Celebrating International Women’s Day

At Warren and Mahoney, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to fulfill their potential. To support and celebrate International Women's Day, we introduce a few of the many talented women at WAM, who share some of their greatest achievements, sources of inspiration, personal journeys, and the wisdom that has guided them throughout their careers.

Atefeh Zohourian - Senior Associate, Melbourne

What achievements are you most proud of?

Personally, I’m most proud of successfully managing a work-life balance while raising a toddler and working full-time. It’s a challenge, but with the support of my family, we’ve navigated it well over the past two years. Professionally, I’m proud of taking over a project in its final documentation stages and continuing through site observation, ensuring a smooth transition and successful progress. The strong bond we’ve built within the project team has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve also enjoyed mentoring younger team members, guiding the team, and fostering alignment by ensuring everyone has the same level of insight and perspective. This has helped create a more cohesive and collaborative work environment. I’m also looking forward to starting my asset management course, which I hope will allow me to bring even more expertise to the practice.

Who has inspired you throughout your life or career?

I find inspiration in all the women in our industry, each with their own journey and impact. Rather than limiting myself to specific role models, I prefer to keep an open mind and learn from everyone I come across. I’m always curious about people’s paths—how they got to where they are today and the experiences that shaped them.
This mindset has helped me grow both personally and professionally, as every story offers a lesson or perspective worth considering.

Outside of working at WAM, what brings you the most joy?

Spending time with my daughter brings me the most joy—watching her grow and experience the world is incredibly rewarding. I also enjoy connecting with people beyond work. Getting to know colleagues and professional connections outside of projects is fascinating, as it allows us to share perspectives and build more meaningful relationships. Beyond that, I find great satisfaction in tackling complex problems and pushing myself with new challenges, whether in work or personal growth.

What’s one piece of wisdom that has guided you in your life and career?

Growth often comes with discomfort - when you feel challenged or stretched, it’s a sign that you’re gaining something meaningful. Staying in your comfort zone won’t push you forward. I’m reminded of Zaha Hadid’s words: 'There are 360 degrees, so why stick to one?' Her approach to constantly pushing boundaries in architecture reflects the idea that embracing challenges leads to progress, both in design and in life.

What advice would you give to young women pursuing their dreams and careers today?

Embrace challenges and step outside your comfort zone - true growth comes from pushing through difficulties. When things feel tough, it often means you're gaining something valuable. Never be afraid to ask 'silly' questions or challenge the norm. Pushing boundaries and seeking clarity are how we innovate and grow. No one should judge you for that, and if they do, it shouldn’t hold you back. The people who truly matter will value your curiosity and drive. Stay open-minded and learn from everyone you meet. Every person has a unique story, and understanding different perspectives will broaden your own. Most importantly, believe in your own path. Success isn’t about following a fixed route - it’s about adapting, learning, and staying resilient in the face of challenges.
 

Nafeesa Shah - Sustainability Specialist

What achievements are you most proud of? 

One of my most recent achievements is completing my masters degree in architecture and graduating! It was a long and challenging journey, but also incredibly rewarding. I got to explore new ideas, push my creative boundaries, and meet some amazing people along the way.

Who has inspired you throughout your life or career?

My great-grandmother (Nani) has been one of my biggest inspirations. She was my greatest advocate, encouraging me in all my personal and academic pursuits. She truly embodied the belief that anything is possible. Growing up in a small rural village in Fiji and later making a life in New Zealand, she showed incredible strength and perseverance. No matter the challenges she faced, Nani always had a smile on her face. Her optimism and resilience continue to inspire me every day.

Outside of working at WAM, what brings you the most joy?

Spending time with my family, travelling, going on hikes and enjoying some great food! I also love staying busy with different hobbies like pottery, gardening, and reading.

What’s one piece of wisdom that has guided you in your life and career?

“What’s meant for you will always find a way to you.” This mindset has helped me to stay patient and trust the process, even when things don’t go as planned. It reminds me that hard work, resilience, and trust in myself will always lead to the right opportunities.

What advice would you give to young women pursuing their dreams and careers today?

Believe in your voice, trust your abilities, and don’t be afraid to take up space. The journey may not always be easy, but every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you, and remember that your perspective and contributions are valuable. Believe in yourself and keep pushing forward because you are more capable than you know!
 

Isobel Nash - Interior Designer, Christchurch

What achievements are you most proud of?

I have been my own driver; worked hard and pushed myself out of my comfort zone to become skilled at my craft.

Who has inspired you throughout your life or career?

The many strong women in my life and community. Often, I am inspired by even their smallest acts of bravery, compassion or creativity and find these make a huge impact on my own mentality.

Outside of working at WAM, what brings you the most joy?

Adventuring! Exploring different natural/built environments and cultures.

What’s one piece of wisdom that has guided you in your life and career?

With perseverance, you can achieve whatever you set your mind to.

What advice would you give to young women pursuing their dreams and careers today?

You are your own best advocate, back yourself! 
 

Teiria Harrison - Studio Manager, Sydney

What achievements are you most proud of?

One of my proudest achievements is building a strong foundation for myself while balancing a demanding career. Navigating the architecture industry from an operations, finance and “outside looking-in” perspective has allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the success of those around me. I take pride in being able to support the creative process behind architecture by ensuring the business and social side runs smoothly.

Who has inspired you throughout your life or career?

I’m inspired by the women around me – friends, family, colleagues, and mentors, who are all figuring things out in their own way. The ones who set boundaries, advocate for themselves and others, and make bold choices even when it’s uncomfortable. I’m lucky and proud to be surrounded by women, both at WAM and in my personal life, who empower each other every day.

Outside of working at WAM, what brings you the most joy?

I love the challenge of bringing order to chaos, whether that’s planning an event, optimising my daily routine, or streamlining a process to make life easier. I take great pride in making things run smoothly and finding creative ways to solve problems. I get a lot of joy from seeing a plan come together, especially when it makes life easier for me or the people around me.

What’s one piece of wisdom that has guided you in your life and career?

Denise Scott Brown once said, "You cannot separate the social aspects from the physical aspects of design." That reminds me that every job - whether in architecture, operations, or finance - affects real people in real ways. It’s helped me stay grounded in the idea that even behind-the-scenes work has an impact on how people experience the world.

What advice would you give to young women pursuing their dreams and careers today?

Don’t wait until you feel 100% ready—just start and trust yourself to learn as you go. Speak up, take up space, and remember that your perspective is valuable, even if you’re still figuring things out. Success isn’t about following a set path; it’s about creating one that feels right for you
 

Aggy Jeon - Architectural Technician, Queenstown

What achievements are you most proud of?

As an international woman from South Korea, I’m proud that I have always been open to new experiences and stepping outside of my comfort zone. I made the most of every opportunity that came my way, worked hard and poured my youthful energy and passion into achieving my dream career.

Who has inspired you throughout your life or career?

My biggest inspiration is my mum. She was a stay-at-home mum for over 10 years, but when I was 12, she went through a divorce and moved to New Zealand on her own. At over 40 years old and with limited English skills, she fearlessly started a new life, working various jobs – from a bakery and a two-dollar shop to being a dormitory supervisor and a barber. Eventually, she earned her residency and was finally able to bring me to New Zealand. She is my true hero, showing me that anything is possible if you believe in yourself.

Outside of working at WAM, what brings you the most joy? 

Snowboarding, drawing and painting. I believe in the importance of having hobbies in life, and I’m grateful to have found passions that truly resonate with me – ones I can continue enjoying even when I’m 70 years old.

What’s one piece of wisdom that has guided you in your life and career?

No one is good at everything, and that’s okay. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, but instead of feeling frustrated about your weaknesses, embrace them. With time and repetition, you will improve. I once asked my dad, “Dad, I’m so bad at presentations in school. How can I get better?” And he simply said, “If you do 10 presentations, your 10th presentation will be better than your first.” That advice has stayed with me ever since.  

What advice would you give to young women pursuing their dreams and careers today?

Find what you love and commit to it for at least 10 years – I truly believe in the power of repetition. Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you, and always practice gratitude, including towards yourself. 
 

Peta Nichols - Principal, Auckland

What achievements are you most proud of?

Getting things done and balancing the chaos of life (just). In the past five years I’ve led some large-scale projects in London, renovated and sold two of my own homes, welcomed two daughters, moved back to New Zealand , and now, as a Principal at WAM, I’m working on some amazing projects.   

Who has inspired you throughout your life or career?

This changes constantly, but at the moment it is my sisters and my friends. We all face similar and different challenges balancing home life and careers, but we are all there to support each other. 

Outside of working at WAM, what brings you the most joy?

Seeing my daughters be excited by simple things in life, and probably more selfishly, going for a walk along the beach before they wake up. 

What’s one piece of wisdom that has guided you in your life and career?

Every opportunity is a learning opportunity. 

What advice would you give to young women pursuing their dreams and careers today?

Keep moving forward, even if the path isn’t always clear. Sometimes, not knowing exactly where you are going, or why, can be part of the journey.