biote : progressive design and web development

We believe in using good design for good intentions.
By applying this philosophy broadly, we've gained a wealth of experience using design and web to mobilise progressive ideas and causes. Social justice, the environment, sustainability, international development, public health, the arts, ethical business – just some of the areas our clients operate in. More about what we do

We deal with you directly and talk straight. We pride ourselves on being personable, reliable and cost-effective.

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Justin has almost 20 years experience working on social design projects alongside more traditional design and promotion. Versed in a wide range of media, from print, identity and promotions to web, multimedia and digital video, he has interests in social, environmental and cultural issues.

In New Zealand he has worked for a wide range of clients, from local government, government-funded agencies to NGOs, health promotion agencies and arts and culture organisations. In Australia he worked for an international educational publisher, and in the UK for a key international development agency as design and production manager.

He has been actively involved with organisations and networks promoting social justice and sustainability, as well as working in a voluntary capacity in community youth development as a counsellor and performance educator.

He has served as non-resident lecturer, tutor and examiner across a number of university design programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. He holds a post-graduate degree in communication design and a masters in cultural geography. His research interests include sustainability communications, collaborative creativity and design for social innovation.

Stuart is a trained electronics engineer and photographer, and manages the technical development of projects.

Well versed in both commercial and open-source web development technologies, Stuart has been developing web and database applications since 1995. Along with ASP and PHP, various database engines, and leading web servers, he has experience with open-source software such as Joomla CMS, virtueMart and osCommerce e-commerce systems, WordPress and Blogger, and SMF Forum. He has developed our custom-built Content Management System (BioteCMS) allowing us to provide clients a cost-effective customisable web solution.

Working as a photographer, Stuart's work has focused on cultural and indigenous issues. He has been a participant and documentor of a number of Hikoi, and has documented and written about Maori and Pasifika cultural arts. His work in Indonesia investigated traditional arts as well as investigating the notion of 'cultural portrait' within a globally knowledgeable society.

Stuart has been actively involved with organisations focused on social justice issues and arts promotion. As an active member of PhotoForum over the last 12 years he instigated the development of their website, a comprehensive portal for the NZ photographic community. He was instrumental in establishing the aid group Computers for East Timor, and has been involved with a number of Amnesty International campaigns.