86 | BUILDING Ferner Construction fluid_interiorsnz fluidinteriorsnz info@fluidinteriors.co.nz www.fluidinteriors.co.nz designer kitchen & cabinetry manufacturer 09 441 7230 www.bosarchitecture.co.nz 021 815 008 PROUD TO PARTNER WITH FERNER CONSTRUCTION ON THIS EXCEPTIONAL PROJECT steelplumbing.co.nz 0800 FIX H20 o ce@steelplumbing.co.nz Sticking to principles drives firm’s success Ferner Construction brings quality craftsmanship to any beautiful, bespoke, high-end build or renovation. T T Virginia Wright Nick Ferner had already spent 10 years working on high-end builds when he established Ferner Construction. Having finished his carpentry apprenticeship, Nick had worked his way up to become general manager for The Building Co before going out on his own. “I worked with Kendal Read at The Building Co, and one thing always stuck with me was how completely upfront he was with clients, especially on pricing and any challenges onsite. He taught me to face problems head on before they became bigger issues down the road. There was no ambiguity, and I could see how much clients appreciated that honesty,” he says. Ferner Construction runs along the same lines. Honesty, transparency and a clear expectation of quality are central to its ethos, and vitally important on the higher-end new builds, renovations and architectural extensions they do. “We’re clear and honest in our pricing and our day-to-day dealings. We pay close attention to detail and make sure nothing gets missed along the way.” Nick runs a small team and is project manager on every job. Clients deal with him throughout, and while he no longer swings a hammer, he still enjoys the whole process. “Being there every day means I’m across all aspects of the build, and it gives the clients, architect and engineers one port of call for any issue or RFI (Request For Information). It’s me, the site manager, and the same builders on-site every day, so it’s a personalised experience.” Nick’s approach has always been to bring in strong, experienced people around him. His site manager, Mark Turner, joined him after years running his own business, and now wanting a change of scenery and to be closer to family. “Having a site manager I trust completely, and the two of us working closely together, means we stay on top of everything,” Nick says. Nick has stuck with the same small team through the years, knowing the loyalty goes both ways. He looks for people who are honest, polite and hardworking, and in return makes sure life outside work is respected – if the fishing’s on, or something personal really matters, he’s the first to tell them to go. It’s made for a tight-knit crew, and that shows on-site. There’s plenty of banter and fun along the way, which flows into the relationships they build with clients. “You spend such a huge chunk of your life at work, with the same people day in, day out. If you’re not enjoying it, what’s the point,” Nick says.. He works with a number of leading architects and, regardless of who initiates it, believes his early involvement adds value to a project while staying true to the architect’s and client’s vision. For a recent renovation and extension, he introduced the clients at concept stage to an architect he had worked with previously; on his current new build he’s working with Andrew Bull from Bull O’Sullivan Architects for the first time. “The client brought me in as their preferred builder and we’ve forged a great relationship with Andrew and the team. “ On a detail-driven project like this, being able to have informal discussions before going back to the client or engineer once we.ve worked out an efficient solution makes it so much easier, especially given the unique look and feel that needs to be adhered to.” Ferner Construction is based in Muriwai, but Nick and his team work across greater Auckland, always ready to bring quality craftsmanship to any beautiful, bespoke, high-end build or renovation where clients are looking for a team that will build it well, and build it to last.
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