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meet the team.
Founding Director
Rob Uivel
Rob is the original Human Dynamo and founder. He's a skilled problem solver, with loads of experience in materials and processes. He has more than 30 years' experience in model making, film art department support, exhibition and industrial design.
He's also an industrial ceramics specialist and runs Lyttelton Pottery Ltd.
"You spend a lot of your life working. So it's best to make your work something you like doing." - Max Uivel
General Manager
Maxwell Uivel
Previously our Business Performance Manager, Max brings a hands-on, solutions-focused approach to the role of GM.
He works across client liaison and sales, analysing and communicating Human Dynamo's direction and performance, and helps the team stay agile as projects evolve. He also drives innovation and service development.
A University of Auckland graduate with a BE (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering, Max combines technical rigour with creative problem-solving.
Senior Designer & Maker
Joe Bridley
Joe leads our CNC Workshop and is an experienced industrial designer with strong expertise in fabrication, machine programming, 3D modelling and design. He programmes, runs and maintains our CNC machines, ensuring they’re set up to deliver precise, reliable results.
A natural problem-solver, Joe specialises in translating artistic concepts into buildable designs. He works directly with clients where needed and leads project teams from concept through to production.
Joe holds an Industrial Design degree from Massey University.
Intermediate Designer & Maker
Sam Forte
Sam works fluidly between the design studio and workshop floor, bridging physical and digital fabrication. He designs for CNC, processes 3D prints, and supports product design and development, bringing fast, intuitive CAD skills and strong conceptual thinking to each project.
A highly talented sculptor, Sam has a natural eye for form and detail. He joined Human Dynamo Workshop in 2022 after graduating with a Bachelor of Industrial Design (Hons) from Massey University.
Graduate intern
Tiara Malota (Ngāpuhi)
Tiara is of Māori and Samoan descent. Raised in Australia, she returned to Aotearoa in 2019.
A Spatial Design graduate from Massey University, she is deeply interested in storytelling through space, bringing narratives to life through art, design and whakairo. Her work is grounded in collaboration, working alongside contractors and communities to shape environments that reflect whakapapa and place.
This is her first role in the industry, where she is developing her practice at the intersection of design, culture and community. Alongside her work with us, she is currently studying full-time in te reo Māori immersion at Te Wānanga o Raukawa.
Accounts
Deb West
Deb is an independent bookkeeping contractor.
Her business Bookkeeping Plus has provided services for Human Dynamo since 2011.
Get in touch with Deb or any accounts enquiries.
Creative Director
Sue Dorrington
Sue shares the governance of Human Dynamo with Rob Uivel. She works on the company as well as witin the company on some projects.
She's a specialist in paint finishing and art direction, and is a talented artist, sculptor and conceptual thinker.
"Never stop looking." - Sue Dorrington
Production Manager
Matthew Houghton
Matt has a handle on everything happening in the workshop at all times. He brings together people, materials, expertise and planning to turn clients’ visions into reality.
With a background in fabrication and professional boat building, Matt has a strong passion and talent for making and creating. He specialises in project management and has leading expertise in composite, fibreglass and wood construction.
Senior Designer & Maker
Justin Bain
Justin is an Industrial Designer and CNC technician with a knack for getting machines to do the heavy lifting. He brings a wide range of making and fabrication skills to the workshop, from meticulous design and preparation of cut files through to operating CNC machinery and tackling specialist tasks in the metal shop.
Equally comfortable working independently or as part of a team, Justin takes ownership of projects, managing people, time and resources to deliver efficient, high-quality outcomes. He holds a degree in Industrial Design from Victoria University.
Designer & Maker
Pat Crowe Rishworth
An Industrial Design grad from Victoria University of Wellington, Pat has been part of the Human Dynamo team since 2020.
In 2022, he relocated to Egypt with his partner, spending four years travelling and designing and building high-end custom bike frames for Aotearoa cyclists. He rejoined the team in late 2025.
Pat specialises in designing for metal manufacture, and loves working with chromoly (chromium-molybdenum) steel. He brings a strong focus on usability and human-centred thinking, approaching projects as much through an anthropological lens as an engineering one.
Marketing
Emily Perry
Emily is an independent marketing and communications contractor. She's been working with us since 2025 and looks after all things marketing and PR.
She has worked with organisations of all sizes, from NZ startups to global enterprises, focusing on purpose-driven projects for social, cultural and environmental good. She is passionate about storytelling that reflects the energy, diversity and voice of Aotearoa NZ’s creative communities.
With a background in brand, digital marketing, community engagement and content strategy, Emily brings a practical, people-first approach to sharing our creative work.
our human dynamos, past and present.
Over the years Human Dynamo Workshop has employed many creative individuals with diverse talents and skills. Their integrity and passion has shaped our portfolios and reputation.
Many have gone on to become successful model makers, entrepreneurs and business owners in their own right. We would like to acknowledge and thank them all for putting a bit of themselves into the work produced here at Human Dynamo Workshop.
Interested in joining our team? Go to our careers page.
