We understand how stressful building over budget can be. Through 20 years of high-end residential construction, we've developed tried and proven methods to find real savings — without compromising your vision.
Years high-end construction
Projects completed
Resulting in equity gains
On any residential build or renovation, everyone has a role — but nobody's role is to find where the design is costing more than it needs to. The architect is focused on the design. The engineer on compliance. The builder on getting it built. That gap is exactly where budget blowouts are born — and it's exactly where we work.
I have spent 20 years in high-end residential construction, personally completing and overseeing 50+ architectural projects — the vast majority finishing with equity gains for the people involved. I understand construction methodology deeply. I know how buildings are actually put together, where costs concentrate, and — most importantly — where intelligent decisions at design stage can unlock significant savings without touching the finished result.
I am most effective when engaged early. But I can find real savings at any point in the design process. The earlier you involve me, the more options we have and the less disruption to your project's momentum.
We know how stressful it is when your build goes over budget. The pressure it puts on relationships, timelines, and the vision you started with. Our job is to come in with calm, practical expertise — finding solutions through tried and proven methods, working alongside your team to protect what matters most.
Important: I am a builder by trade with deep practical knowledge of construction methodology. I am not a licensed engineer or designer, and nothing I provide constitutes engineering, architectural, or legal advice. All structural and compliance decisions remain with your licensed professionals — I work alongside them, not in place of them.
A practical guide from 20 years of high-end residential construction. Download free — no email required.
Send your drawings, engineering, geotech, site plan, and topo — whatever you have. Any format, any stage.
Before you commit a dollar, I review what you have and tell you honestly whether I can add value — and where. No cost, no pressure.
If I can help, I provide a full written report with specific cost-saving recommendations and a briefing call to walk through findings. Flat fee, no surprises.
We walk through the findings together. I explain each recommendation, the cost impact, and what to take forward to your architect.
If needed, I can step in further — sitting with your architect or designer to work through alternatives and keep momentum.
Engaged at the earliest possible point — concept design or sketch stage — to identify structural and material decisions that will drive cost before they are locked in.
Highest ImpactSpecialist practical experience on elevated and hill sites. Foundation systems, retaining, access, and structural approach reviewed for cost and constructability.
SpecialistReview of plans, engineering, geotech, site plan, and topo as a complete set. The full picture is where the real savings are found.
$660 Flat FeeProject already running over budget? I work through the design to find meaningful savings without forcing a costly redesign or compromising the vision.
Any StageOnce initial recommendations are accepted, I can step in to sit with your architect or designer — working through alternatives in real time and keeping the project moving.
CollaborativeLine-by-line review of specifications. Material substitutions and alternative products that achieve the same visual and performance outcome at meaningfully lower cost.
Detailed AnalysisA change at concept stage costs nothing. The same change at building consent stage costs weeks and thousands of dollars. On site — multiples of that, plus delays, plus relationship damage with your builder. The single most valuable thing you can do is get independent eyes on your plans before they're locked in.
I am most effective when engaged early — but I can find real savings at any stage. The earlier you call, the more momentum you preserve.
Every engagement starts with a free pre-assessment — no cost, no commitment. If we can't add value, we'll tell you that upfront. If we can, the fee pays for itself many times over.
A thorough review of your plans, specs, selections and budget — with specific cost-saving recommendations delivered in a written report.
Our most comprehensive single-engagement service. Full review of all documents including engineering and geotech, plus two in-person meetings with your team.
End-to-end independent oversight across your entire project. I act as your independent consultant — the calm, experienced voice between your builder, architect, engineer and geotech.
All fees in NZD. GST not included. POA = price on application, quoted on enquiry. Free pre-assessment included with all engagements.
A selection of completed high-end residential projects.
We were building on a difficult Cashmere hillside and had no idea how much the foundation spec was driving our budget. The review identified a structural alternative that our engineer agreed with — it saved us over $55,000 and didn't change a single thing you'd see in the finished home.
Our architect was initially cautious, but after reading the report they appreciated the way it was framed — it protected the design intent while opening up real options we hadn't considered. Worth every dollar at concept stage.
We were at Building Consent and thought it was too late. A structural alternative on the floor system and a cladding substitution found real savings — and neither change was visible in the finished home.
No cost, no obligation. Send whatever you have — concept sketches, full plans, engineering, geotech. We'll come back within 2 business days with an honest assessment of where we can save you money. If we can't, we'll say so.