About Us – Meet the Team
Like all good ideas, Hybrid Homes & Living (formerly Harrington Hybrid Homes) was born through a 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. Realising 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.
Despite the economic down-turn the company has expanded and has opened the first sustainable centre and showroom in Nelson offering whole sustainable solutions to anyone building, renovating or making small changes.
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.
Peter Olorenshaw
I am a registered architect specialising in eco architecture and contract to 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.
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.
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.
