International Women's Day

Here's to our wāhine in power, our leaders, our everyday providers and guardians, our supporters, our friends, and whānau. Tēnā koutou - Thank you. Let's celebrate your successes, every day 💜✨

Nicole Wilson
Design Team Lead - Auckland

Q: What advice would you give to young women interested in pursuing a career in design?

A: Gain as much real-world experience as possible, because the reality can be very different from what you learn in school. Internships and hands-on experience are invaluable! They help bridge the gap between theory and practice, giving you the confidence and skills to navigate the industry.

I was fortunate to study overseas, which exposed me to different approaches and gave me practical skills, like rendering, that are now a key part of my day-to-day work in commercial design. The more experience you can get early on, the better prepared you’ll be to hit the ground running in your career.

Montana Barker
Project Manager - Wellington

Q: What is the best career advice you have been given?

A: The path to success isn’t linear, and setbacks are just stepping stones. It’s about resilience, adaptability, and believing that you can always improve and reach new heights, no matter where you start.

As women, we often second-guess ourselves, but embracing confidence and advocating for your ideas can truly make a difference. Surround yourself with people who uplift you and never forget to lift others up along the way. I’m proud to be part of an organisation committed to breaking down barriers and fostering an environment where everyone gets to thrive.

Sophie Hislop
Junior Project Manager - Auckland

Q: Who is someone that inspires you?

A: My sister, Sammy, who works as an intermediate school counsellor, is a huge inspiration to me. Her dedication to helping young people navigate challenges and change the trajectory of their lives is incredible. She approaches everything with so much empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to make a difference.

In this industry, mental health can sometimes be overlooked or treated as an afterthought. Sammy’s work is a powerful reminder of how important it is to check in on ourselves and each other.

Hayley Minshull
Designer - Wellington

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in design?

A: I was in Greece with my brother, working retail and figuring out my next steps when I found myself completely in awe of the architecture around me. Walking through old cities, surrounded by history and incredible design, really fascinated me. That’s when I decided to go to university to study architecture, eventually majoring in interior architecture.

Since joining Catalyst, I’ve been surrounded by a wealth of knowledge in architecture and interior design. The in-house collaboration and openness make learning easy — no question is a silly question, and there’s real excitement in teaching and learning.

Daria Danilova
National Accounts & Auckland Office Manager

Q: What do you value most about working at Catalyst?

A: I really value the challenge, opportunities, and strong sense of community at Catalyst. Being in a national role keeps things dynamic and exciting — no two days are the same. I love that I get to travel, connect with different teams across the country, and experience firsthand how our work comes together on a larger scale.

Spending time in our other offices fosters a real sense of teamwork and collaboration, making it feel like we’re all part of something bigger. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a company that encourages growth, innovation, and connection.