Meet the team
We are a small team but we are dedicated.
John McMillan
Founder and Principal Designer
John McMillan is the founding director and principal designer of balancedesign ltd., a firm he established in 2007. His journey in the building and design industry began in 1990 when he started his building apprenticeship. By 1994, John had qualified as a carpenter and earned a trade certificate in carpentry.
Eager to expand his skills, John pursued an Advanced Diploma in Drafting (Architecture) while continuing to work as a carpenter. During his final years of study, he also worked as a technician for Massey University’s Department of Engineering and Construction, gaining invaluable experience.
After completing his studies, John spent seven years working with an architectural design practice, honing his skills and broadening his expertise. This hands-on experience set the stage for his next big step: in 2007, John decided to branch out on his own and founded balancedesign ltd. Since then, he has successfully completed a diverse range of projects, including both residential alterations and new residential buildings.
John's commitment to professional development is reflected in his Design 2 Licence Classification under the Licensed Building Practitioners scheme. He is also a professional member of ADNZ (Architectural Designers New Zealand), where he actively participates in events and stays up to date with new products and design trends.
With over three decades of experience in the building and design industry, John continues to lead balancedesign ltd. with a focus on delivering innovative, functional, and sustainable design solutions for his clients.
Alex Heijdenrijk
Designer and Architctural Technician
Alex is a 2020 graduate of the Diploma of Architectural Technology offered by the Wellington Institute of Technology. He began working with balancedesign in the beginning of 2021 and has become a valuable member of the team. Having had a background rich in a variety of employments and skill development, Alex took to digital design and draughting very quickly. A stint in 3D asset development for a game development organization, several years of building work and achieving a Certificate in Renewable Technologies from Southern Institute of Technology, all helped to form a solid foundation for a career as an Architectural Designer. Alex’s specialties include modelling existing buildings in accurate detail, including sites and landscaping, and constantly developing a drawing style and quality to meet the best in the industry. His personal interests tend towards Tiny Homes and Green/Biophilic Design; he’s exceptionally excited to start working on ecologically-minded projects and with greener technologies. Alex moved to the Coromandel Peninsula in early 2022, but continues to be part of the team remotely from his new home in Whitianga. With John’s help, he’s working towards his Building Practitioner’s License and is excited for where his career might bring him.
Hamish McLeod
Designer and Architctural Technician
With a professional background as a qualified builder, Hamish brings a hands-on perspective to the world of design. He received his carpentry qualification in 2017 and has worked in the industry for close to 10 years, at which point he decided to pursue a career in design. After completing the Diploma in Architectural Technology program at Open Polytechnic in 2023, Hamish began working at balancedesign in August of the same year. With a passion for both construction and design, Hamish offers a holistic approach to architectural projects, being able to blend his practical knowledge from years on the building site to any project he collaborates on. Outside of work Hamish enjoys spending time with his young family and exploring the relationship between architecture and construction through his own side projects. He is currently building a slide-on camper in his free time and looks forward to future renovation projects