Hi, I’m Terry - I work with architects and designers to build thriving team cultures, empower new leaders, and turn employee relations into a creative advantage, not an afterthought.
Give effective feedback
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Beat burnout
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Ask powerful questions
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Prevent bottlenecks
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Give effective feedback · Beat burnout · Ask powerful questions · Prevent bottlenecks ·
My Process
Most designers step into leadership without any real training in people management - and end up overwhelmed by the constant pull between projects and team issues. Leaders tend to spoon-feed solutions to teams, causing a bottleneck at the top, and ultimately, burnout.
I help leaders cut through the noise. As someone who lived it, I have learned first hand how to grow as a leader. By coaching leaders to embrace transparent communication, deep active listening, asking powerful questions, and delegating effectively, I equip them to guide their teams to solve challenges confidently - breaking the bottlenecks and burnout.
With better one-on-ones, stronger feedback loops, and clear performance systems, leaders stop hand-holding, teams start thinking independently, and knowledge flows freely.
The result: happier teams, stronger leaders, and a culture where creativity thrives.
My services
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Fractional Chief People Officer
I deliver high-impact people strategy without the cost of a full-time CPO. From organizational optimization and full-cycle recruitment to performance management and conflict resolution, I help you build a stronger, more effective and independent team.
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Change Management & Succession Planning
I design change management and succession strategies that prevent leadership bottlenecks, ensure upcoming talent have resources, and keep your organization running smoothly and sustainably for the long term.
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Leadership Coaching & Mentorship
I coach the coaches - training leaders to empower their teams while giving them the support, tools, and confidence to achieve their own career goals. With open and safe one-on-one conversations, I allow leaders to work out issues and build resilience.
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HRIS Implementation & Management
From third-party platforms to custom spreadsheets, I set up systems that keep all your HR data - vacation, salary, performance, and hiring tracking - in one place, complete with clear, actionable metrics.
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Employee Engagement & Relations
Your team is your greatest asset. I help you learn how to truly listen, tackle challenges head-on, and celebrate wins - creating a workplace where people feel heard, valued, and motivated.
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Full-Cycle Recruitment & Talent Management
AI can’t review portfolios and spot great design talent - or tell if they’ll thrive in your culture. I dig into your hiring needs to make sure you bring on talent, not trouble, all while handling the full journey from onboarding to offboarding.
Testimonials
My Clients
About me
My unique career has taken me from over two decades in architecture and design (including HLW, Zeidler, and AKB) to eight years as a Director of People & Culture at Norm Li.
I started as an architectural designer and illustrator, bringing creative visions of top firms to life. Over time, I realized the most successful projects depend on something much deeper: strong, healthy, and aligned teams.
That insight drove my shift into People & Culture. I’ve spent the last eight years building thriving cultures, empowering new leaders, and turning employee relations into a strategic advantage - across three countries.
With professional executive training from the Trusted Advisor Group (TAG) and Mental Health First Aid certification, I bring empathy, insight, and resilience to every challenge.
Today, I partner with creative leaders to ensure their teams aren’t just working - they’re thriving, innovating, and inspired to do their best work.