Meet Janelle and Lewis

As the UK market for Abodo eco-timbers extends and develops, Janelle Wynyard and Lewis Marshall are working together to support local distributors and extend the Abodo offering.

Abodo timbers are proving appealing for those from this part of the world. Rather than opt for old growth timbers, which are associated with habitat loss, many UK residents and architects are looking for sustainable alternatives derived from Forest Stewardship Council® certified, rapidly renewable forests.

With Lewis working as UK Area Manager on the ground in England and Janelle taking on the role of UK Specification and Education Manager from New Zealand, the pair are growing the brand’s reputation across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Janelle came to her role after many years’ experience working with both architects and building product suppliers through the founding of CPD platform, Teulo.

Armed with entrepreneurial spirit, Janelle’s first three months in the position saw her hard at work developing the first ‘Designing for a Better Tomorrow’ CPD webinar series for the UK and a bespoke Sip and Sketch event, which brought together over 40 architects and featured key industry leaders as speakers.

For Janelle, there is a real satisfaction to be found in creating events and products that people love, and in forming communities through mutual interest.

After several years at Abodo New Zealand, Lewis made the move to England in mid 2024, bringing with him an impressive wealth of technical product knowledge and product expertise. He is enjoying creating and maintaining relationships with local architects and builders.

He credits Abodo’s nurturing environment for helping him develop professionally, and for enabling him to handle public speaking on a daily basis. One of his proudest achievements is presenting to architects on a global scale, at an event with over 200 attendees.

Both Lewis and Janelle are quick to state that for them, the future of wood is Abodo.

For Lewis, this is due to the increasing recognition of timber as a carbon store, as well as Abodo’s high-performance and durability qualities. Janelle feels passionate about Abodo’s careful use of rapidly renewable species and the preservation of old growth timbers. They share a mutual vision and responsibility within the built environment industry to ensure the planet and the next generation are well looked after.

In terms of out-of-hours interests, both frequent the gym regularly for its mental and physical health benefits. Janelle loves quality time with her son, who has big sporting dreams that she is helping to nurture and fulfil, and with her husband, who she works with to create clothing and skate deck designs, which they sell at local markets. Living close to the beach in Mangawhai, north of Auckland, she loves the fresh air and energy the sea brings.

Lewis also loves to get out into nature to recharge and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. With his new life in England, he appreciates the opportunity to reconnect with extended family in the area, after many years living on the other side of the world.

If you have any questions for this formidable UK team, please don’t hesitate to drop either Janelle or Lewis an email.