Builder Brothers in Business: Our History

Born and bred in the Manawatu, we were brought up around great uncles, uncles, and cousins who lived and breathed the residential construction industry.

On top of this, for 30 years, our father ran a residential construction company that specialised in building custom character homes and villas.

Throughout our working lives, we attempted other professions, but ultimately you can’t run away from destiny.

As a child, I fondly remember my favourite book being about how houses are built.

“When it came to playtime as a child, I always wanted to be building something. One time my cousin and I built a hut next to a stream. It wasn’t haphazardly built either… it started with pile foundations, joist floors, framing and so on... I think I was 10.”

There is a 7-year gap between Ryan and me, so we didn’t start working together for a number of years. But for some reason – wherever Ryan went, as his little brother, I seemed to follow.

We both had a passion for basketball and ended up playing representatively in Hawke's Bay. To support our passion, we started a residential construction contracting business, contracting to some large group home and custom home builders. But with the global financial crisis looming around the corner and the construction industry bearing the brunt of its wrath, this venture was short-lived.

Ryan yearned to spend time in Europe on his big OE, and I decided a career change was needed, so I moved to Wellington to study electrical engineering.

When Ryan returned from his big OE, he worked for several builders in the Auckland region. These companies built large custom homes in Howick, Remuera, Devonport, and other Auckland suburbs. This work was the beginning of a fire that started in Ryan; a passion for custom renovations and new builds.

While the challenge of building these homes was engaging, something was growing in the back of Ryan’s mind. Even though they were beautifully crafted and expertly built, the customer experience was inconsistent. He noticed poor communication and a lack of information being passed on throughout the build, which left customers feeling confused, unsatisfied and faced with too many surprises. Knowing he could do a better job, Ryan decided it was time for a new challenge: set the standard for renovations and new builds. While there were excellent building companies in Auckland, there wasn’t enough supporting the demand for quality homes with an equally matched level of customer service.

As if it was fate, I simultaneously accepted a job in Auckland and moved my family up from Wellington. After the move, Ryan and I constantly talked about construction, and I was drawn to the quality builds and architectural design of the homes he was building. We talked about how we could improve the customer experience and support the career path of builders.

The stage was set, and just like that, 'Our Projects: Renovations + New Builds' was born. It wasn’t an easy ride with the COVID-19 pandemic lingering just around the corner; our team had to have our wits about them. But through determination and applying what our basketball coach taught us many years ago (CAN-I: constant and never-ending improvement), our commitment to creating quality homes hasn’t stopped.

Our team has been accepted into membership to the New Zealand Certified Builders Association, giving our customers more confidence in our skill and workmanship by offering an industry-leading Halo 10-year warranty.

"Doing custom home renovations and new builds is the peak of my building career. Solving problems for our clients, tailoring solutions specific to them, there is nothing more satisfying in the residential game." – Ryan Strawbridge

Our Projects is growing and developing. With six full-time employees, we remain laser-focused on building quality homes in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and also in the Waikato. With our commitment to excellent communication, building strong relationships, and delivering the best for our clients, we're producing quality homes for generations to come.

So, if you are looking for a quality home builder, make an enquiry. We're excited to hear about your plans and make them a reality.