About Us
Owner-James Birchall
James was born in New Zealand and after graduating High School completed an Engineering Trade before progressing into corporate positions, working as a Design Engineer and Project Manager. In 2006, James set off on his Overseas Experience, relocating to Ireland and spending time traveling Europe, experiencing different cultures, enjoying Europe’s rich history and site seeing, funded through various hospitality and general laboring roles.
James returned to New Zealand and completed an Associate's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, to continue his career path, where he spent the following 10+ years in various Engineering roles with significant project management responsibilities.
James in search of a new challenge, was given the opportunity in Estate Management, where he worked for a UHNW Private Family in the United States as an Estate Manager, looking after several properties on both the East and West Coast. Using this experience, James co-founded A1 Estate Management where you’ll find him today utilizing his Engineering background, implementing digitalized House Manuals, managing large scale projects and Maintenance planning for all residential assets.
Owner-Karla Chapman
Karla was born and raised on a dairy farm in a small country town of New Zealand. She obtained a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Human Resources, leading into a Chartered Accountant. Setting her sights on traveling the world she moved to London working in reputable organizations including Walt Disney and Live Nation.
Unable to contain her love for travel Karla made a bold transition into the adventures of Superyachts in the Mediterranean and South Pacific. Karla taught herself to cook, was a Chief Stewardess and was fortunate to be of service to Royalty, superstars, Forbes top 150 and UHNW families. Her passion for service and drive for new challenges brought her to America as an Estate Manager/Personal Assistant which was a significant career stepping stone as Karla learnt a wealth of knowledge and new skills which has laid the foundation for Karla's dream. This came to fruition when she co-started A1 Estate Management where her 'Jane of all trades' can be utilized across several clients.