Good design is not about spending money, it is about spending time.

We are design and build specialists. Our design and build service is where we take care of everything you require, from selecting the land, if you require, developing plans with a professional, building your home, landscaping your grounds and handing you the front door keys.

If you already have plans, please click HERE for information on pricing your plans. 

What does this service involve?

Stage one: developing a design brief with our Integrated Design System

Before anyone thinks about employing an architect or designer, we urge them to stop and think about what they need, what they want and what they can afford. This will ultimately lead them to a design brief which will save them time, money and disappointment.

To help clients create a design brief we have developed a proprietary building design system we are offering to everyone who is in the preliminary stages of designing a house. Our Integrated Design System is only available from the Thorne Group, no other building or construction firm has our software, staff or capability to run this service.

This system allows the clients desires, budgets and needs to be thoroughly integrated into the design of a house, long before a pen is put to paper, and finances committed to a project.

Integrated Design System provides:

·         A thorough understanding and brief of your living space

·         Bathroom and kitchen layout requirements

·         Colour, texture and textile brief

·         Essential requirements relating to storage, light, layout and mobility options

·         A mood board and document for all architects/ designers

This system was born out of a mutual frustration between architects, builders and clients who have all had to compromise unnecessarily when a project has not been planned efficiently.  We’ve seen plans of exquisitely designed homes clients couldn’t possibly afford to build, we’ve seen house plans compromised by a clients lack of understanding of the implications of materials specified and we’ve seen builders have to modify details on site causing unnecessary delays to the project.

We’ve seen it all, and have therefore designed a system that provides clients with a detailed design brief. I.D.S ensures all clients understand the restraints of their budget and integrates everything from lighting right through to disability design if required. I.D.S saves money, time, frustration and sometimes heartbreak.

I.D.S is a product of our expertise in interior design, project management and building both cost efficient and luxurious homes. The cost for I.D.S is FREE if you choose to build with the Thorne Group, however the service can be purchased if you are building with another builder, and require a clear design brief.

Contact us to discuss the benefits of our Integrated Design Service.

Thorne Group Experience: Our services and delivery

• Site Evaluation.  We will come out to your site for FREE and give you a detailed report.

• Site procurement - If you haven't got a site we can help you find a suitable site, with our vast experience in land development and knowledge of the Bay of Plenty we can provide a comprehensive overview of what to look out for.

• The Project Management – taking care of the entire build process from foundations to final cleaning to ensure your build experience is an enjoyable one.

• Integrated Design System – our bespoke system that provides you with a design brief for your home, that ensures your desires and needs are completely integrated into the design and build of your home.

• Interior Design - Our experienced interior design team are available to help you plan your dream home. You don’t have a set number of hours with our designer.  You can use them as much or as little as you would like.  Rest assured you are in control of the process, use them as much or as little as you please.

• Liaising with the architect to ensuring your design can be built.

• Clear communication - Providing a very detailed project timeline that is kept up to date so you are aware of key milestones that will require your input

• Fortnightly written reports – that provide a site update and details of all progress.

• Having quality control procedures in place to check all sub contractors work and ensure they meet our extremely high standards.  Further, our pricing is completely transparent, fixed and represents  "turn key" specifications. Therefore on completion and hand over there are no further costs to incur and more importantly no hidden costs during the build process.

• Organizing building inspections and ensuring your building receives the Code of Compliance Certificate.

• Sourcing materials both nationally and internationally to meet client expectations.

• Liaising with all sub contractors  including electricians, plumbers, lighting specialists, painters, plasterers, kitchen manufacturers, tilers, carpet layers, fireplace designers, landscapers  (just to name a few!). If you have a preference to use a particular sub contractor this can be accommodated.

• Thorough fixed price contract which includes Build Consent, full working plans and specifications, all flooring, landscaping, driveways & fencing.

Some frequently asked questions.

What if l have a preferred architect? 

Naturally we are happy to work with your preferred architect.

Or alternatively we can either take care of this process for you, which would be based on the very extensive findings, analysis and recommendations from our Integrated Design System.

Will it cost me more to design and build rather than go with a standardised plan?

No, in fact sometimes it may be more cost efficient for you to have a plan tailored to the site, to suit the natural contours of the land and the sun.  This will also have long term cost savings.

How much am l involved in the process?

You can be involved as much or as little as you wish.  Each project has differing levels of client involvement .   On some projects we see and speak to our clients more than our families - others prefer to have much less input.  Whatever way you like to work is fine by us!  


Click HERE to find out more about The Thorne Group