MEET THE EXPERTS
From leading designers to product specialists, our line-up of experts will be on hand to share advice, host workshops, and guide you through the latest innovations. Explore their bios below and plan who you’d like to connect with on the day.
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Claire & Edward Tyler
Claire Tyler of Ritual Interiors brings international experience from Vancouver and Sydney to her New Zealand studio. With a Diploma of Interior Design and membership in the Designers Institute of NZ, she creates timeless interiors through quality materials and thoughtful detail. Her work has been internationally recognized.
Edward Tyler manages project delivery, overseeing budgeting, scheduling and completion with precision. Together, Claire and Edward combine design expertise and reliable delivery to create inspiring, well-executed spaces.
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Jessica Harding
Jessica Harding from Kitchen Mania holds a degree in Industrial Design and has a passion for creating spaces that bring people together. A keen cook and baker, she understands how kitchens shape daily life and loves designing environments that inspire joy in cooking and entertaining. Beyond her design work, Jessica draws on her background in yoga and meditation, bringing a thoughtful, holistic perspective to each project. Her designs combine creativity, functionality, and a deep understanding of how people live in their homes.
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Jamie-Lee Monaghan
Jamie-Lee Monaghan of JC Design specialises in kitchens and cabinetry, combining a Bachelor of Design (Spatial) with a Certificate in Kitchen Design. As an NKBA member, she brings both creative flair and technical precision to her projects, ensuring that each space is highly functional and uniquely tailored to her clients’ needs. Jamie-Lee’s work reflects a belief that good design should make everyday living easier, more beautiful, and more enjoyable.
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Jessica Jor
Jessica Jor from Lightpath Projects is an award winning interior designer dedicated to creating spaces that feel timeless, functional, and thoughtfully considered. She works on projects of every scale — from full-home renovations to new builds — offering services that range from spatial planning and material selection through to furniture curation. As an NKBA Gold Designer, Jessica has a particular focus on kitchen and bathroom design. With years of experience collaborating with a trusted team of builders and trades, Jessica ensures every detail is carefully planned and executed. Her approach creates homes that are personal, enduring, and a true joy to live in.
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Lisa Thesing
With 30 years of design experience, Lisa Thesing specialises in transforming everyday spaces into beautifully functional kitchens. She is known for maximising layouts, selecting materials with care, and introducing innovative concepts that improve daily living. Lisa’s creative approach is always balanced with her warm, people-centred style, ensuring each kitchen is a reflection of her clients’ lifestyle and personality.
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Veronika Vuletic
Veronika Vuletic began her journey with Resene in 2023 at the Mt Roskill Colorshop, where she gained valuable experience in both the technical and creative aspects of colour. With a bachelor’s degree in Spatial Design and a diploma in Interior Design, she has developed a genuine passion for crafting beautiful colour schemes and bringing her clients’ ideas to life. Veronika finds it incredibly fulfilling to help create spaces that not only look stunning but also reflect each client’s unique style. Understanding that choosing colours can feel overwhelming, she is dedicated to making the process exciting, enjoyable, and inspiring.
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Leanne Harley
Leanne Harley is an experienced interior designer known for her ability to create spaces that are both elegant and highly functional. At the heart of her practice is a commitment to tailoring each design to her clients’ lifestyle and aspirations. With a considered approach to materials, textures, and colour, Leanne crafts interiors that feel personal, timeless, and enduring.
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Michelle Samuels
Michelle Samuels from Innovative Kitchens is a qualified kitchen and interior designer with diplomas in both disciplines and recognition as a Silver Designer of NKBA. After more than 20 years in project and account management, Michelle followed her passion for design, establishing her own practice to help homeowners create spaces that are both functional and uplifting. She brings strong industry partnerships and a meticulous approach to every project, treating each one with the same care and attention to detail as if it were her own.
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Victoria Gaylard
Victoria Gaylard is a kitchen and cabinetry specialist with a strong background in bespoke design. Trained at the Nanette Cameron School of Interior Design and experienced in award-winning studios, she has a deep expertise in spatial planning, kitchen and bathroom design, and custom cabinetry. As a Bronze member of NKBA and part of the Nanette Cameron Guild of Interior Designers, Victoria continues to expand her knowledge while running her own design practice. She is passionate about creating kitchens and interiors that function seamlessly while reflecting her clients’ personal style.
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Kristina Storey & Nicky Storey - Wolf & South
Nicky & Kristina Storey, the dynamic sister-in-law duo behind Wolf & South, Australasia’s exclusive boutique for Coco Wolf’s luxury outdoor furniture. Kristina brings international brand experience and a refined eye for product curation, while Nicky lends her flair for interiors and hands-on client collaboration. Together they craft bespoke outdoor living environments grounded in quality, sustainability and elegant design — locally represented through their Auckland showroom at Residium.
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Sarah Graham - Stoked Stainless
Meet Sarah Graham, Product Expert for Stoked Stainless — makers of New Zealand’s most beautiful handcrafted hot tubs, plunge pools, and ice baths. Usually based in Wanaka, Sarah will be in Auckland to answer your questions, explain the difference between wood-fired and electric models, and help you explore which products are best suited to your outdoor space or project.
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Ryan Meacham - Novacolor
Meet Ryan Meacheam, a highly regarded figure in the decorative plaster industry across New Zealand.
With over 15+ years of hands-on experience, Ryan has delivered exceptional finishes in luxury homes, flagship retail stores, and high-end commercial spaces.
Recognised as the go-to expert in his field, Ryan now shares his knowledge with applicators ready to expand their skills in a market that continues to grow, driven by architects and designers seeking standout, premium finishes.
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Kat Lowry & Phil Paterson - Social Light
Kat Lowry, Director
With a decade of lighting design expertise and a background in interior design, Kat brings a refined aesthetic and innovative approach to bespoke lighting. She oversees supplier relationships and overseas manufacturing, ensuring every component meets the highest standards of quality and sustainability. Her meticulous eye shapes Social Light’s products into pieces that both illuminate and elevate interiors.Phil Paterson, Director
Phil began his career as an electrician in the New Zealand Navy, building the technical foundation for his role at Social Light. He drives the business’s operations and leads in-house manufacturing to exceed industry standards. Working alongside Kat, he combines precision with design vision, while his passion for photography captures the craftsmanship and beauty of Social Light’s creations. -
Andrea Allan - New Zealand Panels Group
Andrea Allan is a trusted advisor to architects, designers and homeowners seeking the perfect finishes for their residential projects. With extensive experience across New Zealand Panels Group’s leading brands — including Bestwood, Prime Panels and Dezignatek — she combines technical knowledge with a strong eye for design. Andrea is passionate about helping clients navigate colour, texture and material options to create beautiful, functional interiors that stand the test of time.
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Denise Piper-Smith - Laminex
Denise is a seasoned authority within Laminex New Zealand, specialising in surface specifications and design consultancy. With deep expertise in material performance and aesthetic trends, she partners with architects, specifiers, and interior designers to select finishes that balance beauty, durability and practicality. Denise’s holistic approach ensures that every project she contributes to is both visually inspiring and built to last.