Architect + Build or Build Only
Over 20 years we’ve refined how we review plans and run our projects, improving efficiency on site and behind the scenes, saving money and delivering better outcomes
How you Can work with us
At Thorne Group, the strength of our team sits behind every project. Aaron’s experience in land development and site feasibility, Gavin’s background in high-end European construction and refined build systems, and Peter’s financial governance create a balanced, disciplined approach from day one. Supported by experienced project managers and long-standing site teams, we bring a depth of knowledge that shows in how projects are planned, managed and delivered.
Most clients find their builder after the hard decisions are already made.
We get involved before consent. Buildability, real cost, and programme risk are inputs into the design — not surprises after it. Over two decades, our systems have been refined so projects run better, on and off site.
What sets us apart is not just what we build — it is how we run a project. Our service and governance model is unlike anything else in the industry. Every client has visibility over their project from day one. Schedules are live. Communication is direct. Accountability sits with us.
New Architectural Builds + Renovations
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Design + Build
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Development Collaborations
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CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
I hadn’t realised Building Companies of such skill and integrity existed until we experienced Thorne Group. We are going to use them again.
A. & N. Dawson
Architectural Homes. Renovations.
Development Collaborations.
Twenty years builds a certain kind of knowledge. We have seen where projects go wrong, where budgets blow out, and where the wrong decision early becomes an expensive one later.
This is the space to describe the service and explain how customers or clients can benefit from it. It’s an opportunity to add a short description that includes relevant details, like pricing, duration, location and how to book the service.
This is the space to describe the service and explain how customers or clients can benefit from it. It’s an opportunity to add a short description that includes relevant details, like pricing, duration, location and how to book the service.
This is the space to describe the service and explain how customers or clients can benefit from it. It’s an opportunity to add a short description that includes relevant details, like pricing, duration, location and how to book the service.
This is the space to describe the service and explain how customers or clients can benefit from it. It’s an opportunity to add a short description that includes relevant details, like pricing, duration, location and how to book the service.
This is the space to describe the service and explain how customers or clients can benefit from it. It’s an opportunity to add a short description that includes relevant details, like pricing, duration, location and how to book the service.
This is the space to describe the service and explain how customers or clients can benefit from it. It’s an opportunity to add a short description that includes relevant details, like pricing, duration, location and how to book the service.
This is the space to describe the service and explain how customers or clients can benefit from it. It’s an opportunity to add a short description that includes relevant details, like pricing, duration, location and how to book the service.
This is the space to describe the service and explain how customers or clients can benefit from it. It’s an opportunity to add a short description that includes relevant details, like pricing, duration, location and how to book the service.
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
I hadn’t realised Building Companies of such skill and integrity existed until we experienced Thorne Group. We are going to use them again.
A. & N. Dawson
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“Loved working with The Thorne Group & their partners in designing and building our lovely new house. They made the whole process easy and without stress especially as we were living overseas and unable to meet in person. Appreciated their experience in talking through clear options that helped us make timely decisions to ensure no delays.”
E. Hick
The Most
Critical Step
Before making any decision, speak to people who have actually been through the process. Not one or two. A lot.
Ask what communication was like? How did the budget tracked vs quote? What happened when challenges came up? What was their after care programe like?
Over 100 of our Bay of Plenty clients have taken the time to write about their experience. Not just about the finished home, but what it was really like to build with Thorne Group.
That feedback led to us being named Most Trusted Architectural Builder in the Bay of Plenty five years running. We are also one of the region’s most respected building companies, something we value and work hard to uphold.
Why early
collaboration matters.
Our Free Planning Guide (questionnaire) is a helpful starting point for establishing your project brief prior to engaging an architect
.
With relationships built over many years in the industry, we can help match you with the best fit for your project. We can offer suggestions and arrange introductions to a range of architectural design partners and other professionals based on your style and budget.
We often hear clients look back and say, “I wish we’d brought the whole team together from the start.” That is exactly what this approach does.
One team, from the outset, supporting you from the beginning and bringing together the right people for your project, whether a large architectural home, space optimising home or development. Think of it as the 'secret sauce' for your project.
How this approach can save you time and money.
Most people might assume that shopping around and putting plans out to tender will deliver the best price. In reality, opportunities for meaningful savings diminish once drawings are fully complete. Where we can have the biggest impact on your project is in the early design and detailing.
Thorne Group co-director Gavin Morrow works with architects to refine detailing for complex builds, optimising structure and labour without compromising intent.
Pricing is done when there is sufficient detail on the plans, but you have not yet reached a point of no return. The architect can still refine the design to meet budget, and we can provide input into details that may not necessarily be seen that could save on materials and labour.
I already have
my plans
While our preference is to be involved from the beginning to maximise your budget, even if you’re further down the track, you still benefit from the systems we’ve refined over more than 20 years. These aren’t theoretical they’re built from real projects, continually improved to make building more efficient, reduce unnecessary cost and keep everything moving as it should.
We’re upfront about costs from the outset and take a genuine ‘no surprises’ approach. Depending on how far your plans have progressed, we can provide an early budget to guide decisions or carry out a fully detailed pricing exercise, working directly with our suppliers and subcontractors. The result is a clear, comprehensive breakdown of costs and specifications, giving you the confidence to move forward knowing where things stand, and what to expect next.
"Fantastic builders. On time, on budget, beautiful work, understanding of our concerns and attentive to detail. They have become like family to us. Highly recommended. A+++"
J. & J. Peters
"We had a very good experience. We couldn’t have asked for a better build. We had so much trust in them, we were confident they weren’t fleecing us”.
K. & G. Street
I want to understand the feasibility of my project
Whether you’re looking at purchasing a site, renovating, or working with an existing property, we help you understand what’s actually possible before significant time and cost is committed. Drawing on our experience across land development, complex coastal and rural sites, and high-end architectural builds, we assess site conditions, council requirements, building code changes and real construction costs to guide you on the most practical and cost effective path, whether that is subdividing, extending, rebuilding or renovating. Through early site visits and thorough due diligence, we identify potential constraints, flag hidden costs and provide clear, realistic budget guidance so you can move forward with confidence and make informed decisions from the outset.
What Our Clients are saying
From the masterful design and then through into conception we had a seamless build process which was anything but stressful. I love the fact it is a family run business where we are treated like people and not just another number. I would definitely build with Thorne Group again as they are a superb team
"Weirdly, we were sad that the awards were our last interaction with Thorne Group. To get to the end of a build process and be sad to say good bye to your building company, I don’t think there can be a greater compliment. We will continue to tell everyone we know just how awesome your team has been. From start to finish, Thorne Group exceeded our expectations and produced a result we are extremely proud of.”
S. & N. Edgecombe
"From the masterful design and then through into conception we had a seamless build process which was anything but stressful. I love the fact it is a family run business where we are treated like people and not just another number. I would definitely build with Thorne Group again as they are a superb team"
F. Harman
“We are incredibly grateful to the craftspeople who built our stunning beachfront home in Pukehina. Their dedication to quality and attention to detail is evident in every aspect of our house, which has become the heart of our family. The impeccable construction reflects not only their skill but also their passion for creating enduring legacies. We look forward to making cherished memories here for generations to come.”
Owner of "The Tides" Project
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"Being a local family business with a great reputation also gave us confidence that we chose the right company for our project.
Everything ran like clockwork with our home being handed over right on schedule and in budget.
Quality of the workmanship was just that – Quality, and the attention to detail with the contracting, invoicing and any variations, meant there were no surprises – except our surprise at how easy and enjoyable the whole process has been. "
R. & J. Hurn
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"Our introduction to Thorne Group came through watching our friends build their lovely new home with this Company. Their whole experience went so well we decided to brave it and here we are today living in our beautiful home and very happy to recommend them to anyone looking to build.
We have to thank Gavin Morrow and our project manager and Craig and his team of builders whom all showed such Professionalism, dedication and Pride in their work, ensuring a well managed, transparent process for us."
J. & D. Viggiano
"I couldn't be happier with my new home and working with the guys at The Thorne Group was an absolute pleasure. I knew from the outset that they were working for me and that they always made what I, as the client, wanted the priority.
It was well planned and stress-free and I would recommend them in a heart beat."
S. & H. Whyte
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"Thorne Group delivered our new home on time.
We were consulted the whole way through and nothing was too much trouble, a fantastic achievement. Scott, our Project Manager, could not have been more helpful.
Any changes that we wanted to do throughout the project were easily accommodated and met with great advice and assistance.
Thorne Group are very professional and their attention to detail is amazing and we would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone else"
S. & D. Muir
"Subdividing a property (with all the necessary council approvals) and building a dwelling on the new site is described as an infill project. With the right design and execution, it can be a fulfilling one, as the Rapleys discovered once they involved Thorne Group.
Local Mãori history meant the subdivision was more complicated than they expected, and Andrew acknowledges it may have been a smoother process had they got Thorne Group on board earlier."
A. & A. Rapley
Extract from Nourish magazine
"Even before the project Aaron, Gavin, Peter and the team were prepared to take time out to listen to and fully understand what we, as clients wanted. Thereafter, this mutual understanding has had a hugely positive impact on every aspect of the project- with Aaron Thorne's Project Management skills adding value at every stage and never detracting from our mutual desire for the highest possible quality.
Our new home is a testimony to honesty and integrity of the team - we will enjoy it as one that has been entirely 'built on trust' - we would not hesitate in recommending the Thorne Group to others."
S. & P. Varley
How we can make a difference to your project
01
Our unwavering commitment to quality and exceptional standards of workmanship ensures you will have a quality home that endures. We pair true craftspeople with modern tools.
Our Project Managers and Site Foremen know each project inside out, studying the drawings and engaging with the designer to understand the design intent so it is translated accurately and efficiently on site.
This combination of 80+ years of expertise, optimises efficiency and results in exceptional finishing.
Exceptional craftsmanship from an experienced team
02
We understand that meeting clients’ expectations around project timing is important. Refined over nearly 20 years in business our unique systems and internal processes are all designed to construct your home on time.
A dedicated Project Manager provides a single point of contact, coordinating every aspect of your project – liaising with suppliers, subcontractors, interior designers and landscapers.
Construction timeframes are realistic and achievable and aim to balance efficiency with quality.
Cloud-based project management software enables you to track your project online from anywhere in the world. Access documents, check the project schedule, stay up to date on progress and view photos as your new home takes shape – all at the click of a button.
World class systems and efficient processes
03
Our reputation for exceptional service and exceeding client expectations means you can be assured of an enjoyable build journey. A culture founded on genuine, personalised service and family values is at the heart of what we do.
Whether you are based locally or far away, we are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way - communicating regularly, openly and in a way that is best suited to you. Our “one team” approach provides a single point of contact from the outset and oversight throughout the entire process through to handover.
And it doesn’t stop there. Our after-care service ensures any defects or maintenance queries are promptly responded to and resolved.
Personalised service, communication and care
04
Realistic pricing combined with competitive trade rates and discounts ensure you receive the best value for money. We take an open, no-surprises approach to pricing, providing comprehensive and detailed cost estimates.
Pricing checks at key stages in the design process enables your architect to make adjustments before decisions are locked in.
Trade discounts and supplier offerings are passed directly on to you. PC Sum allowances are realistic and we can offer advice on how to extract the best value through our buying power.
Transparent pricing and competitive rates
05
We employ a proactive approach to forecasting and addressing potential challenges, applying mitigation strategies in advance to manage risk and give you peace of mind.
Over nearly two decades we have refined systems both on and off site to ensure projects run smoothly, remain on time and budget and deliver quality outcomes for our clients.
Locking in pricing as early as possible mitigates against price increases and reduces the chance of being caught out by unexpected price rises.
Strict cost approval protocols mean there are no surprises when it comes to changes to specifications or selection decisions.
