Tom Smythe — Electronics Technician & AV/Security Systems Installer

From 2017 to 2023, Tom co-owned and operated Av Architects Ltd, designing, selling, hiring and installing audio-visual, security and IT equipment for commercial, residential and industrial clients.

Earlier in his career, Tom worked as an AV technician for Ministry of Sound Ltd in London, installing, commissioning and maintaining nightclub and conferencing systems — including Crestron and BSS DSP control — as part of a kinetic light rig install team.

Tom brings more than 20 years' experience in live sound, events, audio production and engineering, including stage management for Bay Dreams Nelson and site management and H&S coordination for Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park, and has worked as a tutor at SIT.

Alongside his AV and security work, Tom runs an ongoing self-employed cellphone and computer parts repair and fault-finding business, started in 2015, and designs and installs networking and wireless infrastructure.

He handles his own health & safety documentation — job hazard analysis, site inductions and subcontractor safety paperwork — and owns his own test equipment, tools and access gear, so he arrives ready to work on any site.