102 | BUILDING David Brown Building T T Sue Russell Committed to beautiful craftsmanship A mix of larger, longer term projects peppered with smaller jobs keeps the team busy. “For us currently the focus is not so much on new builds, but upgrades and the like, which provides my apprentices with lots of opportunities to figure things out and deal with the unexpected. It’s a valuable learning environment.” In 2019, when Whanganui builder David Brown made the decision to step out on his own he was driven by the vision to offer clients a really positive experience through the build process. That decision was the right one to take then and, by simply focussing on having good outcomes at each step along the building journey, he’s gathered a reputation for solid, honest work. “I was on my own for the first six months and then brought on a couple of staff. Today I’ve got five really good team members on board, three qualified and two apprentices and that’s a good mix,” David says. Though the apprenticeship pathway has evolved, David says, it’s a good system, ultimately requiring the owner to sign off competency across a raft of building skills. “I think the balance of online learning and then demonstrating capability works well and delivers competent builders, though the training doesn’t prepare you for running your own business; that’s another set of skills entirely.” At any given time, the mix of larger, longer term projects peppered with smaller jobs keeps the team busy. More recently, a substantial renovation was nearing completion, with another house upgrade also underway. “For us currently the focus is not so much on new builds, but upgrades and the like, which provides my apprentices with lots of opportunities to figure things out and deal with the unexpected. It’s a valuable learning environment.” And looking ahead David says some very good projects are coming up. Specialising in heritage restoration and high quality renovations, David Brown Building works across the region, from Ratahi, through to Ruapehu and South of Whanganui. The business has picked up its share of industry awards along the way and David says, in terms of scale, he’s happy with the current size. “It means we can have several projects running alongside each other and that gives me the certainty that there’s sufficient work to engage all the team. I’m pleased with where we’re at after seven years in this business.” David is a Licensed Building Practitioner and Master Builder, offering clients the peace of mind that the work will be done right the first time. “I place a great deal of importance on meeting and exceeding clients expectations by delivering top quality building skills coupled with strong ongoing communication throughout a project. That way, if something does crop up, it’s easily worked through with the best possible outcomes.” Asked about a highlight so far, David says receiving an industry award for a Passivhaus House near Whanganui, crafted from strawbales, was a unique and engaging experience. “Our clients philosophy perfectly aligned with ours, where true craftsmanship, attention to detail and taking the time to get things right were top priorities,” David says. Martins Farmhouse, won the coveted housing section of the NZIA Western Architecture Awards last year and showcased what’s possible when a project is guided by a strong philosophy bent around sustainable materials, a simple and practical design and a commitment to beautiful craftmanship throughout. “It was a great project to undertake, something quite unique and an absolute pleasure to build.” DESIGNED FOR LIFE Nulook™ Windows & Doors Wanganui is a local ly owned proud fami ly business providing the greater region wi th qual i ty Aluminum joinery for over 30 years. Proudly support ing David Brown Bui lding FREE PHONE: (06) 345 2375 EMAIL: office@nulookwanganui.co.nz SLIDING DOORS | CASEMENT WINDOWS | SLIDING WINDOWS | HINGED DOORS
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