32 | DVLP REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Principles the same, 10 years on The integration of technology has been instrumental in finding a balance between growth and quality. T T Anne Boswell What began as a small consultancy supporting Auckland property development projects has grown into a specialist project and construction management business working across some of New Zealand’s most significant infrastructure sectors. This year, DVLP is celebrating 10 years in business – a milestone that directors Patrick Edwards, James Taylor and Jacob Scott say reflects the strength of long-term relationships, clear project management principles and a people-focused approach. The company was established in 2016 by Patrick and business partner, Tony McDermott, who departed after the first year of operation, with James and Jacob joining the business in 2018. “We started by supplying property development services to private developers in the Auckland region, delivering multi-sectional developments and infrastructure,” Patrick says. “Over the past decade, the business has evolved into four primary areas: Three Waters, Industrial and Energy, Civil and Roading, and PM and Advisory.” While the scope of work has expanded, James says the fundamentals behind successful projects have remained consistent. “In 10 years, the drivers behind a successful project are the same,” he says. “What has changed are factors within the regulatory space and consenting.” James says the business has deliberately challenged the traditional belief that project management is an engineering-led model. “Project management principles are not necessarily engineering-based, as people have come to believe,” he says. “For us, it has a very specific set of parameters, and we’ve been firm about what that means and what we deliver to clients. “We’ve pulled apart that approach and asked what’s the best fit for the project, what the project needs, what drives it, and what needs to happen to make it successful.” Jacob says DVLP prefers to become involved at the earliest stages of a project, helping clients assess feasibility and long-term value before major decisions are made. “We want clients to understand the true overall cost of a project,” he says. “We must add value, and this comes from technical competence and industry experience, being able to see issues coming before they arise. That’s where those long-term relationships really come in.” Jacob says the integration of technology has been instrumental in finding a balance between growth and quality. “Technology has changed the way people can work across multiple projects and locations, and we’re focused on using that in ways that genuinely benefit our clients and our team.” Patrick says the company’s focus on value and strategic guidance has helped build strong, long-term client relationships. “Our engagements might start as a three- or four-month project, and seven years later we’re still there delivering,” he says. “I think that indicates we’re doing something right.” As DVLP enters its second decade, the business continues to grow, with two new team members joining in the first part of 2027. Looking ahead, the directors say the focus remains on supporting their existing client base and continuing to deliver value through trusted partnerships. “Our goal is to properly support the work our clients have in front of them,” James says. “That’s what has driven the business for the last 10 years, and that’s what will continue to drive it into the future.” for sustainable communities CONNECTING PEOPLE AND NATURE www.goodearthmatters.com Connecting Communities through Water Infrastructure Supporting Treaty Partnerships & Tangata Whenua Relationships Environmental and Resource Management Strategy WHEN PROJECTS MATTER, EXPERIENCE COUNTS.
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