100 | A fresh new look for diverse business The company’s skills were evident in the refurbishment of a church building in St Clair that had been previously converted to a home. DLB Construction & Signage T T Russell Fredric BUILDING DLB Construction & Signage’s marking of 20 years in business coincided with the upgrade and expansion of the company’s South Dunedin premises, which took place last December. For the construction business, the expansion added a striking two-level building with a two-bay, secure lockup and a spacious office area and meeting room above. Inside, the upstairs area is clean and bright-looking in white, with chartreuse-coloured doors, dark carpet, and a panoramic photographic mural of Dunedin and its harbour around the stairwell adding vibrancy, contrast and visual appeal. Owner Derek Lester says the upgrade adds considerable visibility and street appeal to DLB Construction & Signage’s David Street site. The outdated original premises have been renovated throughout – clad in darktoned Colorsteel to match the addition, and transformed into a modern, bright signage shop with a workshop, a bay for vehicles to be signwritten, a showroom and office. “We kept the shell, we changed the complete inside – there’s all new ceilings, flooring and everything throughout. There was careful thought given to how it was going to be laid out, and we got feedback from the signwriting staff what best suits them,” explains Derek. DLB Construction & Signage employs 11 staff, of whom three are trade-qualified in signwriting. While most of the signage work these days is digital, there is still good demand for traditional hand-painted work for the likes of honours boards and vehicle pinstriping. The melding of the two business arms was a natural progression from completing a significant number of fit-outs for retail shops, eateries and other commercial premises in Dunedin and Queenstown, as well as Derek being a multi-skilled tradesman, who originally trained in joinery and cabinet making. Having also had some experience in a signwriting business, he saw the opportunity to offer a complete service from start to finish. Derek gained further skills in carpentry, and is a fully qualified craftsman specialising in both disciplines. Consequently, he has a keen eye for detail, strong project-management skills and a passion for high-quality workmanship. These skills were strongly evident in the refurbishment of a church building in St Clair that had been previously converted to a home, with its new owner wanting to add his own design ideas. “The back wall was completely tiled to look like brick – that looks amazing. He’s gone for that New York loft feel there,” says Derek. Works also included cutting out the entire internal floor and rebuilding it to level using engineered oak on a ply substrate, adding a wall on one end to add a new kitchen and a scullery kitchen behind it, plus adding a mezzanine level – all with next-level design elements, custom joinery and an impressive meaure of craftsmanship. “It’s great to do different projects like that. There’s some great finishing in it. It did come up a dream,” says Derek. “We hire only the very best multi-skilled tradesman available to ensure a high standard of workmanship is maintained throughout the entire process.” DLB Construction & Signage also undertakes new builds for almost any budget, from first homes to high-end architecturally designed multi-level houses. • Residential Glazing • Balustrades • Showers • Showerdomes PH: (03) 455 6134 | 45 Otaki St, Dunedin | www.aburnsglass.co.nz Aburns Glass Proud to support Derek Lester Building PLACEMAKERS DUNEDIN & MOSGIEL PLACEMAKERSDUNEDIN & MOSGIEL 50 BURNS ST & 34 CARNCROSS ST (03) 466 4617 PROUDLY SUPPORTING Specialising in • PAINTING • WALLPAPERING • SPRAY PAINTING • TEXTURE COATING Proud to support Derek Lester Building • Commercial • Domestic • Industrial • Data & Communications • PV Solar • Thermography Southern Electrical Ltd Ph: (03) 476-3171 | www.southernelectrical.co.nz E-mail: admin@southernelectrical.co.nz Proud to support Derek Lester Building
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