Every year, we bring our Design Builders team together for our annual conference, welcoming staff, regional owners and of curse our wonderful suppliers from across New Zealand.
This year, we gathered in Napier, a particularly special location for us, as it’s where Design Builders was founded nearly 35 years ago.
And we certainly packed a lot into two days!
Sharing Knowledge, Ideas and Inspiration
Our annual conference is an opportunity to come together, share knowledge and continue improving the way we design and build homes for our clients.
From sales sessions to design brief workshops focused on continually improving our clients’ design and build journey. With our own in-house architectural design team, we pride ourselves on bridging the gap between architect and builder, making the entire process as seamless as possible for our clients, all under one roof.
We also had business presentations and our regional design showcase, where each region shared a unique home design, with everyone voting for their favourite to crown our People’s Choice Design Award winner.
We hosted a fantastic supplier trade show, giving our team the opportunity to explore new products, materials and innovations.
An insightful panel discussion brought together our CEO, Andrew Price, Design Builders Taupō Regional Owner Matt Corleison, and Chris Booth from one of our national suppliers, ITM, to discuss the current building market, the design and build difference, and the role of AI in our industry.
Of course, it wasn’t all work! We also enjoyed an engaging guest speaker session and made time for some friendly competition with go-karting and paintball, giving everyone the chance to unwind and have some fun together.
Celebrating Our 2026 Award Winners
We wrapped up our conference with our annual Design Builders Awards, recognising the achievements, dedication and successes of our regional teams and people.
A huge congratulations to our 2026 award winners!
Core Values Award
Gareth Edwards (DB Manawatu) and Caleb Steunebrink (DB Taupō)
Recognising individuals who demonstrate the values at the heart of Design Builders.
People’s Choice Design Award 2026
Design Builders Wellington
Celebrating creativity, a home built around you and architectural design, as voted by our conference attendees.
10-Year Service Recognition
Mark Davidge (DB Wellington), Sarah Levasseur and Daniel Akkerman (DB Services)
Celebrating a decade of dedication and contribution to Design Builders.
Sales & Marketing Award – Sponsored by James Hardie
Design Builders Taupō
Operations Award – Sponsored by Resene Construction Systems
Design Builders Bay of Plenty
Strongest Growth Award – Sponsored by Resene
Design Builders Bay of Plenty
Business Excellence Award – Sponsored by Carters
Design Builders Taupō
Our highest honour, recognising the top-performing Design Builders region for outstanding overall business performance and excellence across all areas of the business.
Our annual conference is an important opportunity to bring our teams together, share knowledge and continue building on what makes Design Builders unique.
With teams across New Zealand, it’s this shared expertise, passion for design and commitment to our clients that helps us continue creating exceptional homes, each one built around the people who live in it.
Congratulations to all our 2026 Design Builders Award winners!
Thinking about building? Connect with your local Design Builders team and discover how we can help bring your dream home to life.
