Chessa has been actively involved in building projects since her childhood, growing up in homes that were always “a work in progress”, and completing a variety of private residential projects while studying.

After graduating from Victoria University of Wellington with a BArch and BA, Chessa worked in a mid-sized architecture and engineering practice where she was made an Associate within three years.  She became a Registered Architect in 2012.

Chessa’s time in practice allowed her to build solid set of foundation skills, including: a sound knowledge of the Building Code and legislation relating to building and construction; running and resourcing projects; and the ability to deliver to expectant clients. She has worked on a variety of commercial and institutional projects, which have ranged in size and budget. However, her passion has always been heritage building conservation.

In 2013 Chessa moved to the UK to undertake an MA in Conservation Studies at the University of York. This course was the first of its kind to be established in the UK, and is renowned worldwide for providing a blend of academic study focussed on the issues surrounding historic building conservation and use, and practical experience.   Chessa’s MA dissertation, Developing an Earthquake Response Framework for Historic Buildings in Aotearoa New Zealand, was awarded the Duncan Gillard Memorial Medal for best Conservation Studies dissertation at the University of York in the 2013-14 academic year. During her time in the UK, Chessa also undertook a work placement with Purcell, a practice specialising in conservation architecture and heritage consultancy.

Chessa now practises as a heritage architect in Wellington specialising in the conservation, restoration, renovation and adaptive reuse of historic and character buildings.