68 | Totara Construction: Grand Designs BUILDING Richard Loader Quality work from culture of quality Totara Construction’s seamless extension on a 1910 Heritage Home in Wairoa. Email: info@alitech.co.nz | Freephone: 0508 254 8324 Showrooms in Waihi and Hamilton | www.alitech.co.nz • ALUMINIUM WINDOWS & DOORS • RESIDENTIAL / LIGHT COMMERCIAL • APL ARCHITECTURAL SERIES • THERMAL HEARTJOINERY SYSTEMS Reliable. Professional. Quality. 021 259 0690 www.hispec7.co.nz Proudly supporting Totara Construction Tauranga's Elite high-end painting company. For Matt Saathof, the Managing Director of Bay of Plenty’s Totara Construction Ltd, the quality of work, stems from the quality of culture, the quality of architects and the quality of clients — all necessary ingredients in producing beautifully crafted high-end homes. When Matt was presented with an opportunity to form his own building business in 2016 it enabled him provide a bespoke service to Bay of Plenty clients looking for a high-end architectural builder. It also presented an opportunity to form a team of like-minded builders and curate a positive workplace culture that he had personally enjoyed in his early days as a young builder. Originally hailing from the Hawke’s Bay, Matt served his building apprenticeship working for a company that specialised in high-end projects. “I always had an idea of going out on my own. I wanted to recreate the kind of culture and work environment that I had in Hawke’s Bay – a positive environment where the sta were valued and everyone enjoyed being at work, and good clients. You spend a lot of time at work so it has to be a good time.” In the seven years that Totara Construction has been operating, Matt says he has been 100% successful in creating that positive work place culture and it is a culture that he is highly protective of. “Even clients, when they come on site they can feel and see that culture for themselves. They notice that the team all gets on, all works hard together, and all have fun doing it.” The team of eight, inclusive of Matt runs in two teams on separate projects. Running regular toolbox BBQ meetings, work functions and activities throughout the year ensures everyone remains connected, and the team culture thrives. With a clear focus on high-end architectural projects, Totara Construction is now a multi-award-winning builder, that has also featured in a recent episode of Grand Designs New Zealand. “Our project are architectural high-end builds, and including new builds and renovations. Currently we are completing two extensive renovations. We don’t have our own in-house architects but we are paired closely with a few well established architects. Generally, an architect will approach us with a client and a set of plans for us to build. Most of our work comes from architects, but from time to time we also get involved in the design itself.” The Grand Designs episode that Totara Construction featured in was for a multi-level 480sqm high-end architecturally designed home built on the shores of Lake Tarawera. “It was an eighteen month build that was completed mid 2022. That was a beautiful home built on the lake front with stunning views, and the clients were awesome people and very much part of the team. “For me, that sums up a good build. If you have a good architect, a good client and the house is being built in a good location it’s a fun build. Again, it is the team culture where everyone gets on, has fun and looks after each other that contributes to that enjoyment and success. Being part of the Grand Designs programme was an awesome opportunity to showcase our work and how we operate.” Matt’s business ethos is about employing quality sta, building with clients who are good to work with and building beautiful highend homes that are a challenge to build that he and his team enjoy. Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. Each edition priority delivered to your door. i i i i li . www.waterfordpress.co.nz/subscriptions . t f . . / i ti 03 983 5525 Stay informed; we work with business owners and decision-makers across all economic sectors, profiling their success. t i f r ; r it i r i i - r r ll i t r , r fili t ir . businessnorth
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