Chessa Stevens WELLINGTON

Chessa is a Conservation Architect specialising in assessment, preservation, restoration, management and maintenance planning for heritage and historic structures.

Her passion for heritage conservation has always driven her career goals, working for several years in New Zealand and registering as an architect with the NZRAB before undertaking a Masters in Conservation Studies (Historic Buildings) at the University of York, UK.

After returning to New Zealand, she established an independent heritage consultancy, and later joined WSP (formerly Opus International Consultants) as the company’s sole designated built heritage specialist, managing a national portfolio of projects. She has since built up a team of heritage experts across the motu in her role as WSP’s National Built Heritage Lead and Technical Principal. Through her own practice and partnership with Rare Buildings, Chessa also conserves, restores and adapts residential heritage.

Chessa has been on the Board of ICOMOS Aotearoa New Zealand since 2016, and was Co-secretary from 2017 to 2023. She is a member of the Legislation & Policy Committee and is assisting with the development of ICOMOS Aotearoa New Zealand’s first mentorship programme.