62 | Air-con experts on same wavelength HVAC Design and Build delivers high-quality mechanical services design work on complex projects across the country. HVAC Design and Build T T Kelly Deeks CONTRACTING panasonic.co.nz Proudly Supporting Hvac Design & Build • Revit 3D Modelling and AutoCAD design expertise • Producer statements PS1, PS2, PS3 & PS4 registration • Experience in industrial, commercial, education, hospitality • Specialist in restaurants, supermarkets, libraries, retail and industrial process cooling and drying • Established in 2015 Get in Touch 027 318 2277 kevin@hvacdb.nz FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS IN Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration We design and deliver high quality HVAC designs and turn-key installations, from concept to completion When Kevin Cudmore arrived in New Zealand from South Africa in 2001, he brought with him decades of engineering experience and a deep interest in air-conditioning systems. Today, his Auckland-based business, HVAC Design and Build, is delivering high-quality mechanical services design work on complex projects across the country and into the Pacific, with global brands like McDonald’s among its longstanding clients. Kevin, who will mark 10 years in business this June, attributes the company’s success to faith in the Almighty, a deep understanding of design, matched with hands-on project experience, and cutting-edge digital tools. “We do all our designs in 3D using Autodesk Revit,” he says. “It’s the future of our industry. It means we can model all the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) service components, and if necessary, even some building components, which allows us to avoid clashes with building structure and other services. Modelling has the added advantage of our being able to provide clients a visual experience on-line of exactly how the HVAC will all fit together.” This approach has earned HVAC Design and Build a trusted reputation in the commercial HVAC sector. McDonald’s was one of the company’s early clients, and remains a major anchor customer today. Other significant clients include Auckland Council, as well as numerous commercial and industrial clients. HVAC Design + Build also sub-consults and assists a number of other HVAC contractors with designing and producing mechanical services (HVAC) consenting documentation. Originally from Port Elizabeth, Kevin trained as an electrical engineer before finding his passion for air-conditioning systems. His early years included work in Cape Town across development, construction, and consulting roles. After immigrating to New Zealand, he worked for several major firms before deciding he’d had enough of corporate redundancies and red tape. “I’d owned a business in South Africa before, so it wasn’t new to me,” he says. “I just knew I could do things better on my own terms.” Gary Vicars, who also emigrated from South Africa, joined the team in February 2018. Gary brought a wealth of experience, having worked for a large consultancy in Cape Town for 11 years, followed by two years in the construction industry, and he shares Kevin’s passion for the HVAC industry. Gary’s skills with HVAC design include software such as Carrier HAP and Revit. Today, HVAC Design and Build operates more like a consultancy, working closely with architects, builders, and clients to create smart, efficient HVAC solutions. Projects span libraries, community centres, apartment buildings, and fast-food chains, each benefiting from the precision of Revit-based modelling and a practical, collaborative mindset. Kevin leads a small team and subcontracts installation to trusted partners, who all share common interests, some with similar backgrounds, as well as a passion for the HVAC industry. We’re on the same wavelength, and that’s crucial when delivering time-critical projects,” he says. Some projects are time critical with very short turnaround time allowed by the client for a complete equipment upgrade, and we need to be spot on with our planning and preparation.” Kevin is also focused on mentoring the next generation of HVAC designers. “We need more people in our industry who share a passion for all things HVAC, who can learn how to use design tools such as Carrier HAP and Revit, and who are willing to go to site and experience installation work.” He’s also a passionate advocate for improving industry standards and certification. “In South Africa, no one signs off their own work. That’s the job of council’s own staff. In New Zealand we take on that responsibility, and that means keeping up with CPD, registrations, carrying PI and PL insurance, and investing in software and training, which costs tens of thousands every year.” For Kevin, it’s all worth it if the result is a system that works the way it’s intended to, is affordable and compliant. “We take pride in doing it properly, because that’s what good design is all about.”
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