88 | T T Richard Loader Navigating industry changes, tough conditions BUILDING When the timing’s right Mia Casa Architecture has produced a multitude of award-winning designs with a focus on function and aesthetic appeal. Mia Casa Architecture T T Kelly Deeks ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN Given the length of the design and consenting process for builders and developers, now could be the ideal time to start that new-build project, with the construction sector hungry for work and interest rates likely to be low at the end of construction. Principal designer/director of Auckland-based firm Mia Casa Architecture, Lothar van Middelaar, says developers can face a multi-year time frame from the purchase of their land until they have a product on the shelf ready to sell, and they can benefit from engaging a team of consulting professionals, who work productively together to minimise the overall project time frame, saving the developer holding costs. For homeowners, the situation is similar, Lothar says, but the time frame is potentially a bit shorter. “Once you’ve bought a piece of land to build on, you’ve got the interest to pay on that. Then you start the design and consenting process and will slowly start paying more and more until construction is complete.” Lothar says what makes now a great time to start is interest rates are dropping and are set to continue to drop throughout that period. With the building sector in a somewhat fragile space at present, the way for firms to keep busy comes down to an ability to read the wind and adjust the trim of the sails accordingly. Such is the case for successful Auckland-based building company IBuild NZ, led by Jared Meiklejohn, who has accrued nearly 30 years’ experience working in a multitude of building contexts, both here and overseas. As for many in the building sector, 2024 has been one of adapting to market conditions and finding new opportunities. “It has been a very tough year, and very slow in the industry, but if you keep looking for opportunities as a result of changing times, it’s possible to adapt and make something of it, especially important when you have a team working with you,” says Jared. Having the ability also to engage contract staff as and when projects demand more hands on the tools has proven to be important, and Jared says he really values those relationships with contractors, some of whom he’s known for a long time. As a young apprentice, Jared discovered that opportunities to test yourself and grow, really hall-marked his experiences in those early days, and gave him the skills to grow professionally. “I went out on my own at age 20 for a few years. My first job then was across the road from Auckland Boys Grammar and was a real baptism by fire, but I learnt a lot and it really gave me great experiences that extended me professionally, into project management, dealing with people and understanding all that’s involved in a successful build.” Before taking over IBuild, from his brother, who established the company in 2015, Jared spent many years in Australia, working on large-scale commercial and residential During the final stages of construction, when the higher construction bills are paid and the loan is maximised, he says interest rates should be at a low point. Mia Casa Architecture has worked for the past 17 years for a variety of clients, including homeowners and developers, providing the full complement of services, from initial consultation through design and consenting to construction documentation support. The team has produced a multitude of award-winning designs with a focus on function and aesthetic appeal. “My aim as an architectural designer is to offer a quality design and construction- documentation service to homeowners and property-developing professionals,” says Lothar. “In order to do this I’ve built a firm that can be respected and relied upon to provide a consistently high level of service.” Mia Casa Architecture is as much about creating a lifestyle and a great design solution as it is about providing quality back-up documentation, for which councils can easily grant consent and builders can easily use. He sayst he studio has a proud and proven track record for producing plans that builders and project managers enjoy working with. projects and interior fit-outs. Jared also established IRoof, which provides the team with additional work, and complements the projects IBuild takes on. These days, Jared focuses his skills and experiences working off the tools, tendering new projects, liaising with clients and ensuring the team have what they need to complete work on the ground successfully. He is philosophical about the slowing in the market, understanding that the nature of the sector is cyclical. “I think there’s a sense of more positivity; however, it’s going to be a long process to get us back to where we were when conditions were very buoyant. I understand this and have positioned the business to continue to successfully operate during this time.” The majority of the work is on Auckland central, which Jared says is due to the fact that the majority of architects he works with are based in that catchment. A recent project for IBuild was a brand-new build, right in the bush on a tight site in Maxwell Street, Grey Lynn. “This project really appealed because it had a lot of funky finishes in keeping with its surrounding; vertical timber, steel cladding, louvred spaces. The project went really well. Its design doesn’t compete with the bush setting, but rather adds value to it, and it just shows so well what can be achieved when design flair and amazing materials combine.” Another project in Marlborough St, Mt Eden, really captivated the team. Restoration of a beautiful old inner-city villa for the designer client involved modernising its footprint, bringing new materials and colours into the home but in a way that acknowledged its history. Wonderful touches such as the oak herringbone floor added texture and style, while giving the owners a practical, hard-wearing surface capable of withstanding the rigours of a busy young family. The home, originally built around 1905, is in 0274 627 623 | simon@broadelectrical.co.nz www.broadelectrical.co.nz E s t a b l i s h e d 2 0 0 4 Domestic Services, Repairs, New Homes, EV Chargers, Commercial Services, Maintenance, Security Lighting For fast, professional service our Cambridge showhome - and we liked the style of it. the Year Gold Award winner, along with the award image to be included. lso include the Masterbuilders logo? Botany Office: Bret Robinson 021 274 5600 | bret@fowlerhomes.co.nz www.fowlerhomes.co.nz PROUDLY SUPPORTING MIA CASA ARCHITECTURE iBuild NZ
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