Phillipa Nihotte

As the Professional Practice Manager, Phillipa Nihotte plays an important role in Jasmax’s Knowledge and Innovation Team. She brings over 25 years of experience as a registered architect, having worked on a variety of projects across multiple sectors. Phillipa’s unique combination of architectural experience and contract know-how makes her an asset to the team for her ability to advise and support staff about contractual and compliance issues. Her deep understanding of the industry and skill as a mentor in guiding architectural graduates towards registration is invaluable to the practice.

Phillipa’s interest in architecture arose from her passion for Fine Art; looking for a career that allowed her to utilise her drawing skills, she found architecture. It allowed her to combine her love of maths with art and she was hooked. Phillipa was pioneering in the field, becoming one of a few women to graduate from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Architecture School in 1989.

On joining Jasmax in 2003, Phillipa worked as a project architect in multiple sectors, which has allowed her to bring an essential breadth of knowledge to her current role. Jasmax projects she has led include Muriwai Surf Lifesaving Club, and a new classroom block at McAuley High School.

Phillipa is widely recognised as a specialist in the industry due to her long-standing engagement with the NZIA and the NZ Registered Architects Board (NZRAB). She has been an active member of the NZIA/Registered Master Builder’s Joint Contracts Committee since 2006, responsible for reviewing and updating NZIA construction contracts. Phillipa is a registration assessor for the NZRAB and has been a member of the NZRAB’s Senior Architect’s Panel since its inception in 2019 to investigate concerns and complaints made against architects.

Phillipa really enjoys being part of the Jasmax Knowledge and Innovation Team as it gives her the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of projects across the practice. She loves sharing her knowledge and the reward of seeing graduates obtain their registration.