Steve Povey Plans & Design

It was a pleasure to work with Steve on this build. As a client and the builder of this project I found working with Steve seamless. Throughout the process Steve's communications were clear, which I feel really helped bring my vision to life - the house was pretty much built off the first sketch. Steve did a really awesome job of bringing the cost of the build within in my price range. Not only was the design process smooth, but during the build Steve came to site multiple times to see how the build was going and to discuss how I found the details in working in reality (witch where great). Would love the please of working again with Steve in the future.

Grant McClellan has contracted in Northland for 25 years so he knew of Steve's reputation and designs; which very much appealed to us so it was an easy choice to make when the time came to build our dream home. The site we chose in Riverside, Whangarei was extremely difficult being steep, covered in Covenants and with high instability. Grant drew a concept plan to take to Steve for the first personal meeting. Steve instantly perceived our ideas and quickly and professionally ruled out the parts that weren't going to fit the District Plan and Building Code. He then came up with a far superior plan that we quickly gave the go ahead for full plans. He took care of all Engineering and Council issues and liaised with suppliers ahead of time so that we would run the project smoothly as we were owner-builders. So by the time we had building consent through we were able to build quickly and efficiently. We had regular site visits throughout the build from Steve and Chris; who each time provided much encouragement along with ideas and procedures to not only make the work progress smoothly; but also let the project run under our expected budget. Amazingly we built a complicated maximum height luxury home of exceptional quality in a fast and efficient time frame with minimal labour costs. Steve proved himself as vastly skilled. He is multi-talented, honest and honourable. We recommend him many times over. The house has proved homely, welcoming and durable and most definitely has the 'wow' factor and has been called 'Phenomenal'. Cindy very much enjoys collecting materials from alternative sources that Steve would cleverly incorporate into the build. Brazilian Granite, marble lights from the Hilton Hotel and recycled Kauri in highlighted areas. We being country people are at home now in the city with the house being at one with nature. We couldn't wish for better. Being able to brainstorm and innovate together was a fruitful pleasure, an alliance that is not only profitable but a highlight of our building career.

This was our first home build project and we timed it beautifully; smack dab in the middle of Covid, material shortages, labour shortages, massive price increases. Steve, however was very consistent throughout. He had a super “steady as she goes approach”, which is just what you need when things get stressful. He was always as excited about creating something as special as we were. I liked how Steve would ponder design challenges and come back to us with ideas that we had never considered. He had a wealth of knowledge and helped us “rookie clients” understand things via superb communication - which seems to a rare commodity these days. We are chuffed with our home! Thanks Steve, you’re a legend and we now regard you as a friend.

Not knowing any architects in Whangarei I did a Google search for well reputed ones and settled on Steve. At no point have my wife and I ever regretted this. We wanted to extend our house with a master bedroom, ensuite and walk in wardrobe over the top of a concrete deck above double garages. Steve listened to our brief and came up with several options. The one we chose suits has come up even better than we had hoped for. His recommendation of Mark Kokich Builders was a masterstroke as Mark often builds Steve's designs. The combination of designer and builder made the project extremely smooth (apart from a forced delay caused by Covid 19). We have no hesitation in recommending Steve Povey Designs to anyone looking at building.

Steve designed my house at McLeods Bay to maximise the views from all angles of the house out to the Bay. He came up with a unique design for my budget and requirements including a drivethrough garage. I have received nothing but ongoing compliments about the quality of the design and build. He kept me informed throughout the design, consenting and building process, and when I was not able to be onsite was willing to also provide project management assistance on my behalf. I have ended up with a lovely house my friends nickname 'my mansion' which is a great asset , to be able to relax in and enjoy stunning vistas.