Our Team
THE EMERGE ARCHITECTURE TEAM
Rhys James
Rhys joined the Emerge Architecture team in 2008, during Emerges formative years, and quickly became an ArchiCAD Jedi. Rhys became a Director of ECAD Limited in 2019 and Director in Emerge Architecture in 2021.
The experience Rhys has within the industry and company has been collected across a wide range of projects, from residential alterations and additions, bespoke new homes, and commercial projects.
For a number of years, Rhys has concentrated on providing quality Architectural Design Services to national housing companies based in Christchurch and the Manawatu, with his design and draughting team.
Rhys is LBP Design 2 accredited, and a professional member of ADNZ.
Rhys spends his personal time indulging some of his creativity with small DIY projects. He is passionate about designing and building high end yet affordable housing for various small animals, and his reverse stick hockey skills are second to none. When given half a chance, Rhys endeavours to find the tastiest offerings at different festivals around the country, and he enjoys travelling further abroad to immerse himself in other cultures, sample foreign cuisines, and appreciate different styles of architecture.
Erin Sullivan
Erin Sullivan has been the organisational heartbeat of Emerge Architecture since 2010. With a background in banking and business administration, Erin keeps the studio running smoothly—managing operations, supporting project workflows, and making sure the team delivers projects effectively.
Known for her sharp efficiency and compassionate approach , Erin is the go-to for everything from client coordination to team logistics—and she's not above bribing the crew with a well-stocked biscuit tin. She’s also the driving force behind the team’s participation in various sporting events (whether they like it or not).
Outside of work, Erin is a proud mum of three very tall children, a passionate gardener and home renovator, and an unshakeable Hurricanes fan—even when they test her loyalty. Her ability to juggle chaos with calm is matched only by her talent for keeping the wheels of Emerge turning with good humour and no-nonsense style.
Phil Stanfield
Phil Stanfield is the founder of Emerge Architecture (est. 2005), bringing over four decades of design experience to the practice. His career began in 1977 as a civil engineering draughtsman and highway designer before transitioning to architecture in the late ‘80s. By 1992, Phil had established himself as an independent architectural designer—and he hasn’t looked back since.
Phil has led the design of thousands of projects across New Zealand, with a passion for Kiwi architectural style, energy-efficient homes, and sustainable design principles. His design work has been recognised nationally, with 11 ADNZ Regional Design Awards and 2 National Awards, showcasing his creative depth and technical strength.
While no longer a Director within Emerge Architecture, Phil remains actively involved in the Emerge family and architectural community, mentoring the next generation and consulting on design projects with the Emerge Architecture team alongside Rhys.
Outside the office, Phil’s happiest exploring New Zealand’s great outdoors—tramping, kayaking, and camping with friends or relaxing at the beach with a fishing rod in hand. He and his wife Julie live on a lifestyle block in the Pohangina Valley, where they share their slice of paradise with Jordie the dog, a lively menagerie, and no shortage of garden projects. He’s also a keen traveller, always curious to discover new cultures, cuisines, and architectural influences that continue to shape his perspective on what makes New Zealand design truly unique.