About
Folio brings clarity and discernment, shaping how a business is understood by clients, collaborators, media, and specifiers.
We build reputational capital for brands of the built environment, by defining the narratives, proof points and marketing assets that build trust, visibility and desirability.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Humans thrive on great storytelling.
Stories inform.
Stories inspire.
Stories ignite.
We’ll help you tell the stories that move your market.
Who we are
DIRECTOR
Andrea Stevens (BArch)
Andrea was a registered architect before founding Folio in 2007 to bring a specialist eye to writing and editing for publications and businesses. Writing is her joy, and she now has over 20 years' experience in communicating complex topics to discerning audiences. She brings an articulate and values-led voice to brand communications. As an author of six high-end books, a finalist in the New Zealand Book Awards, and the writer for hundreds of editorial articles, websites, brochures and newsletters, she delivers quality and excellence to brands who appreciate the same.
In 2025, Andrea had the honour of receiving a President’s Award from Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects, in recognition of her work on the Auckland branch newsletter Kōrero and her support for the National Office’s communications.
She ensures precision, elegance and clarity in all communications. Like great architecture, quality writing and design need structure and style, function and beauty, proportion and balance. This is the philosophy and passion driving her studio.
Andrea is a New Zealand Book Awards finalist alongside academic Bill McKay for their Penguin 2015 title ‘Beyond the State: New Zealand State Houses from Modest to Modern’.
Our book Cape to Bluff Vol. 1 won a People’s Choice Award in the PANZ Book Design Awards 2023. Graphic design by Luke Scott, photography by Simon Devitt, text by Andrea Stevens and Matt Turner.
Our book Cape to Bluff Vol. 2 was announced a finalist in the 2026 Best Awards. Graphic design by Luke Scott and Sarah Gladwell, photography by Simon Devitt, text by Andrea Stevens.
A SPECIALIST TEAM
Anna Carlton
Anna is a Brand and Marketing Strategist. She finds the human story inside AEC categories and delivers across every channel: shaping strategy, websites, social, EDM and earned media, briefing photographers, managing designers and keeping every account moving.
Leanne Hodge
Leanne is an experienced project manager in the creative industries. She guides projects through each stage of our process: defining briefs, setting up interviews, managing reviews, proofreading, and keeping clients up to date with workflow.
Joy Mercado
Joy is an experienced producer who steers projects smoothly from start to finish. She assembles briefs, coordinates interviews, manages reviews and proofreads, keeping clients informed at every stage. She ensures programmes run to deadline.
Stella Murphy
Stella is our social media manager, responsible for creating visual assets and driving organic engagement. Currently pursuing videography and editing, she’s also honing her skills in copywriting and digital advertising.
OUR VALUES
-
We bring strategy and creativity together, shaping ideas that are both considered and compelling. Every output is grounded in purpose, aligned to goals and made to resonate.
-
Our quality and discernment differentiate us. We consistently apply our experience and perspective to shape the work, and ensure effort is focused where it has the greatest impact.
-
Our grounding in architecture and construction means we recognise nuance others miss. We connect technical detail with human value, translating expertise into stories that resonate.
-
We take responsibility for the result, not just the process. This means staying engaged, solving problems and ensuring the work delivers on its goals.
WHO WE’VE HELPED
PRODUCT SUPPLIERS
Glasscorp
Steel & Tube
NZ Safety Blackwoods
Autex Acoustics
Laminex
ASSA ABLOY
Advance Flooring
Bates Surfaces
Tarkett
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Architectus
Klein
WMK
Stevens Lawson Architects
Tonkin + Taylor
Frequency
The Project Office
Stephenson & Turner
ENGINEERING
Facteon
CNC Design
Rendertech
Tectonus
RML Engineering
BUSINESS & IT
Invest Auckland
JacksonStone
Insight Investor Relations
Cadpro
Olympic Software
Flock Consulting
Boxfish
Fusion5
Linearstack
CONTRACTORS
Seipp Construction
Symonite
ACMF
Black Interiors
Ecopod
Langford
Stryde
Practec
LEP Construction
INDUSTRY BODIES
New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA)
Designers Institute of NZ (DINZ)
NZ Association of Resource Management (NZARM)
Windows and Glass Association of NZ (WGANZ)
PUBLIC SECTOR
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited
Climate Connect Aotearoa
Auckland Council
Diversity Works NZ
WHO WE SUPPORT
OUR METHODOLOGY
Reputation and influence are founded on clear, considered and detailed communication. Our four-part framework guides marketing decisions in the architecture, engineering and construction sectors, and is grounded in research and editorial craft.
-
Map the market and competitive landscape. Define the territory you claim authentically to stand out in your category.
-
Capture the culture and positioning of your business. Articulate your purpose, values, strategic messaging and ethos.
-
Plan updates to website, case studies, founder profiles, core editorial and technical assets.
-
Reputation is built over time. Ongoing editorial and messaging deepens authority with specifiers, influencers and buyers across each channel.
TESTIMONIALS
‘I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Andrea and the team at Folio. Andrea is an absolute professional, extremely accurate and detailed. She was readily able to add value and provide advice to ensure our deliverable was produced in the most professional manner.’
Jaclyn Philpott
Marketing Manager for economic development at Auckland Unlimited
‘You’re one of our best writers and continuously send us stellar-quality story ideas and written content, which we value greatly.'
Alice Blackwood, Editor
Indesign magazine, Sydney
‘We see all sorts of writing come across our desks and you are insightful, articulate and precise. I enjoy this very much. We put huge effort into our own work, and are grateful that you have taken such pains over your own craft.’
Nat Cheshire
Cheshire Architects, Auckland