on large commercial projects. He has “worked on the tools” at the coal face and has been responsible for the delivery of many large and complex projects – Auckland Airport being one of the more significant.

Adam is primarily involved with the delivery of Ministry of Education projects. He is extremely detail-focused, highly-organised and driven. He has a thorough understanding of Ministry of Education processes and requirements.

A strong relationship builder, Adam communicates well with anyone from site carpenters to project managers and clients. Adam brings a unique and valuable perspective to our team and projects.