I’m Marco, a new dad, registered Architect, and an AI optimist and enthusiast. I grew up in Nelson, led Waimea College as head boy, and after 12 years in Auckland my partner and I are moving home. I come from a line of teachers in my family so when I read this role I stopped what I was doing. It’s the job I’ve been building myself towards without knowing there was a name for it. Let me tell you why.

THE PIVOT

I’ve been a tech optimist since I was a kid, always playing with the latest software, itching my curiosity and excitement. After gaining an A+ for my Masters in Architecture at uni, I started applying my interest in tech by investing into exciting innovation companies. Having skin in the game means I keep up to date on the industry, and it’s inevitably led me to AI. Over the last four years my passion for the future of AI has outgrown my interest in architecture. This leads me to pivot - take a risk and pursue a career in AI, and if I can share my passion with others along the journey then that’s a bonus. Right now is a huge transitional time, much like the early internet or the industrial revolution, and with that comes uncertainty and overwhelm. That needs real stewardship so AI gets used for the right things in a safe, responsible way. Used well it’s a genuine lever, and I don’t want people or small organisations left behind or feeling like they can’t access it. AI is for everyone.

INTERSECTION OF ARCHITECTURE AND EDUCATION

Architecture at its core is relationship building and communication, with a building at the end of it. Facilitating large design teams and client meetings, all with different agendas and levels of technical fluency, is an environment I thrive in. My role is to understand their needs, inspire them, get them excited about my design and bring them along on the journey. That’s where the real magic happens: everyone aligned working towards a shared goal and successful delivery. Translating and simplifying complex ideas is a skill I’ve honed over my 11-year career. Understanding the outcome, then breaking it down into digestible, accessible language and visuals is critical for learning, and that takes experience and design, both of which I bring to the table. But content is only half of it. Effective communication, storytelling, and warmth are what makes people connect and pay attention. Listening, making sure someone feels heard, can shift someone’s experience entirely.

AI TOOLS AND USE CASES

When ChatGPT came out it felt like magic. That was my “aha” moment. Since then, I’ve used all of the Frontier labs, most of the video and image models, N8N and Fireflies. Day to day I use Claude Code in VS code for building. I’m self-motivated and I’ve taught myself the value of investing in myself, paying for courses to upskill. I’m always keen to learn from others. Professionally, I’m building an agentic architecture studio that handles high-friction jobs that would otherwise take hours. Outside of work, I’m a co-founder of an e-com brand sitting on top of an AI brain I’m building, and I’m helping my dad - another AI enthusiast, integrate AI into his tutoring business so he can focus on the parts he loves. And the coolest part? I’ve brought people along with me: my cofounders, friends, my colleague, and my dad.

I’ll be Nelson-based, and am happy to travel between Nelson and Christchurch. Ideally, I’m looking for a full-time role but am open to discussing options.

At heart, I’m a people person. I thrive through relationships and get energy from human connection and helping others. Let’s make Nelson one of the leading AI hubs in New Zealand while bringing everyone along for the ride. That’s the future I want to help shape and foster for my children.

I would love to discuss this opportunity further with you. Thank you for your time.

Best,