As we approach the end of 2024, I find myself reflecting on the year with gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead. It’s been a year of transition and growth, and I’m eager to share some positive developments that we’re seeing both in our industry and at Design Builders.
A Turning Tide: Renewed Confidence in the Market
There’s a palpable shift in the air. We’ve largely weathered the storm and are now seeing clear signs that the market is turning. As we emerge from the bottom of the cycle, there’s a renewed sense of confidence not just in our industry, but in the broader economic outlook.
This upswing isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet; it’s about the renewed energy and optimism we’re seeing in our clients, our partners, and our communities. It’s a reminder that cycles come and go, but our collective resilience and vision for the future remain constant.
The BBQ Barometer: Seizing Opportunities Early
With the summer season upon us and many of you spending more time around the BBQ, I’m curious – what are you hearing? In New Zealand, we often joke that some of the best business insights come from conversations over a sizzling grill. When you start hearing chatter about market trends or investment opportunities at these gatherings, it’s a sign that awareness is growing. But here’s the million-dollar question: is it time to act?
It’s crucial to remember that by the time these topics become common BBQ banter, the prime window for action may be closing. At Design Builders, we pride ourselves on anticipating market shifts and acting decisively. This foresight has allowed us to expand into new markets at just the right moment, positioning us for growth as the market turns upward.
So while you’re enjoying those summer get-togethers, keep an ear out. The best opportunities often present themselves before they become common knowledge. If you’re hearing positive whispers about the housing market, it might just be the perfect time to start turning your dream home into a reality.
Expanding Horizons: Design Builders in the South Island
I’m thrilled to announce that Design Builders has been steadily expanding its footprint across the South Island! In addition to Canterbury, we’re now building stunning, bespoke homes in Wanaka, Cardrona, and Nelson. This expansion is more than just growth for our company – it’s about bringing our unique design and build offering to even more New Zealanders.
Our success in the South Island reflects the strength of our established North Island regions. By leveraging over 30 years of experience and best practices from our network, we’ve ensured a smooth transition into these new markets.
The resounding success of our first South Island office in Canterbury, led by Kaye, Alex, and Paul Caddick, exemplifies this collaboration. Their commitment to creating homes that clients are “proud of and love” embodies the Design Builders ethos. With the support of our North Island partners, they’ve delivered high-quality homes that uphold our reputation.
Their achievements at the national House of the Year awards—securing Gold, a Category Win, a place in the top100, and most recently, winning the National Category Award for our first show home in the South—highlight what we can accomplish together. As we continue to grow, we’re excited to bring the Design Builders difference to even more communities while maintaining the high standards and personalised service that have defined us for over three decades.
Building Mental Toughness: The Power of Health and Exercise in Business
In our demanding industry, mental resilience is as crucial as physical blueprints. At Design Builders, we understand how physical health contributes to mental wellbeing and business success.
Regular exercise isn’t just about staying fit; it builds the mental toughness needed to navigate challenges. Whether it’s a morning run or an evening yoga session, physical activity helps clear our minds and improve decision-making.
Many of our business owners have their own unique approaches to health and wellbeing—some quite extreme! From hunting to coast-to-coast marathons and mountain biking, our team pushes boundaries in their personal lives just as they do in their professional work. I encourage you to ask them about their routines – you might be surprised and inspired by what you hear!
I like to see health and wellness prioritised across our entire team because when we take care of ourselves, we’re better equipped to serve you. So, when you choose Design Builders as your design and build partner, know that you’re in good hands – not just in terms of our building expertise but also our commitment to maintaining the mental and physical resilience needed to bring your vision to life.
Looking Ahead: A Future Filled with Opportunities
As we look toward 2025 and beyond, I invite you to embrace the opportunities ahead. If you’ve been dreaming about your perfect home or considering building options over the New Year, now is an excellent time to start planning!
If you have any questions or ideas you’d like to explore, please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself or our teams around the country– we’d love to hear from you!
Wishing you all a safe and fun holiday season filled with many good chats around the bbq 😊
Warm regards,
Andrew Price
CEO, Design Builders
