92 | Design firm covers all the bases O’Brien Design Consulting has become a well-known name in the Kerikeri building industry. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN O’Brien Design Consulting T T Hugh de Lacy Martin O’Brien came to New Zealand from England in 2006, fell in love with Kerikeri as soon as he arrived, and is now the proprietor of O’Brien Design Consulting Ltd in the Northland town. Martin initially did his design degree at the University of Central England in Birmingham, before returning to university to complete a Masters, after which he worked for an interior design company in the UK before moving to New Zealand. In 2012, he started his own architectural business, and with more than 12 years in business behind it, O’Brien Design Consulting has become a well-known name in the Kerikeri building industry. Recognised by builders and the Far North District Council for the excellence of its communication and management of all types of residential building projects, the company is finding the same clients coming back repeatedly. Clients include nationwide housing company GJ Gardner, for which it has produced more than 300 house plans and building consents. “Many builders and clients in the Northland region choose us because of our down-toearth, grass-roots approach, our clear and concise plans, and management of the building process from start to finish,” Martin says. With more than 20 years’ experience in the building industry, Martin has extensive knowledge of the Far North District Plan, engineering standards, stormwater and on-site waste-water management. “It’s not just about house design, it’s knowing how the infrastructure on-site works best, and to current regulatory standards. We can design the stormwater, waste-water and resource consents for the project as a package deal,” he says. Martin has worked alongside the Far North District Council for years, and can anticipate problems and find solutions so the building consent process is as smooth as possible. “O’Brien Design Consulting can recommend local engineers, planners and surveyors when needed, and it is this extensive understanding of site requirements and relationships with professionals in the industry that makes the firm much more than just architectural designers,” Martin says. The company is staffed by himself, wife Nicola, who writes on-site waste-water reports (TP58s) and resource consents, and draughtsman Matei Pavaluc. The company came through the Covid set-back and the subsequent recession in the building industry without ever being out of work. “The middle market, $450,000 to $1.5 million, has slowed during the recession, but as our business caters for all markets the company has remained busy,” Martin says. “Once interest rates reduce, there’s likely to be a resurgence in the new residential build market for Northland, thanks to the steady northwards population drift from Auckland. While initially aimed at the high-end residential niche, O’Brien Design Consulting responded early to the tightening market by extending its design and water-reticulation services into swimming pools, along with renovations, damage repairs and even cabin design. Martin had been encouraged to come to New Zealand by relatives living here, and “As soon as I got off the plane I knew this was for me,” he says. “It’s not just about house design, it’s knowing how the infrastructure on-site works best, and to current regulatory standards.” Sewage Systems & Water Tanks 1 Sammaree Place Kerikeri | ph: 0274472322 info@techtreat.co.nz | www.techtreat.co.nz TechTreat Limited info.tastructures@gmail.com 0210 873 3650 STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING T&A Structures provides innovative & cost-effective structural engineering design solutions. i i i ff i l i i i l i . דבٮ ِ הזאא ً ژ בו ِ גזווגח ِ
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