I am the director of hairyLemon: a Christchurch-based digital agency with approximately 30 staff. In early 2010, hairyLemon engaged in KVA Design to execute the fit-out of our new, larger office in the city.

We wanted an office layout that would make the best use of our space and also create a dynamic, fun and unique environment to match our company culture-not a simple request. But Malcolm from KVA willingly took the reins on this design, which yielded stunning results: every aspect of our new office, from the layout to the carpet to the window treatment, was the exact representation of hairyLemon.

Working with Malcolm throughout the process was easy. He was extremely engaged with the project, and clearly committed to us as clients. Moreover, I felt like he truly understood who we were as a company and what we wanted from our fit-out I was confident from day one that the final project would be nothing less than perfect for us.

Our experience with Malcolm and KVA was extremely positive, so much that when we were forced to relocate after the February 22 earthquake, we called Malcolm to help us make the best of our temporary office in Hornby. He is also assisting us in evaluating building options for our planned return to the CBD in 2013.

I would be more than happy to provide a strong recommendation to anyone who is interested in the services of KVA Design.

Four and a half years ago my accounting firm, based in Southland and Central Otago, merged with another firm of equal size creating what is now WHK. The merger necessitated a number of building projects in Queenstown, Invercargill, Wanaka, Te Anau and Winton.

Space Architects, now KVA Design Ltd, have worked with us on all of these projects over the last four years, most recently in completing the stunning new premises that we now occupy in Invercargill.

Malcolm and his team’s input has been critical at all levels of all of these new buildings or refurbishments that we have undertaken. His timeliness, innovation and advice has added value to us all the way through these projects and the result has been acclaimed by all who visit the premises that we now work in.

The largest of the two projects were undertaken in Queenstown and Invercargill where we occupied significant tenancies (1100m2 and 2800m2) of new buildings. The innovation and effective use of space that we have been able to achieve in both of these properties has been a direct result of KVA Design Ltd’s input. It allowed us to reduce the amount of space we required, bought the projects in on budget and time, and resulted in a superb outcome.

We have found Malcolm to be proactive in his dealings with us, we never have to chase him (in fact, mostly it’s the other way around), and he follows up after the project is completed to ensure satisfaction.

I would have no hesitation in recommending KVA Design Ltd to someone who was looking at undertaking a new build or an extensive renovation, and would be available to give a verbal reference in support of this.