TimberSpan is pleased to welcome Theo Chevalley to the team, joining us from Switzerland as part of his internship in wood construction.
At 23 years old, Theo has already built a strong connection to craftsmanship, nature and hands-on work. He comes from Rivaz, a small village on the edge of Lake Léman in Switzerland, where he grew up in a family winery in the Lavaux vineyards – a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its steep terraces, lake views and long tradition of skilled work.
That early exposure to practical, detail-focused work has helped shape Theo’s interest in timber construction.
Theo is currently studying towards a Professional Bachelor in Wood Construction, a programme that covers the full journey of a timber project, from client relationships and sales through to design, production, site management, and the technical and financial details that sit behind the build.
For Theo, timber construction is an industry with a big future. “I believe the timber construction industry has a huge future ahead, especially with the need for more sustainable building solutions,” he says.
It is that future-focused mindset that brought Theo to TimberSpan. After hearing about the internship opportunity through the timber construction industry in Switzerland, he decided to take on the challenge of travelling to the other side of the world
New Zealand offered the chance to experience a new language, climate, landscape and way of working – along with the adventure of stepping completely outside his comfort zone.
Coming from a village beside Lake Léman, Theo has already noticed one major difference between home and New Zealand.
“The Pacific Ocean is a bit bigger than Lake Léman,” he laughs.
During his time at TimberSpan, Theo is especially interested in learning more about the factory side of the business, including how large LVL wall systems and timber structures are designed, produced and managed. He hopes to gain a deeper understanding of mass timber projects, improve his English, and build practical experience that will support his future career.
He is also looking forward to working closely with the TimberSpan team.
“The team has a positive mindset – and of course, a very cool accent,” he says.
For Theo, the internship is about more than technical learning. It is also about adapting to change, experiencing a new culture and developing confidence in a different working environment.
“I think the most important skill for the future is the ability to adapt to change,” he says. “Moving alone to the other side of the world and working in a new culture is a great way to develop that mindset.”
Outside of work and study, Theo enjoys spending time outdoors, whether that is in the mountains, on the water or with friends. He is passionate about skiing and surfing, and one of his goals while in New Zealand is to ski in the Southern Alps.
Food-wise, Theo has been enjoying New Zealand’s fresh fruit, but there is one Swiss classic he is definitely missing: fondue.
“I would pay a lot for one right now,” he says. “It’s basically a pot of melted cheese where you dip bread using long forks.”
We are excited to have Theo with us in Hawke’s Bay and look forward to seeing him learn, grow and make the most of both the work experience and life in New Zealand.
