Steve Povey Plans & Design Ltd - Architectural Designer

Amazing work, listened to what we wanted and helped us build our dream home. would not hesitate to build with him again, or recommend to others.
May 18th, 2022

Unfortunately what should have been a positive, enjoyable experience designing a home, turned out to be stressful, disappointing and an expensive exercise. Costs were nearly double quoted - if you have money to burn then use this company otherwise use someone reasonable. This company was rude and unprofessional - not normal practice to hang up on a client and make unreasonable demands. I would recommend you do your homework with other designers before making a commitment.
Mar 27th, 2021

Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Mar 27th, 2021

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.
Oct 26th, 2021

We have a 1910 villa that needed sensitive renovation to preserve its history and also make it into a comfortable, warm, modern home. Although we have only completed part of the work, the new addition fulfills every requirement we have of it. It is light, comfortable, and the integration with the existing home is seamless. Although most of this extension forms the utility part of the home (as opposed to later renovations that will encompass more 'public' parts of the home), the proportions are generous and the design is elegant and fitting for the style of the house. We have had numerous comments on the changes to the house from random members of the public, commenting on how beautiful it looks and how the new part of the house complements the older part perfectly. We couldn't be more thrilled with it and can't wait to start on the next steps, which we have no doubt will equally enhance a lovely and dignified old home with Steve's excellent design to give it another 110 years' life!
Jan 18th, 2021