Kia ora,
My name is Katherine. I graduated in May 2022 with my MArch (prof) from Victoria University of Wellington after completing my thesis which researched how architecture can help connect generations and facilitate relationships between older adults and tertiary students.
Since graduating I have been at TEAM Architects Wellington, working on various aged care, heritage and community projects.
I also lead TEAM Architects Wellington's marketing group and am a committee member of NAWIC Wellington.
My name is Katherine. I graduated in May 2022 with my MArch (prof) from Victoria University of Wellington after completing my thesis which researched how architecture can help connect generations and facilitate relationships between older adults and tertiary students.
Since graduating I have been at TEAM Architects Wellington, working on various aged care, heritage and community projects.
I also lead TEAM Architects Wellington's marketing group and am a committee member of NAWIC Wellington.
Looking For a Mentor
Showcase
Metropolitan Cathedral of the Sacred Heart Restoration
When the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Sacred Heart closed in July 2018 after being deemed earthquake prone, what began as strengthening work evolved into a complete restoration journey spanning six years. This Category I Heritage building demanded both technical excellence and cultural sensitivity to ensure its future while honouring its past.
Our design balanced heritage preservation with contemporary needs, creating a restoration that respects history while meeting modern expectations. The exterior received meticulous attention, with original materials carefully cleaned, repaired or replaced where necessary. Inside, we reimagined the spaces as calm, prayerful environments that honour architectural heritage while providing a fresh, contemporary backdrop for worship.
The 1980s pink tones that previously dominated were replaced with natural materials and neutral palettes, creating serene surroundings that complement rather than compete with sacred rites. Unnecessary decorative elements added during previous renovations were thoughtfully removed, returning focus to the Cathedral's essential spiritual function.
Our design balanced heritage preservation with contemporary needs, creating a restoration that respects history while meeting modern expectations. The exterior received meticulous attention, with original materials carefully cleaned, repaired or replaced where necessary. Inside, we reimagined the spaces as calm, prayerful environments that honour architectural heritage while providing a fresh, contemporary backdrop for worship.
The 1980s pink tones that previously dominated were replaced with natural materials and neutral palettes, creating serene surroundings that complement rather than compete with sacred rites. Unnecessary decorative elements added during previous renovations were thoughtfully removed, returning focus to the Cathedral's essential spiritual function.
Year of Completition
2024
Type
Heritage
Role
Architectural graduate
Porirua College Gym Refurbishment
Porirua College Gymnasium has undergone an extensive upgrade. Structural upgrades included stripping the building back to its framing, extending the foundation footing, adding additional steel braces, enhancing structural connections and installing new lintels.
Reroofing and recladding were critical to ensuring the building is weathertight, which enabled further improvements such as increased natural lighting, ventilation, and egress.
Inside, new wall linings with fresh finishes were installed, with the structural columns and portals concealed at a low level for a cleaner appearance. New doors, ceiling tiles, and sports equipment have been added to modernise the facility and meet the College’s current needs. The gym floor has been refinished, while ancillary spaces now feature new floor finishes and fresh paint. The changing rooms also received a refresh, including the installation of robust, high-performance fixtures.
Reroofing and recladding were critical to ensuring the building is weathertight, which enabled further improvements such as increased natural lighting, ventilation, and egress.
Inside, new wall linings with fresh finishes were installed, with the structural columns and portals concealed at a low level for a cleaner appearance. New doors, ceiling tiles, and sports equipment have been added to modernise the facility and meet the College’s current needs. The gym floor has been refinished, while ancillary spaces now feature new floor finishes and fresh paint. The changing rooms also received a refresh, including the installation of robust, high-performance fixtures.
Year of Completition
2025
Type
Education, refurbishment
Role
Architectural Graduate
St Johns Wood Care Suite Conversion
The existing St Johns Wood independent apartments provided an ideal form to create new quality care suites to complement the adjacent hospital care wing. Existing apartment layouts were adjusted to provide a mix of one bedroom with lounge and studio units. Each unit was fully modernised with new fittings and finishes.
Two adjacent apartments at the intersection of the building’s two wings were reconfigured and opened to the corridor to create a light and airy lounge, dining area and servery kitchen where residents can socialise together. A new lift, sized to accommodate hospital beds, was inserted into the middle of the building to ease accessibility between floors.
The result is a warm, friendly and modern, hospital care facility that is well suited to the high care needs of its new residents.
Two adjacent apartments at the intersection of the building’s two wings were reconfigured and opened to the corridor to create a light and airy lounge, dining area and servery kitchen where residents can socialise together. A new lift, sized to accommodate hospital beds, was inserted into the middle of the building to ease accessibility between floors.
The result is a warm, friendly and modern, hospital care facility that is well suited to the high care needs of its new residents.
Year of Completition
2023
Type
Aged Care
Role
Architectural Graduate