Macmasters Beach – New Eco-Friendly Custom Home

In 2012, Craig visited our old fibro cottage at Macmasters Beach, which we were intending to demolish and replace with a new house.

From the outset we were impressed by Craig’s willingness to listen carefully to what we had in mind for our sloping site, where we sought opportunities to capture views from the front, and gain a smooth flow to our back yard. With a “can do” attitude, he was not put off by the access requirements for the site, with high voltage electricity lines on the street and steep a driveway.

We had one or two sessions fine turning some aspects, and it was a pleasure doing this additional thinking with Craig, who not only responded to our ideas, but contributed important additional points reflecting our general wish to capture the views of the surrounding trees.

Craig was sensitive to our budget constraints, and he was able to give us initial ball park indications of the likely cost of implementing some of the features we considered important. In due course with firmer numbers, we also found it straightforward to trim some items that were less important to us, and stay within budget.

We had earlier worked with an architect and obtained building quotes that exceeded our budget and did not deliver as much as we were looking to achieve. Working with Craig was in contrast straightforward as we moved rapidly to realise the design. The subsequent build took place in just 2½ months, and now almost a year after we took occupation for Christmas 2013, we still get a lift every time we re-enter the house.

The final result is an economical, elegant and striking house, which has been entered in several design competitions. The green design features and construction method gives us coolness in summer and warmth in winter. We have to thank Craig for his working so pleasantly and efficiently with us in creating the specific design so well suited to the locale and our wishes.

Stockton Beach – New Custom Dual Occupancy

We would just like to say how pleased we are with the design of our home. It feels light, breezy and open but at the same time feels very private. It was easy working with you and we appreciated the patience you showed with my numerous window changes (and then we ended up with your original suggestion in the bedrooms anyway!)

We felt that you were attuned to what we were trying to achieve and appreciated your prompt response to our emails and phone calls and the personal, friendly and professional attention we received, keeping us involved in the process at all times.

One highlight was that we could not manage in our rough plans to envisage just how the two apartments would be divided. The solution you came up with has worked well and we now have a dual occupancy that is split horizontally rather than being side by side. This enabled us to make the most of the view for both units.

Your knowledge of products and regulations was also a timesaver for us and on many occasions you were able to help move the process forward.

Your drafting skills were excellent and the plans produced for DA approvals were first rate and have provided an excellent resource for us to keep.

Thank you again.

Wangi Wangi – New Custom Home

Craig was able to take our many vague ideas and turn them into our dream home. I had no idea what I wanted, besides light everywhere and practical functionality whereas my partner had much firmer ideas around design & sustainability. Craig was able to carefully balance our often conflicting priorities. As soon as we saw our house on paper we fell in love. After recently moving in, we couldn’t be more grateful to Craig for designing our home which has given us the lifestyle we’ve always wished for.

Murrays Beach – New Eco-Friendly Custom Home (HIA & MBA Award Winner 2014)

Michael and I greatly appreciated your help and assistance when we were planning and designing our new home. You had a very good understanding of what we were hoping to achieve, given some very basic outlines. I was particularly thrilled when the first drawings you produced seemed to capture the essence of what we were aiming for, and the end result is just wonderful. We love our new home.