From bespoke architectural homes to rural properties and thoughtful renovations, the Design Builders Manawatū/Horowhenua team is working across a diverse range of projects throughout the region.
We caught up with Managing Director Gareth Edwards and Operations Co-ordinator Alex Pedersen to find out what they’re working on, what clients are prioritising, and why being involved in the local community is so important to the team.
What kinds of homes are you working on at the moment?
We’ve been working across a diverse range of projects, from reimagining a 1980s home for modern living to creating a contemporary architectural residence with a moody media room.
We’re also working on an industrial barn-inspired home that incorporates reclaimed materials to create cosy, lived-in character, and a contemporary rural home with sympathetic timber cladding that sits comfortably within its natural surroundings.
How does the team approach designing a home around each client rather than working from a standard plan?
It all starts with getting to know our clients: what excites them, what makes them tick, how they spend their time and what they hope their new home will provide.
A standard plan doesn’t necessarily account for the personality of the people who will live in the home and often fails to respond to the opportunities and constraints of the site. When designing a home around the client, we’re considering the land, the surrounding environment, the way our clients live and the atmosphere they want to create.
Where possible, we like to meet clients in their existing home. This gives us valuable insight into what is and isn’t working for them, from the way spaces connect to the storage they need and the details they naturally gravitate towards.
It also helps us identify the small things that make them unique, whether that’s a passion for cooking, entertaining, collecting art, virtual golf or virtual clay target shooting.
Our role isn’t about imposing our ideas. It’s about listening, guiding and providing considered advice and solutions throughout the process. We encourage clients to share their ideas and be involved because the best results come from genuine collaboration.
Ultimately, the finished home should feel like a natural reflection of the people who live there.
What are clients prioritising in their homes at the moment?
In the Manawatū, a strong connection between indoor and outdoor living remains a key priority. While we certainly experience our share of memorable winds, our clients value being connected to nature and making the most of their surroundings.
This is reflected in the way we design living spaces that open naturally to outdoor areas, creating a sense of flow and extending the usable space of the home.
Flexible living is also becoming increasingly important. Many of our recent clients have incorporated dedicated home offices or adaptable workspaces to support changing work patterns. These spaces are designed to be practical and comfortable, with the flexibility to evolve as household needs change.
We’re also seeing clients think more about the long term. Family circumstances, work arrangements and lifestyle requirements can all change, so designing a home that can adapt over time is important.
Accessibility is another consideration. By thinking carefully about ease of movement, functionality and future needs from the outset, we can help ensure clients can remain in their homes for as long as possible.
For us, good design isn’t just about how a home looks today. It’s about how well it continues to support the people living in it for years to come.
You’re also very involved in the local Manawatū community. What have you been up to lately?
We regularly attend weekly meetings with the Feilding Business Initiative, a group of local businesses that come together to network, share knowledge and support projects that benefit the wider community.
Gareth is also a board member of Feilding District Promotion, an organisation focused on supporting Feilding and the surrounding districts through local business promotion, community initiatives and events.
We’re proud to support local sports teams and initiatives such as Tough Kid events, and we’re looking forward to getting behind the Feilding Colour Run next year.
Each year, we also enter a team in the Feilding Rural Days Gumboot Relay. It’s always a fantastic opportunity to get involved, get a bit messy, let off some steam and support a much-loved local event.
Why is being involved in the Manawatū community important to the team?
Community involvement is important to us because our business is built around people.
For us, it’s not about creating content or gaining exposure. It’s about neighbours supporting neighbours, taking part in local events and getting to know the people and businesses around us.
Building a home is an emotional and highly personal experience, and we value the trust our clients place in us. Supporting our community is a natural extension of that same people-focused approach.
What do you enjoy most about being part of a client’s build journey?
We love taking our clients’ ideas, imagination and dreams and turning them into something tangible.
Often, a project begins with a collection of thoughts, inspirations and possibilities. Being able to help shape those ideas and eventually see them come to life is incredibly rewarding.
We also enjoy the variety that comes with building bespoke homes. Every project presents a different challenge, whether it’s reimagining an existing property, incorporating reclaimed materials or exploring new techniques and ways of approaching a build.
It’s this variety that keeps things interesting and allows us to continually refine our craft.
What do you think makes the Design Builders experience different?
We believe the difference lies in the way we tailor the building experience to suit each individual client.
Some clients arrive with a clear vision and know exactly what they want us to deliver, while others prefer more support, guidance and collaboration throughout the design and construction process.
Our approach is to meet clients where they are. We take the time to understand their level of knowledge, priorities and expectations, then provide the advice and communication they need to make confident decisions along the way.
We’re also fortunate to have a trusted team of experts around us, including experienced consultants, designers, tradespeople and suppliers. Their knowledge and expertise play an important role in delivering a successful project.
If we don’t have the answer to a particular question, we won’t guess. We’ll draw on our network, seek the right advice and find a considered solution.
Ultimately, we want our clients to feel confident and supported throughout their building journey, knowing they have an experienced team working alongside them.
What’s one thing you think people don’t realise about the design and build process?
One thing people may not realise is that we offer a complete, end-to-end design and build service.
Our involvement can begin well before construction, helping clients find suitable land and understand the opportunities and constraints of a site.
From there, we can assist with architectural design and plans, coordinate building and resource consents, and manage the construction process.
We also provide support with interior design, material selections, landscaping and the many decisions involved in creating a cohesive home.
A key part of this is that our clients deal with the same person from concept to completion. Rather than having to repeatedly explain their vision and preferences to different teams, they have a consistent point of contact who understands their project.
Having everything connected through one team helps create continuity, makes communication more straightforward and allows us to guide clients through every stage.
From the ground up to the letterbox, we’re there to help build the dream.
Thinking about building in Manawatū or Horowhenua?
Whether you have a clear vision for your new home or are just starting to explore your options, our Design Builders Manawatū/Horowhenua team is here to help.
Book a Consultation with Design Builders Manawatū/Horowhenua
For further information:
Alex Pedersen
021 070 0061 | alex.pedersen@designbuilders.co.nz
Gareth Edwards
027 296 2589 | gareth.edwards@designbuilders.co.nz
