About

Since its launch in 2001, Woodhams Meikle Zhan Architects (WMZA) has grown to become one of the leading architectural practices in New Zealand. We have an established track record with numerous major building projects already completed. We specialise in the master planning and design of retail, commercial, industrial and large-scale residential projects both in New Zealand and internationally.

By offering a comprehensive array of services, we ensure concepts are explored in depth and the most appropriate solution is delivered.

Master planning
Architectural and Interior Design services
Bulk and location
Site analysis
Concept design and preliminary design including RMA application
Developed design
Detailed design and Documentation
Construction observation and contract administration

With a diverse client base that includes property developers, corporate organisations, retailers and hospitality outlets, we know how to deliver complex and multi-faceted projects. If required, we can provide a complete turnkey operation – from initial bulk and location schematics to the final interior design package. Our work is based on design excellence, expert project management and the achievement of value for money.

Our design team is made up of over a dozen of Registered Architects and Accredited Interior Designers. Our documentation team use Revit proficiently and extensively for full 3D modelling and Building Information Management (BIM) on most of our projects.

Process

We measure the success of our architecture design by how much they have helped our clients achieve their goals and aspirations, be that social, culture or economic result.

Great buildings, we believe, are the product of a focused design team that encourages communication with the client. We don’t believe in imposing pre-conceived architectural ideas on top of our clients’ requirements.

On every project we undertake, we start by carefully listening to and understanding our client’s goals and aspirations. We then engage ourselves actively in search for architectural solutions with our client’s interest as the sole focus. Through the design process, we address client’s feedback and revise our design with enthusiasm and flexibility.

We achieve those results by running a practice driven by ideas and solutions. Our company is made up of talented people who have the passion and expertise to make sure all design challenges are faced and overcome. It is our goal to deliver buildings and environments for our clients that work both aesthetically and economically.

People

Chris Meikle

Founder, Consulting Architect

Chris Meikle

Founder, Consulting Architect

Chris is an award-winning registered architect with over 30 years’ professional experience. His architectural expertise is the master planning, feasibility and concept design of large retail, commercial, industrial and residential developments. Chris works with some of New Zealand’s leading corporate property developers, including Progressive Enterprises, AMP Capital Shopping Centre, Westfield NZ, Goodman, Retail Holdings and NZRPG. Chris has won both local NZIA Branch and Property Council awards, including the Property Council Supreme and Excellence awards for Westfield’s Albany Shopping Centre. He spearheaded the company’s foray into the Chinese property and development scene and was the joint Director in charge for Tesco Property China Ltd development work.

Feng Zhan

Executive Director

Feng Zhan

Executive Director

Feng has always had a passion for design and enjoys the journey of transformation from architectural concept to built reality. Receiving his architectural education in China, the USA and Australia, Feng specialises in master planning, retail design and large-scale residential projects. Since joining WMZA as a Director in 2001, Feng has worked at the front line with the design team and delivered quality design solutions on numerous projects throughout New Zealand and further afield. Since 2007 Feng has played a pivotal role in WMZA’s ventures in India and China. He has been the driving force behind the successful design and delivery of our large-scale master planning and architectural projects in both countries. The Sistema Office/Factory Building designed by Feng won the 2017 New Zealand Property Council Award.

Hiran Perera

Director

Hiran Perera

Director

Born in Sri Lanka and raised in New Zealand, Hiran exemplifies the strength in diversity offered by WMZA. This can be summed up as a diverse group of talented individuals pulling together to best serve the needs of a varied range of clients. A registered architect since 1998, Hiran is an Auckland University graduate who worked in Australia and the UK before joining WMZA in 2003. He has experience in all aspects of architecture, especially its role as a vehicle that realises the hopes and ambitions of clients: from the initial concept design, through its adaptation to today’s cost-conscious regulatory environment, to its realisation on site through commercially savvy procurement and efficient construction. Beyond architecture per se, Hiran is proficient in urban planning and is sensitive to the place of the built environment within its wider contextual setting, drawing on the practical aspects of sustainable design.

Bradley Wynn

Director

Bradley Wynn

Director

Bradley is passionate about the delivery of architecture from initial vision through to the realisation of the concept on-site. He believes the practice of architecture is a holistic journey of thought, practice and realisation. With 30 years experience in the industry, Bradley has been involved in numerous retail, industrial, commercial and multi-unit residential developments throughout New Zealand and the UK. In particular, Bradley has extensive experience in delivering large and complex projects, frequently within tight timeframes. This often involves taking a concept through its various iterations and stages, and working with all involved to develop the most appropriate response for the site and the client’s requirements. Bradley is also WMZA’s architectural studio manager, overseeing the allocation of staff to projects and ensuring the right balance is achieved in production and delivery.

Victor Kueh

Director

Victor Kueh

Director

Victor is a Director of Woodhams Meikle Zhan Architects and has over 20 years experience in Master Planning Concept, Feasibility Design, Retail and Supermarket Design. Victor is the Design Architect in charge for development projects for one of New Zealand's leading Corporate companies Woolworths New Zealand Ltd.

Joseph Bashouri

Principal

Joseph Bashouri

Principal

Joseph joined WMZA in 2001 and is a senior architect responsible for the design, documentation, management and supervision of a variety of commercial and industrial projects. He completed a B.Sc. in Architectural Engineering in 1986 and became a NZ registered architect in 1997. Over the years Joseph has successfully delivered a wide range of projects including shopping centres, supermarkets, childcare, retail and industrial office/warehouse facilities. His project portfolio includes new building projects for Geon, Spicers Paper, Intermech, Corporate Express, Panasonic, PMP, Super Cheap Auto, Kmart, Frucor, Webstar and Caprice. He was also the design architect for a number of projects including Viridian, Trio, Steel & Tube and Machinery House. Joseph's involvement, as the project architect, has contributed to our client Goodman NZ winning multiple awards from the Property Council of New Zealand. Joseph attributes his success in delivering efficient, effective and creative services to his focus on quality, accuracy, client satisfaction and speed of delivery. Joseph has a strong interest in knowledge management within an architectural firm. He has published a number of articles on this subject, one of which was recognised as a Highly Commended Paper by international publishing company Emerald.

Hugh Worth

Associate

Hugh Worth

Associate

With over twenty years of professional experience in retail, commercial and hospitality design in New Zealand and Europe, Hugh joined WMZA in 2005 and has led the Interiors team since 2010. He enjoys working closely with his clients and developing an in-depth understanding of their business. This is the foundation that enables delivery of highly effective interior design solutions that are tailored to the projects’ unique operational requirements. Having a small specialised team of commercial designers, and the ability to utilise the resources of a large architectural practice, has enabled Hugh to be involved in both large-scale architectural projects right through to small boutique retail solutions.

Nick Shackleton

Associate

Nick Shackleton

Associate

Nick is a Senior Architect at Woodhams Meikle Zhan Architects Limited and has over 25 years’ experience in Architecture including 14 years in the UK, 2 years in Kazakhstan and has been a practising architect in NZ since 2014. Nick has been architect in charge of several retail projects in the UK, for both WM Morrison and Asda Walmart, as well as education and prison projects, along with commercial and retail experience in Kazakhstan before moving to NZ. Since joining WMZA in 2015 Nick has successfully delivered several projects for Woolworths New Zealand Ltd, including new build and refurbishment projects for both Countdown and FreshChoice supermarkets, as well as their new format Metro stores.

Tristan Coakley

Associate

Tristan Coakley

Associate

Tristan joined Woodhams Meikle Zhan as a Senior Architect in 2018. After completing his architectural studies at Unitec (Auckland) in 2004 he has worked for over 15 years across both New Zealand and Australia. As a New Zealand registered architect Tristan has a wide ride of experience from concept design to project delivery. He has been involved in various project types, but to date his experience has seen him specialise in projects with a retail focus. Tristan enjoys a collaborative approach through the design and delivery of projects to ensure the best outcome is achieved.