Tom Webster (architect)
Tom Webster | |
|---|---|
| Born | Liverpool, England |
| Occupations | TV presenter, architect |
| Known for | Grand Designs New Zealand (2022–present) |
| Spouse | Anna Webster |
| Children | 2 |
Thomas John Webster is a British-born New Zealand architect and television presenter. He is best known for presenting Grand Designs New Zealand since 2022.[1]
Career
[edit]Tom Webster was born in Liverpool, grew up in Bath and studied architecture in Wales.[2][3] He worked in New Zealand in the late 2000s, then returned to the United Kingdom. He has previously worked for Google and at Windsor Castle.[4] After returning to New Zealand in 2016, he was a project architect with Cheshire Architects for the Hotel Britomart development.[5] He is a registered architect and now runs an architectural practice, focusing on domestic builds and renovations.[2][6]
Personal life
[edit]Webster lives on the North Shore of Auckland. He is married and has two sons.[3]
TV appearances
[edit]Chris Moller, the original presenter of Grand Designs New Zealand, decided to step away from that role after the sixth season.[4] Webster's role was first announced in February 2021, with Webster being quoted that “It was a great opportunity that came to me. Grand Designs was looking for a new presenter for a new era. I had a couple of auditions, and they seemed to like me.”[3][5]
It was intended that the seventh season, with Webster as the new presenter, would begin airing in early 2022. However, due to the effects of COVID-19, the first episode was not broadcast until October 2022.[2][5]
References
[edit]- ↑ Hawkes, Colleen (6 October 2022). "A grand passion for Kiwi designs". The Press. Christchurch, NZ: Stuff Ltd. p. 23.
- 1 2 3 Baillie, Russell (15 October 2022). "Man about the house". New Zealand Listener. Auckland, NZ: Are Media Ltd: 66. ISSN 2381-9553.
- 1 2 3 Hawkes, Colleen (5 October 2022). "Grand Designs NZ's new presenter Tom Webster 'accepted as a Brit with an accent'". Stuff. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
- 1 2 Bevan, Darren (3 February 2021). "Grand Designs New Zealand moves to TVNZ 1, new host Tom Webster to replace Chris Moller". Stuff. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
- 1 2 3 Hawkes, Colleen (4 February 2021). "New Grand Designs presenter: Who is Tom Webster?". Stuff. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
- ↑ "NZRAB – Mr Thomas Webster". New Zealand Registered Architects Board. Retrieved 1 March 2023.