Walker Cinema Architects ... the People

Ashley’s involvement in cinema Architecture and entertainment venues has spanned several decades, winner of many architectural awards and competitions including prestigious international concepts for India’s Film Festival venue multiplex in Goa. Ashley’s role as director of an international architectural practice involves him in considerable travel which allows him to keep at the forefront of multiplex design and entertainment venues.

Paul Sutcliffe
Associate - Cinema and Entertainment

Paul joined Walker Architects in 1996 as an Architectural Technician working predominantly on large commercial projects.In the following years focus shifted entirely to specialised cinema and entertainment projects for SKYCITY Cinemas, Village SKYCITY Cinemas, Village Force Cinemas, Village Rialto Cinemas, Hoyts Cinemas and the Force Entertainment Centre.This has involved all aspects from client liaison, preliminary design development and contract documents, followed by more in depth project management and observation roles.

With a Bachelor of Architecture from Auckland University in 1981,  Peter spent 4 years with Hocking & Verrall Architects in Rotorua. Registered in NZ,  Peter spent five years in Europe, including working as design/ project architect on large scale developments in the London fringe areas, before  joining Walker Architects in 1990. Early work included the development of early  regional multiplex cinemas for Village Force, culminating with the design of the award-winning SKYCITY Metro. He led the team design submission for Britomart  in 2000,  and a successful competition bid for a new international film festival complex in Goa, India, completed in 2004

Jamie Simpkin
Associate - Group Designer Cinema

Jamie is a registered architect and associate director of Walker Architects. He graduated in 1987 from the University of Auckland, School of Architecture. Previously worked for Lawrence Mollison in Invercargill and Sumich McGee in Auckland prior to a stint in London for R.M.J.M as a design architect. On returning to New Zealand, he worked as a partner in Studio Two Architects. Joined Walker Co. Partnership (now Walker Architects) in 1992. Since this time he has worked on many and varied projects in different roles. He has worked as a principle designer on a number of New Zealand multiplexes. In recent times he has concentrated more on multiplexes in India. Notably among these the International Film festival India venue in Goa. This has involved and extensive travel to India and adapting to the particular norms within India while providing expertise and flair.

With a Bachelor of Architecture from Berlin University of Applied Science (TFH-Berlin), Fabian graduated in 2002. In Germany he was working at the Telecom Headquarter Building in Berlin and was involved in the design and planing of two Asklepios Hospitals in former East Germany. In 2004 he joined Walker Architects and has become critical in the setting up and development of high end computer systems, in particular the 3D modelling and render facilities which ensure our clients have the best possible visuals for their projects.

Richard Gordon
Cinema Technical

Richard graduated Bachelor of Architecture from Auckland University in 1972, and worked as an architect at Piper and Partners and for the Museum of Transport and Technology until joining Walker Architects in 1985.  Project architect on a diverse range of projects by virtue of the variety of commissions that Walker Architects undertake. Recent focus has been on all aspects of cinema fitout preliminary design, documentation and contract administration for SKYCITY Cinemas.  Multiplex cinema  bulk design typically requires a variety of auditoria spaces to be setup within the cinema complex each complying to the controlling geometric criteria and melded together with the extensive services and public spaces.

The cinema team shown here is backed up by the larger cast of 30 staff throughout in various regional offices.The larger group ensures that deadlines are met and quality assurance is maintained on all projects.