I enjoy sketching and drawing, which helps improve my creativity and attention to detail
Alex A. Vierhout
Architectural Consultant | Design Technologist | Technician
Christchurch
Summary
Experienced architectural consultant with 15 years in the AEC industry in New Zealand and Ireland. Specializes in sustainable design, BIM workflows, commercial/residential construction documentation, project coordination, and structural detailing. Proven track record leading projects from concept to construction. Comprehensive understanding of NZ codes, council processes, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Skilled Senior Consultant in consulting field with expertise in problem-solving, risk management, and innovative solutions. Passionate about driving positive change in businesses and conducting thorough research.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
4
4
Languages
Work History
Consultant / Architectural Technician
Gravitas Consulting Ltd
03.2016 - Current
- End-to-end project involvement from concept design to contractor engagement.
- Delivered office, warehouse, and commercial fitout designs across NZ.
- ECI participation; resolved RFI and design coordination across disciplines.
- Delivered tender and consent documentation for large-scale builds.
Director | Consultant |
AVANZ Ltd
10.2013 - 10.2023
- Operated as sole trader providing architectural & structural design documentation.
- Focused on energy-efficient, sustainable design and 3D mass modelling.
- Delivered BIM documentation, quantity takeoffs, and planning applications.
- Collaborated with architects and engineers to translate conceptual designs into actionable technical drawings, enhancing project execution efficiency.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines to keep construction schedules on track.
Structural Draughtsman
Frontier Engineers
01.2015 - 03.2016
- Structural documentation for residential repairs (EQC projects).
- Assisted in developing repair strategies with CLT, concrete waffle slabs, timber framing.
Architectural Technician
DD Architects
09.2014 - 02.2015
- Produced concept and working drawings for residential rebuilds through Insurance work.
- Integrated consultant input and performed site surveys.
Architectural Technician
Noordanus Architects
06.2014 - 08.2014
- Delivered Consent documentation for Rangiora Birthing Unit (CDHB) Natal Hosptial.
- Coordinated acoustic designs, fire-rated, and watertight detailing with Structural engineers.
Various Roles
Fletcher Building & Fletcher Construction
05.2011 - 06.2014
- Structural Draughtsman for EQC repairs; documentation, consents, site inspections.
- Construction Programmer: contractor scheduling, consent liaison, progress monitoring.
Data Entry Analyst
Christchurch City Council (Temping via ADECCO NZ)
02.2011 - 05.2011
- Supported earthquake damage assessments during CERA response.
- Worked with the Civil Defense units to assist with the recording of damage assessments in the CCC database.
Sustainable Architectural Technologist
Fergus Flannagan Architects
05.2008 - 09.2010
- Developed Cardbord 3D models, attended client meetings, and submitted consent applications.
- Developed detailed architectural drawings and specifications using AutoCAD and Sketchup to ensure compliance with building codes and client requirements.
Education
Master of Architecture -
BSc in Sustainable Architectural Technology - undefined
Project Management Certificate - undefined
Art & Design + ECDL - undefined
01.2004 - 1 2007
Junior Certificate - undefined
Skills
BIM
3D visualization skills
Experienced in ArchiCAD software
Proficient in AutoCAD
Experienced with TwinMotion software
Navigating regulatory approvals
Compliance Documentation
NZBC
MBIE Guidelines
NZS Standards
Contract Observation
Site Administration
Sustainable Architecture
Environmental Design
Project Management
Programming
Technical Detailing
Construction Drawings
Consultant Coordination
ECI Meetings
Freehand Sketching
Conceptual Design
Time management
Project management
Goal setting
Degree
- M.Arch
- BSc. ConsArchTech
Certifications Courses
- Procore Certified: Architect
- ArchiCAD: Management & Collaboration
- Introduction to TwinMotion
- Social Success at Work (Organisational Politics)
- MBIE Foundation & Multi-Unit Workshops
- Autodesk AutoCAD LT
- Time & Project Management – Fletcher Building
Awards
- New Zealand Commercial Silver Project Award, 2021, Spotlight Retail Group Building – Gravitas Consulting (Entrant: Calder Stewart Construction)
- Top 14 Finalist, Wood.ie Architectural Design Award, Ireland
- Art Student of the Year, 2002, Rockwell College
- Project Management Certificate, NZQA, presented by Mayor Tim Shadbolt
Accomplishments
- Completed Briscoes and Rebel Sport Ashburton project drawings ahead of schedule, saving time and money.
Interests
Watching Movies and TV Shows
I like working with my hands and fixing things
Backpacking and Hiking
Passionate about exploring the latest advancements and innovations
Cooking
Tech enthusiast,
Music
Woodworking
Gardening
Home Improvement
DIY and Crafting and DIY Projects
Timeline
Consultant / Architectural Technician - Gravitas Consulting Ltd
03.2016 - Current
Structural Draughtsman - Frontier Engineers
01.2015 - 03.2016
Architectural Technician - DD Architects
09.2014 - 02.2015
Architectural Technician - Noordanus Architects
06.2014 - 08.2014
Director | Consultant | - AVANZ Ltd
10.2013 - 10.2023
Various Roles - Fletcher Building & Fletcher Construction
05.2011 - 06.2014
Data Entry Analyst - Christchurch City Council (Temping via ADECCO NZ)
02.2011 - 05.2011
Sustainable Architectural Technologist - Fergus Flannagan Architects
05.2008 - 09.2010
VTOS - Art & Design + ECDL,
01.2004 - 1 2007
Institute of Technology Carlow - BSc in Sustainable Architectural Technology,
Southern Institute of Technology (NZQA) - Project Management Certificate,
Rockwell College - Junior Certificate,
San Francisco Institute of Architecture - Master of Architecture,