MEET THE TEAM
John Durkin
Director, Principal Registered Architect
John has always loved ‘making’ and improving people’s experience. To see and experience the product of his work has always appealed. John loves to question, see things differently, explore ideas and reveal hidden opportunity.
He says the design and creative process is intuitive and the feelings and emotions it triggers are universally felt. His work has introduced him to some great people and wonderful places. He loves that Architects can make a living by how they think about things, and how this leads to solid, long lasting work.
Outside of Architecture, John is passionate about family, health, travel, and golf. His love for Liverpool Football Club is a genetic malaise.
Samantha Zondag
Director, Principal Registered Architect
Samantha Zondag believes excellent design should feel both relaxed and refined – thoughtful without being overworked, elegant without losing its ease. Guided by clarity, care and considered detail, she creates spaces that quietly elevate everyday routines, transforming the ordinary into something more ritual than routine.
With over a decade of experience across residential and commercial architecture, Samantha previously held an Associate role at an award-winning practice, where she developed a strong foundation in civic, transport and education projects, along with a deep understanding of engineered timber and complex construction. This breadth continues to inform her rigorous yet sensitive approach.
She is inspired by collaborating with people who are excellent at what they do, creative, capable and generous in spirit, and is an advocate for local craftspeople, the honest use of materials and quality over quantity.
Beyond the studio, she is drawn to adventure and the ocean – wing foiling and sailing, mountain biking and skiing, finding in these humbling landscapes patience, freedom and clarity.
Wade Southgate
Senior Architectural Designer
Wade Southgate is a lifelong resident of Auckland. He spent his formative years in Henderson, later graduating to the central suburbs while attending the University of Auckland, and is now rooted in Puketāpapa, Mt Roskill.
Wade is a Licensed Design LBP with over 14 years’ experience in the architectural profession in his previous role at award-winning firm Burgess Treep & Knight Architects Ltd. As ‘Project Lead’, he has worked on a diverse range of projects of all shapes and sizes, including high-end residential, heritage and conservation, adaptive re-use and commercial, down to temporary installations and gallery exhibits.
His hands-on involvement from project inception to completion – including working ‘on the tools’ on several of his own projects – has given him a broad and practical knowledge base. This allows for a wholistic approach to architecture, focused on people, and ‘good design’ that creates great relationships.
Broad would also describe Wades interests outside of the studio, encompassing all things sport – particularly football, skiing, dance and hip hop to nerd culture, musicals and lawn care.
Kelly Kilpatrick
Senior Architectural Designer
Kelly enjoys being in a profession where she is immersed in an artful, creative and technical sphere. She is passionate about bringing the unique desires and aspirations of Clients to life through innovative and functional designs that carefully consider how people experience place.
Creative challenges involved in the “nitty-gritty” aspects of how a building comes together drives Kelly’s interest in architecture.
With several years of experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge across various aspects of architectural design, including healthcare, commercial, and high-end residential projects. At Abri, Kelly thrives in a collaborative work environment that aligns with her professional ethos. Our cultural approach promotes teamwork and open communication, making it an inspiring environment to work and grow.
Beyond the office, Kelly likes to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle, finding joy in spending time with her closest family, friends, and most importantly – her two dogs. Her favourite pastimes range from tackling a new-found recipe, to crafting, or to experiencing live music.
Harry J Rainger
Architectural Designer
From an early age, Harry found joy in the creative disciplines. He became driven to develop his creative skills in ways that could serve greater purposes and positively impact people’s lives. Ultimately, this led him to pursue Architecture.
He enjoys being a part of the process that nurture’s Client aspirations to deliver thoughtful architecture that considers functionality while enriching the lived experience of space and place. Harry believes that finding unity between the beauty of craft and sustainable high-performance systems is fundamental to designing healthy and heartening built environments that allow users to thrive.
Harry thrives in collaborative teams with forward-thinking and open-minded designers. He values the supportive culture created at Abri, where shared professional and personal values foster a cohesive working environment. Outside of architecture, his passions lie in various fields of art, music and adventure. He finds most joy when spending time sharing in these interests with his favourite people.
