Meet the Team

Open Lab is an ever-evolving team brimming with talent. We are staffed by design professionals, recent graduates and interns, with direct access to consulting academics from Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts.

Michael Kelly

Creative Director

Michael is our Creative Director with over 15 years of experience within the print and digital landscape and has worked for a number of Wellington's creative agencies. His advanced skill set includes championing, co-ordinating and establishing the design scope and strategic intent of each project while working closely alongside the Studio Manager to schedule and monitor all projects. He is responsible for leadership and mentorship of emergent designers, encouraging and guiding them as they strive for excellence in producing design solutions for both internal and external clients. Michael thrives on opportunities to innovate and transform curly conundrums into commonsense solutions.

Connah Hazelwood

Designer

Connah was talent-spotted and snapped up by Open Lab before she had even graduated from Massey University. Four years on, with industry experience added to that talent, she continues to impress, interpreting briefs into high quality design solutions. Her positive attitude and collaborative approach to working with both our clients and emergent designers makes her an empathic and flexible creative. She brings a sound understanding of many communication channels – print, digital, environmental graphics and more. Connah’s studies focused on social change and she continues to provoke people’s thoughts and perceptions through design.

Adrienne Potts

Studio Manager

Adrienne has been immersed in the design industry with over 30 years of experience, ranging from Advertising, Brand Development and Print Production. She led the studio at Aim Proximity for 6 years, moving on to Ocean Design Group before a stint in account management for a commercial printer. Realising she really missed being involved in the creative process, she's back in her comfort zone, in a busy studio. At Open Lab Adrienne is the glue that brings all our designers, students and academics together, managing the day to day runnings of the studio.

These are alumni and contributors who have worked with us over the years. We are proud of the emerging designers who are now making their mark on the industry. We think these are names to watch for in the future!