Kyah Lee Designs
About Me.
Kia Ora!
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My name is Kyah Suckling, and I hold a Diploma in Architectural Technology and a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Studies.
Recognized for my effectiveness in team environments, I am highly attentive to others' ideas, an active listener, and a thoughtful contributor—always striving to add meaningful value to discussions.
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My journey in architecture has been shaped by a passion for design, problem-solving, and project coordination. I thrive in collaborative environments where I can bring creative visions to life while ensuring efficiency in execution.
A defining moment in my experience was leading the Auranga Seating Pavilion project. Entrusted as the student lead, I managed a team of fellow students through the design and construction process. With a budget of $9,000, I successfully delivered the project under supervision, completing it for just $5,900—demonstrating my ability to optimize resources, lead a team, and oversee a project from concept to completion. This hands-on experience strengthened my leadership skills and solidified my interest in the intersection of architecture and project management.
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I am passionate about exploring innovative building technologies, particularly prefabrication, to develop cost-effective and healthy housing solutions. Proficient in Revit, Rhino, and the Adobe Suite, I bring a creative yet detail-oriented approach to design, drafting, and project coordination.
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Growing up in the agriculture sector has shaped my practical, hands-on approach to problem-solving, reinforcing my ability to think critically and improve methodical workflows. I am eager to learn from a forward-thinking team, develop my skills, and expand my knowledge within the building industry.
Employment History
Jan 2025 - Current
Waterco Ltd
Auckland
Warehouse Assistant
Prepared delivery orders – Swimming Pool, Water Treatment, and Aquaculture Products.
My role consisted of...
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Prepared and Processed Delivery Orders.
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Managed inventory control, ensuring stock accuracy and efficient warehouse operations.
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Handling Dangerous Goods.
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Operating Forklift Machinery.
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Coordinated pickup times for deliveries with external couriers and transport companies to ensure timely dispatch.
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Assisted with loading and unloading shipments, maintaining workplace safety and efficiency.
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Collaborated with team members to improve warehouse workflows and streamline logistics operations.
Oct 2022 - May 2024
Archtists Ltd
Auckland
Architectural Technician
This was a singular contractual project, aimed at researching a particular construction method. EDFAB: Design and Building of a Plywood Research House is the previous research house completed. The project I was involved in, was a 4-bedroom, double storey dwelling.
This role strengthened my ability to manage teams, streamline processes, and oversee project execution - skills that translate directly into project management within the built environment. Through the leadership opportunities and collaboration with engineers, fabricators, and construction teams, I developed a strong foundation in prefabrication, resource coordination, and project efficiency.
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My role consisted of…
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Produced digital model and assisted with research lead to develop design from concept to a set of detailed structural shop drawings.
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Producing Bill of Quantities for prefabricated components.
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Prototyping 1:1 scale panels with Engineer.
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Processing material ready for prefabrication.
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Managed construction phase including programme coordination.
Mar 2023 - Nov 2023
Unitec - Institute of Technology
Auckland
Teaching Assistant
As a Teaching Assistant for the School of Architecture at Unitec, I was responsible for supporting two key courses, where I contributed to project execution within the architecture department.
This job covered two courses…
Digital Fabrication:
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In Digital Fabrication, I engaged with and assisted students, fostering hands-on, real-time learning in Design-Build projects.
Architectural Representation:
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In Architectural Representation, I provided support in visual communication programs, including Adobe Suite and rendering software.
June 2022 - Nov 2022
VSNZ
Auckland
Large Format Printing
Worked casually/on call for a small printing business which provides large format printing. Printing from A4 right up to A0 and Banner lengths on Matte, Satin and Cotton blend canvas.
Nov 2020 - Aug 2022
Shade Systems Ltd
Dargaville
Architectural CAD Technician
Worked full time over my Uni breaks as an Architectural CAD Technician. I was responsible for creating and managing CAD drawing sets for shade canopy structures across a range of recreational and educational environments, including school netball and basketball courts, walkways, and classroom block entrances. I supported various project stages, from client approval to building consent, ensuring seamless project progression and compliance with regulatory requirements.​
Job entailed…
Client Approval Stage:
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Prepared Client Approval CAD drawing sets - for salesmen to present to clients.
Outline Plan of Works Stage:
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Prepared Outline Plan of Works CAD drawing sets - for Resource Consent.
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Assessment of Environmental Effects reports.
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Filling out Council checklist forms for lodgement.
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Prepared and lodged Resource Consent Applications.
Building Consent Stage:
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Prepared Building Consent CAD drawing sets.
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Ordering Certificate of Title.
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Filling out Council Checklist forms for lodgement.
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Prepared and lodged Building Consent Applications.
Nov 2017 - Mar 2021,
Nov 2023 - Jan 2024
Suckling and Son Ltd
Dargaville
Tractor/ Machinery Operation - Kumara Farm
Seasonal Full Time Work – November till March (dependent on weather) each season. (In school breaks or weekends in a busy season I would also pick up work on the farm).
Jobs included:
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Tractor and Machine operation – Rotary Hoe, Power Harrow, Roller, Water Cart, and Ripper.
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Cutting, Dipping (spray), and Sorting Kumara plants.
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Hand weeding paddocks.
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Planting and harvesting.
Character
1 / Collaborative
I thrive in collaborative environments, actively seeking diverse perspectives and fostering a team-oriented approach to achieve common goals. I value open communication and believe that a unified team brings out the best ideas.
3 / Leadership
With strong leadership skills, I focus on guiding teams towards success by providing clear direction, supporting collaboration, and motivating others to achieve their best work.
5 / Reliable
Reliability is key in my work ethic—whether working independently or with a team, I take full responsibility for my tasks and commitments, ensuring deadlines are met and quality is maintained.
2 / Practical
Practical and solution-focused, I approach tasks with a hands-on mindset, always looking for efficient and effective ways to solve problems and improve processes.
4 / Level-headed
I maintain a calm demeanor and make thoughtful decisions, even in high-pressure situations. My ability to stay focused and clear-headed ensures that challenges are addressed without compromising the overall vision.
6 / Enthusiastic and Joyful
I bring enthusiasm and energy to everything I do, striving for excellence while keeping a positive, joyful attitude. I believe in uplifting my team and creating an environment where we all remain focused, motivated, and energized.
Education
2020 - 2021
Unitec - Institute of Technology
Auckland
NZ Diploma in Architectural Technology
2022 - 2024
Unitec - Institute of Technology
Auckland
Bachelor of Architectural Studies
Courses /
Extra Curricular Activities
Forklift Operators Certificate & F1 Endorsement Licensing
2025
Site Safe Foundation Passport - Building Construction
December 2024
Outward Bound NZ 21 Day Leadership Course
March 2019
Dargaville High School Board of Trustees - Student Representative
2019
Program Skills
1 / Revit - Proficient
3 / ArchiCAD
5 / Adobe Software - Indesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom
7 / BIM - Navisworks, Solibri
2 / Rhino 3D - Proficient (Owns License)
4 / Rendering Softwares
6 / Laser cutting
8 / 3D Printing
References
Waterco Ltd
Ray Nielsen - Purchasing Warehouse Manager
PH: 021 662237
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Shade Systems Ltd
Julie Marie - Lead Architectural CAD Technician
PH: 021 08518735
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Teaching Assistant - Unitec
Yusef Patel - Academic Programme Manager
PH: 021 2083022
Archtists Ltd
Semisi Potauaine - Business Owner
PH: 021 0577058