MEET THE TEAM
Togetherness makes us stronger. Meet the extraordinary people behind your extraordinary architectural home.
CREATING SPACES THAT INSPIRE
JKL ARCHITECTURAL BUILDERS
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Kalem Uttinger
Building has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up working alongside my dad on our family lifestyle block, where I learned the value of hard work, attention to detail, and doing things properly the first time.
I’m passionate about quality craftsmanship, problem-solving, and creating homes that not only look exceptional, but genuinely work for the people living in them.
For me, building has never just been about construction — it’s about helping clients create something they’re proud to call home.
The JKL team
John Palareit
Background & Experience
I’m originally from Thornton and have been building for over 30 years. From a young age, I loved sketching buildings, drawing plans, and working with timber, which naturally led me into a career designing and building unique projects.
Favourite Part of the Building Process
I enjoy collaborating with others and seeing ideas come together through craftsmanship and precision.
My Specialty on Site
Precision work and detailed timber craftsmanship.
Life Outside of Work
Cycling, architecture, history, nature, and exploring new places on bikes.
Favourite Tool
Tape measure.
Jarni Miller
Background & Experience
i’m originally from Tauranga and have been building for around 4 years. I got into the trade because I wanted to be able to build my own house one day. Alongside being on the tools, I’ve also been helping develop a custom app for JKL to create a more tailored project management system for the team.
Favourite Part of the Building Process
I enjoy seeing the visual progress on site and watching a project come together over time.
My Specialty on Site
Straightening walls and working with Ecoply and weatherproofing materials. Management systems.
Life Outside of Work
Going to the gym. Working on custom coding & design projects
Favourite Tool
Paslode nail gun.
Stephen Greider
Background & Experience
I’m originally from Switzerland and have been building for around 12 years. Growing up on a farm meant I was always hands-on — fixing things, building, and learning how to work with tools from a young age.
Favourite Part of the Building Process
I enjoy seeing a finished project and being able to look back at what I’ve created or helped create. I especially enjoy the finishing stage and detailed work.
My Specialty on Site
Finishing and detail work.
Life Outside of Work
Mountain biking, free diving, hiking, and hunting.
Favourite Tool
Router.
Felix
Background & Experience
I’m from Tauranga and have been building for around 10 years. I’ve always enjoyed creating things and taking pride in my work, so building felt like a natural fit for me.
Favourite Part of the Building Process
I love seeing a work of art take shape from what starts as just a pile of raw materials. There’s nothing better than getting to the end of a project and seeing everything come together.
My Specialty on Site
Straightening walls, framing, and finishing lines.
Life Outside of Work
Spearfishing, fishing, and boating.
Favourite Tool
Track saw.
Joseph Wallace
Background & Experience
I’m originally from Papamoa and have been building for around 8 years. Apparently even at pre-school I was always grabbing the toy tool belt, so I think building came naturally to me growing up on a dairy farm and being around physical work from a young age.
Favourite Part of the Building Process
There’s something really rewarding about building because it challenges you both physically and mentally. I enjoy the process of planning, problem solving, and then executing work to a high standard. I especially enjoy seeing unique ideas and plans come to life.
My Specialty on Site
I’ve always enjoyed installing exposed plywood interior linings and detailed finishing work.
Life Outside of Work
Hunting, diving, spearfishing, and hanging out with my dog.
Favourite Tool
Track saw.
Daniel
Background & Experience
I’m originally from Beachlands and have been building for almost 10 years. I got into the trade because I loved the variety of work and the fact that every project teaches you something new.
My Specialty on Site
Finishing work, especially architraves, skirting, hanging doors, and timber cladding.
Life Outside of Work
Golf, woodworking, and free diving.
Favourite Tool
Thicknesser.
Aaron Holt
Background & Experience
I’m originally from Glenfield and have been building for around 10 years. I’ve always enjoyed hands-on work, problem solving, and seeing projects come together from start to finish.
My Specialty on Site
Straightening substrates and getting everything set up properly for the finishing stages.
Life Outside of Work
Surfing and skating.
Favourite Tool
Jigsaw.
Anthony
Background & Experience
I grew up mostly around the Kaimais and Matarangi. I got offered an apprenticeship with JKL a couple of years ago, but building has always been around me — my dad’s a builder by trade and built our family home, so I’ve always had an interest in it.
My Specialty on Site
I’d say I’m more of a generalist/support — I’ve got a bunch of random skills and enjoy helping make the people around me more effective.
Life Outside of Work
Reading, going to the gym, and hanging out with my dogs.
Favourite Tool
Probably my little Wolfbox air blower or my Makita multitool.
Isaac
Background & Experience
I grew up mostly around the Kaimai Ranges, as well as the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel. My father was a builder, but I didn’t get into building myself until I had the opportunity to start an apprenticeship with JKL two years ago.
My Specialty on Site
I’m pretty handy with a paint brush, and I’m usually the guy helping out whenever there’s a heavy lift involved 💪😉
Life Outside of Work
Art, the outdoors, and spending time with my three dogs — although they’re probably better suited to demolition than construction.
Favourite Tool
My adjustable square, closely followed by the skilly (circular saw).
Elizabeth Morell
Background & Experience
I’m originally from Rerewhakaaitu–Rotorua and started building around 8 months ago after helping my stepdad with projects around the house. I jumped at the opportunity to start a building apprenticeship with JKL.
My Specialty on Site
Straightening walls and installing exterior Eco Ply.
Life Outside of Work
Hiking, camping, mountain biking, travelling, and spending time outdoors.
Favourite Tool
Paslode nail gun.
Shania Miller
Background & Experience
I help keep the JKL sites clean, organised, and running smoothly so the team can focus on the build. At JKL, we take pride in maintaining immaculate sites, and I love being part of creating clean, tidy spaces that reflect the quality of work being done.
My Specialty on Site
I love keeping the site tidy, we get a lot of comments about how good our building sites look!
Life Outside of Work
Reading, gaming, cooking, walking my dog, and spending time outdoors.
Favourite Tool
Vacuum cleaner.
Lejahn
Background & Experience
I’m originally from Tauranga and while I’m not exactly on the tools every day, I help keep JKL running behind the scenes with all the admin — whether that’s making sure the team gets paid or sending out those pesky invoices.
My Specialty on Site
Chasing people up when invoices haven’t been sent through on time 🙂
Life Outside of Work
Snowboarding and spending a good day swimming at the river.
Favourite Tool
The big round blade drop saw thing — that goes hard.
Learn more about the JKL team here
Our Values
Excellence
We don’t cut corners. We raise the bar. From the foundation to the finishing line, we build with pride and precision so your home not only looks incredible but performs beautifully for decades to come.
Integrity
We do what we say we will. Always. No vague timelines. No half-truths. Just clear, honest communication and full accountability because trust is earned on every job.
Collaboration
We build better when we build together. Whether it’s working with your architect or coordinating trades on site, we value clear communication and strong partnerships from start to finish.
Sustainability
We think long-term. Always.
We’re thoughtful about materials, waste, and energy use - designing homes that are healthy, efficient, and built for the future.
Book a call
Our director, Kalem Uttinger, will personally conduct the session, which is normally valued at $300. However, we are offering the session FREE to people that are seriously considering building a dream home to help them make informed decisions towards the next step.
