About Us – Meet the Team

Like all good ideas, Hybrid Homes & Living was born through personal experience. Jamie and Natalia, founders of the company, arrived in NZ back in 2004 from the UK. While looking for their perfect home, they discovered that it did not exist. They wanted a modern home in a city environment that was eco friendly, self sufficient and future proofed. They soon realised that the only way to get what they wanted was to design and build their own home. Through this process the passion for sustainable building and Hybrid Homes was born.

Since then we have worked with many wonderful customers in the Nelson region, to deliver them a house that suits their individual requirements, including the common desire to use smart design and building practises to improve the energy efficiency of their new home, and reduce the impact on the environment. We now look forward to doing the same for customers around New Zealand.

Jamie Harrington
	I am originally from the UK and moved to NZ five years ago with my wife, Natalia. Back in the UK, I had a successful furniture design and retail business. I started the business upon my return from a backpacking trip in 1997, when the dream to move down under was born.I have a strong background in project and business management, design and budgeting. I believe in working for the client to achieve the best value for money possible. Through my understanding of construction costs and processes, I will guide you through the difficult choices and will ensure your satisfaction with the finished product, its quality and performance.
Natalia Harrington
	I am originally from Estonia and moved to NZ with Jamie following his promise of a beautiful country and great lifestyle. He was not lying and after 5 years here, we are pleased to call NZ our home!I have a degree in Business & Finance which was obtained in the UK, as well as a number of years of experience in business planning, financial management, project management, marketing and customer service. My personal passion is interior design. I enjoy turning a house into your home while reflecting your personality and lifestyle.
Peter Olorenshaw
	I am a registered architect specialising in eco architecture for Hybrid Homes. Rather than designing buildings in this months style, I prefer to design timeless buildings, that don’t go out of fashion. I favour big sheltering roofs, verandahs, decks and outdoor rooms, as well as creating an interesting variety of indoor spaces. All my work incorporates passive solar design and energy efficiency, but I design to the level of eco friendliness desired by each particular client. Unlike the often cited stereotype of architects being hopelessly impractical, I have a depth of practical experience having built our own eco house.
Jürgen Unger
	I am originally from Germany but call NZ home. I have a number of years worth of experience in CAD visual rendering and drawings both in New Zealand and Germany.There is no longer any need to wait to see what your home is going to look like until it’s built! I am able to offer you an integrated service of on-the-spot floor plan changes, draughting and visual 3D images and movies of your future home.
Joan Panzer
	I am originally from the United States and have called New Zealand my home for 23 years. I have a degree in Accounting and an MBA and a passion for the environment. I work within the team to provide all the financial support for Hybrid Homes.
Kathryn Koopmanschap
	I’ve been brought on board to support the Hybrid Home team, with with a special focus on marketing and promotion. I’ve got a background of marketing IT services for NZ, US and UK corporations, and am now enjoying working in a small team, and marketing something as tangible as your future home.