When Gareth Edwards joined Design Builders and set up the Manawatu region, he knew it was the right time in his career. Over a decade later, the business enjoys a reputation for creating exciting one-off homes. We talked with Gareth about his work, clients, community, and why now is the perfect time for New Zealanders to be building again.
Gareth, you already had plenty of industry experience before you made the leap and became a Design Builders partner. What attracted you to Design Builders?
Design Builders approached me. When the call came through, I was on the tools; the timing aligned with the site and my schedule, so I agreed to meet. After meeting the Design Builders CEO and seeing his energy and vision, I was intrigued by what they were doing. I thought about it and realised it was a chance to grow, expand my knowledge, and be part of something bigger for my family. I was also 36, and the timing and opportunity seemed right.
From there, you set up the Design Builders Manawatu office?
Yes. It all began right at the start of 2011. We launched Design Builders Manawatu at the Central Districts Field Days in March of that year and opened our office in Feilding. So, it’s 13 years so far!
Tell us what you think is different about Design Builders Manawatu.
There are two of us in the office, and we do everything from initial meeting and marketing to sales, project management, and after-sales service. By being involved in every aspect, it gives the client one line of accountability, ensuring each project runs smoothly and meets our clients’ expectations. The great thing is that we can really get to know our clients, understand their preferences, and create an experience that is unique to them.
What do you find most enjoyable and rewarding about your job?
Making people happy and bringing their dreams to life. I don’t get a big buzz out of making a sale. But I do get a big buzz out of seeing someone happy in their house months later. I really like seeing things that they dreamed about at the start becoming a reality. Whether that’s a little office nook or an outdoor fire, whatever they want. And when we nail it and they’re happy, that makes us happy. When clients greet you years later with a hug, that’s a testament to the trust and friendships we build.
Is there such a person as ‘a typical client’?
Well, not really. Our clients have ranged from young first-time homeowners to retirees in their 80s. I think my oldest client was 86. Generally, they’re people who are maybe a little bit older, a bit later on in life. At the same time, we work with a very broad range of clients from all walks of life. We can be creating a home for a hill country farmer one week and then, say, a doctor in the city the next. Very different, yet they each bring their unique requirements and visions.
Gareth, once a client says, ‘yes, I want Design Builders Manawatu to create a home,’ what happens then?
We start by developing a design brief. To understand their lifestyle and preferences, we like to go to the client’s home. We find that some people will be very detailed and they’ll have a lot of ideas. They might have a Pinterest page or a scrapbook, and they’ll know what they want. Others will be less specific. For them, we have to tease the brief out. Do they have particular hobbies or interests? Is there going to be a golf cart in the house? Is there going to be a quad bike in the shed? We’ve even got a lift going in a home at the moment! We try and learn as much as we can. Like we say, ‘it’s a home built around you,’ so we need to learn about you.
How do you take it from that to a finalised design and then the finished home?
We’ll go through several iterations of floor plans, elevations, and 3D colour renderings. We involve clients in every decision, from kitchen designs to flooring, ensuring the final design reflects their vision. Once the design is finalised, we manage the build, keeping clients informed and involved throughout the process. During the build, we encourage clients to visit the site and communicate any questions or changes they might want to make. We’re flexible and willing to make changes during the build to ensure they’re happy with the final product. It’s all about creating a home that truly fits their needs and desires ‘For every one of a kind.’
Quality is a priority focus for Design Builders. How do you achieve those standards consistently?
Every time we go on-site or during the design, we’re always looking critically, always trying to improve. Whether that’s our techniques, painting, or construction, we’re always trying to learn and keep up-to-date. And we’ve got a core team of subbies that we’ve used for years, who know the standard. If I turn up on-site and I think the wall wasn’t perfect before the GIB went on, we’re not afraid to pull something apart to make it right.
Are you finding that more and more clients want interior design as part of the service?
Yes. Alex, who works with me, is a qualified interior designer and colour consultant. Between her design expertise and my building background, we’ve got a lot of the bases covered in one office. It’s another important part of what we offer. We also believe it is important as early as the design stage to meet some of our key subbies and suppliers, so the clients are given key advice to make informed decisions and build upon the relationships we value. Most of our clients are visual and appreciate seeing samples, colours, and wallpapers so they can start to visualise how the interior will look.
What’s your favourite part of the process?
It’s the final handover when we give the client the keys. I’m a ‘people pleaser,’ and it’s always great to see that the client is happy and excited to move in and start enjoying their new home!
You’re a strong believer in supporting the community in which you work. Can you tell us about that?
One of our business pillars is ‘community pride.’ So we do like to get involved in giving back to our community. This has been in the form of supporting fundraising events for schools and local organisations. We have also sponsored rugby teams and other organisations. I’m on a local community board that organises events, from Rural Day and Local Business Awards to the Christmas Parade. I get a bit of a kick out of it, and giving something back to the community will always be very important to us.
Finally, if someone is thinking about building, what is your advice to them?
I would say to them, ‘now is the perfect time to build.’ There are a few reasons for that: Architects and draughtspeople are available. The supply chain issues from the COVID-19 era have also eased, making it easier to source materials. Crews are also available. People are going to get a bit more Rolls-Royce treatment compared with the last couple of years when the industry has been extremely busy. It’s the perfect time to get things moving.
If you’d like to know more about a home designed around you, whether in the country or in town, please get in touch with the Design Builders team.
