Rachel Venables - Principal Architect

“With nearly three decades of experience in design and master planning, Rachel brings a wealth of expertise”, says David Wingate. He continues, “Venables has held leadership roles in top architectural firms, guiding teams to deliver well-considered, commercially successful developments. Known for her exceptional eye for detail, Rachel is passionate about creating highly functional spaces that enrich lives, aligning perfectly with Wingates’ mission of creating places that truly matter”.

Venables’ career spans leading practices and her own firm, giving her a strong commercial and management background. She has received industry recognition for her work, including awards for residential and furniture design. Notably, Rachel led the development of standard house types for Kāinga Ora, helping scale up social housing across the country, and has collaborated with community housing providers in both design and review roles.

Rachel is also active in governance and education, currently serving on the Board of Trustees for Farm Cove Intermediate and was previously Auckland Director on the NZIA Auckland Branch Board. She is a member of the Institute of Directors, an NZGBC Homestar Assessor, and was made a Fellow of the NZIA in 2010.

David Wingate said, “Rachel will focus on all design stages of medium to high-density residential developments, strengthening Wingate’s ability to deliver outstanding architectural solutions across Aotearoa New Zealand”.

Rachel Venables commented on Joining Wingates: “My wide range of design and on-site experience has given me a broad and deep knowledge of the industry, providing a solid foundation for delivering resolved and sustainable design. I look forward to helping Wingates further develop its highly respected body of work.”

David Joyce - Principal Design & Operations Manager

“With over 35 years of experience in the building industry, David Joyce brings a deep, practical understanding of diverse construction processes and building types, from luxury homes and commercial fit-outs to high-end apartments, industrial buildings, and specialised facilities”, says David Wingate.

Wingate continues, “David will provide strong leadership across all sectors of commercial and large format architecture, drawing on his experience working alongside some of New Zealand’s leading project management and development organisations. Known for his calm leadership and clear communication, he’s well equipped to guide teams and projects through complex design environments”.

Wingate further comments ”While adding to the growing collective of Davids at Wingates, he also brings the benefit of being based in both Auckland and Hamilton—something that will undoubtedly strengthen our relationships and grow our presence in the Waikato. 

David’s appointment reflects Wingates’ ongoing commitment to creating places that truly matter—spaces that enrich the lives of the people who live, work, and gather in them. His extensive industry experience and design leadership align perfectly with Wingate’s purpose and future direction”.

David Joyce says on joining Wingates: “It’s not just about the final product—it’s about the collaborative process. Great design happens when clients, users, designers, and builders bring their ideas together to produce environments in new and meaningful ways. I am excited to be joining an organisation that lives and breathes this approach.”