| 103 JKL Architectural Builders BUILDING TAILORED ELECTRICAL SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY HOME Residential Commercial Industrial Inspections Automation 24/7 Emergency Callout Service www.msielectrical.nz EXPERTS IN LIGHT, NOT JUST LIGHTS Liv Light provides considered lighting solutions tailored to every project. From lighting design, specification, and visualisation through to technical support, custom solutions, supply and commissioning. We help create lighting that looks beautiful and performs exactly as intended. P. 021 438 533 | www. l ivl ight.co.nz K A I M A I R OO F I N G Get in touch with Ben: ben@kaimairoofing.com 021 025 45880 kaimairoofing.co.nz T T Sue Russell Collaboration the key Mount Maunganui’s premium coastal building market is a natural fit for JKL. When Kalem Uttinger established JKL Architectural Builders in Mount Maunganui in 2020, his vision was clear: to create distinctive, beautifully crafted homes that reflect the people who live in them. Six years later, JKL has grown into a team of 12, building a strong reputation for delivering complex architectural homes and considered renovations throughout Mount Maunganui, Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty. At the heart of the business is a collaborative approach. Kalem believes the strongest outcomes are achieved when the builder, architect and client work together from the early stages of a project. “Bringing the builder into the conversation early allows us to contribute practical construction knowledge while the design is still developing,” Kalem says. “We can assess buildability, provide realistic cost guidance and help the client make informed decisions before the plans are finalised.” This early involvement can help identify potential challenges before a project reaches the construction phase. It also creates an opportunity to align the architectural vision with the client’s priorities and investment from the outset. “A design may look resolved on paper, but there are often different ways it can be constructed or detailed,” Kalem says. “Our role is to bring a builder’s perspective to those conversations while protecting the integrity of the design.” For clients, this collaborative process provides greater clarity and confidence. Practical decisions can be made before plans are submitted to Council, helping to reduce unexpected costs, delays and compromises later in the project. “We see the best results when everyone approaches the project as one team,” Kalem says. “The architect brings their design expertise, we contribute our construction knowledge, and the client remains closely involved in the decisions that shape their home.” In July the JKL team was continuing work on a significant renovation on Ocean Beach Road in Mount Maunganui. Extending over more than two years, the project reflects the type of technically demanding, detail-focused work the company is increasingly known for. “It is a substantial renovation with a high level of complexity,” Kalem says. “Projects of this nature require careful planning, strong communication and the ability to work through challenges without losing sight of the overall vision.” As JKL has grown, Kalem’s role has evolved. Rather than working on the tools each day, he now focuses on client relationships, project oversight, team development, contractor selection and the systems that support a consistent building experience. For Kalem, growth is not simply about taking on more projects. It is about building a company with the right foundations, capable people and reliable processes to maintain the quality and personal involvement JKL’s clients expect. He is currently undertaking a business coaching programme focused on strategic growth within the construction industry. “Building well and running a strong building company require different skills. The programme has helped me strengthen the systems behind the business so we can continue to grow in a considered way while maintaining our standards.” Accountability is another important part of the JKL approach. Kalem believes the true measure of a building company is not only the quality of the finished home, but how its team communicates, responds and takes responsibility throughout the journey. “Construction is complex, and challenges can arise,” he says. “What matters is how you respond. We believe in being open, taking ownership and working with the client and project team to find the right solution.” JKL’s mix of architectural new builds and substantial renovations also provides valuable experience for the company’s three apprentices. Working alongside experienced builders on complex projects gives them exposure to detailed craftsmanship, problem-solving and a broad range of construction techniques. “We want to develop builders who understand more than how to complete a task,” Kalem says. “They need to understand why details matter, how different parts of a build connect and what it takes to deliver work at a consistently high standard.” Mount Maunganui’s premium coastal building market is a natural fit for JKL. These sites and designs often present structural, environmental and logistical challenges that require experience, planning and close coordination. “That is the space where our team performs at its best,” Kalem says. “We are drawn to projects that require careful thinking and exceptional execution. Ultimately, our goal is to create enduring homes that respond to their setting and genuinely reflect the character, lifestyle and vision of their owners.”
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