What our clients are saying

"Even though this was our first new build, we had a pretty clear vision of what we wanted from when the site was purchased, but had no idea how to make that vision into a reality. We went with Bruce Design and Build as we were confident they could help us with that.

The design was a fun process, we appreciated the patience of the Karsten Architecture and Design team with our many small changes to make things perfect. The build was exciting, and the Bruce Design and Build guys onsite were nice to work with - their attention to detail was great.

The finished product exceeded our expectations, and we are very happy with our choice to build with Bruce Design and Build."

"This is our third build, having built with large building companies previously we decided that we wanted an architecturally designed home with more input in the build. Russell, architect Kenny and his team of builders exceeded our expectations, while working within our budget. Clever design ideas have enhanced the look of our house resulting in a home we love. Nothing was a problem and any issues were resolved quickly. We have already recommended Bruce design and build to others and will continue to in the future."

"Russell was recommended by friends of ours. This house was to be our fourth build and we were quite clear about our vision, and with the help of Russell and his team we have achieved this and more.

The "nothing is a problem" attitude and the quality of work was really important to us, as was the communication with the guys on the job each day. It really was a team effort.
The quality and finishing of the build more than met our expectations and we are extremely proud of what has been achieved.
We would have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone and would build with him again."

"If you are looking for a rapid “off the shelf “ build, don’t use Bruce Design and Build. On the other hand, if you are looking for great architectural design based on your ideas, transparent costing, flexibility, meticulous attention to detail, excellent communication, close collaboration with your landscaper and prompt answers to queries, then Russell and Alana ... and their team ... are a great choice. We love our new home."

"This was not a first home for us, but one to serve our needs at a very late stage in our lives. It was also to be not a conventional house as such, but a building joined on to our daughter's existing home but still allowing us to live independently.
Russell understood what was required and along with a very supportive & competent team, built what we feel is a very smart, modern & spacious apartment.

There was much family input, which Russell took on board. He was very receptive to our suggestions, and he was a pleasure to deal with.
The overall build and finish was immaculately done, and is much admired by our friends.
We are extremely glad that we chose Russell Bruce of Bruce Design & Build."

"For us, building a new home was what we thought was an unattainable goal, but we found that with Russell’s Advice and Experience we were able to Design & Build a Quality new Home within our Budget.

The Building Process with Bruce Design & Build went as we had hoped and we found Russell and his team to be very Friendly, Professional and Helpful."

"Right from the very first meeting with Russell Bruce we knew we would be happy with our home, we had purchased a small very steep section but wanted to build a 4 bedroom 2 living area home that would easily fit on the section without sacrificing views and sun. Russell together with architect Tony Karsten came up with a plan we loved.

The entire build went very smoothly and was completed both on time and budget with no nasty surprises. It was mentioned by immediate neighbours how polite and considerate the building team were always advising them in advance of any upcoming possible inconveniences. The result is we have ended up with an absolutely stunning home and if we were to build again we would definitely choose Bruce Design and Build."

"Building with Bruce Design & Build has been a great experience for us. We have built four homes over the last 16 years, enjoying the building process from planning to completion.

When we came to building this home (being the home we want to stay in for a long time), we wanted to work with an Independent Builder rather than a Building Company so that we could complete certain aspects of the job ourselves with our own contractors. This is where Russell worked perfectly with us. From the process of planning, working through the design of our home, building to completion, Russell made it an easy and enjoyable experience.

We found Russell to be a genuine guy, with the home owner’s best interest at heart. He was on the job when he said he was going to be, kept us up to date with progress, his communication and contact was superb. He fitted in with our contractors (kitchen, bathrooms, carpets, electrician, etc). We had no hold-ups or problems on site.

Russell and his team’s workmanship is of a very high standard and the finish of our home is outstanding. We love our home and are rapt we chose to build with Bruce Design & Build."

"To Whom It May Concern

We have been more than impressed with the service we have received from Russell and the team from Bruce Design & Build. We have built several houses with different Building Companies within Nelson and this time decided to try an Independent Builder.

We have not regretted this decision at all & have found the whole experience to be the least stressful and easiest build yet. They had great communication and always listened to our thoughts/ideas. Any little problems along the way were always sorted out promptly and the build was completed well within the specified time.

We were so impressed with them that we are using them for our next project.

We highly recommend Russell and his team for any building project and know that you will not be disappointed."

"This is our third build, and we had a list of boxes we wanted ticked in regard to this build. From the get go, with the concept plans done by Tony Karsten from Karsten Architectural Design, along with Russell, they listened to what we wanted and we have achieved exactly this and more. Russell and his team were awesome, nothing was a problem and any issues were remedied very quickly. Isaac the Project Manager and the team of builders were a great bunch of guys who were very approachable and a joy to work with.

We have had lots of comments about our house, as it is stunning not only on the inside, but a real eye catcher from the outside too. Thumbs up to you all - we will definitely be back for our next build!"

"When we looked at building our third home, we considered various building companies until we had a chance referral to Bruce Design & Build. Upon meeting and working with Russell and his team, we felt that we were onto a winning combination!

The fixed price cost of our build was very favourable considering the prices that we had received from other building companies.

During the process from Design through to Completion, we had every confidence that we were going to have a finished home that we would be proud to live in. We were welcome to view the building process and question progress and methods of construction, which was a reassurance to us both that we had chosen the best company for the project.

Our home was completed within the given estimate of time, and included extras that we had specified.

We would recommend Russell and his team to others, and happily have him build another home for us."

"Building our first family home was an exciting time for us, and we were extremely happy we chose to build with Russell and his team.
From the beginning we emphasized our extremely specific desires and very particular standards. We were impressed with the level of discussion and attention that was paid right from our initial consultations. It was evident from this point that Russell was willing to go the extra mile to turn our dreams into reality.

Russell’s level of experience as a builder and the fact we were not just dealing with a salesperson from a large company, permitted us to implement creative ideas and improvements easily and immediately, with anything short of our expectations being promptly completed without any fuss. It also enabled us to utilise other suppliers and products to assist us in meeting our budget and aesthetic, whilst offering friends and business associates the opportunity to assist us meet our vision.

Consequently, we are immensely proud to have our dream home built exactly as imagined by Russell and the Bruce Design & Build team. We can attest to his honesty and integrity, and would whole heartedly recommend him."

"Looking for the right builder, we found the Bruce Design & Build stood out for their design and workmanship.

The plans were done by architect Tony Karsten, with Russell's input, and they gave us everything we wanted to maximise the location. Russell's knowledge and understanding of our needs was hugely gratifying as this was our first home build.

By following 'Buildertrend,' their online project management software we were able to keep tabs on their progress, allowing us time for decision making on other internal matters for the house.

Their sub contractors were very professional and obliging with our requests.

The overall build went smoothly, was of excellent standard, completed on time and has given Jan and myself extreme satisfaction to live in.
Russell, Alana, Isaac, Nick and team, THANKYOU for building us a home that we are very proud to own."

"As an Architectural Designer working in the Nelson region, I regularly work with a large range of builders. In choosing a builder for my own project I was looking for a builder that could handle the project quickly, to a high standard, and for a fixed price. Russ and his team ticked all of those boxes, so for me were an obvious choice.
I am now sitting in my brand new house, delivered on time, as quoted and to an excellent standard, and I couldn't be happier.

I can recommend the Bruce Design & Build team without reservation. This project is the best thing I have ever done, and I look forward enjoying it for many years to come."

"After relocating from Australia, Nicola and I decided we wanted to build. Not knowing any tradesmen we spoke to a couple of builders and viewed their previous work. We felt the finishing work on the Bruce Design and Build homes stood out above the rest.

We also liked the fact that Russell and Alana had their own team of builders, who we found to be very professional. The site was always clean and tidy compared to others, this was noticed by our neighbours who were also building at the time.
We would highly recommend Russell and Alana to anyone wanting a Quality build."

"To Whom It May Concern

In the past I have had a few opportunities to deal with Russell on a first hand basis; I have found him very willing and professional in his role.

We engaged Bruce Design & Build to build a property for a member of our family. We needed someone that was honest, reliable and a high standard of workmanship & we found Russell and his team to be all of the above. During the process of building, as always there can be a few hiccups/changes along the way; Russell addressed these with no hesitation so things proceeded very smoothly.

With the inclusion of our own sub-contractors for various parts of the build, Russell was more than happy to work in, so time frames and installs could be met. The property was completed on time and on budget so we achieved everything that we set out to do. Our Family have moved into their new home and are thrilled with the outcome.

I would recommend Russell to anyone that was thinking of building – His honest nature makes him a pleasure to deal with, and in my book that goes a long way.

We look forward to dealing with Russ and the team on an on-going basis in future projects."

"We discussed our new house plans with several builders and we were well aware our hopes, dreams and demands were not conventional. Bruce Design and Build were the only company who were willing to listens carefully to what we were trying to achieve and willing to work with us to make our goals a reality.

For us this was our first build and we found Russell, Isaac and the building team very professional with every stage of the building process, well organised and communicated to us. Communications from all sub contractors were personable and approachable throughout the entire process and we felt listened to when when we had queries or concerns. Together they helped us manage a tight budget; yet achieve a high quality result.

We place a lot of trust in Russell and Isaac and it’s testament to their delivery and service that with the entire project complete and having lived in out home for one year, we are so very happy with the house they have built for our young family.

We would without hesitation build with Bruce Design and Build again and recommend them to anyone."

"Having seen houses that Russell and his team had built, we knew that we had chosen a good builder. We were delighted to have our own plan plus Russell's suggestions, result in our perfect home.

Everyone that we dealt with within the Bruce Design and Build team were professionals. Many thanks."

"From start to finish the entire Bruce Design & Build experience has been a positive one with any problems along the way being sorted out and solved in a friendly, prompt and efficient manner. On time, the build programme was adhered to and the pairing of Nathan and Buddy as our on- site team was an excellent choice.

Jean and I would have no hesitation in recommending Bruce Design & Build for any potential developers. Indeed, we already have!"