New Plymouth architectural designer Tony Biesiek uses an effective marketing strategy – win awards.
The design director of Imagine Building Design has just strengthened his brand even further, picking up two awards at the Architectural Designers New Zealand regional finals.
The awards invited designers from Taranaki, Manawatu and Wanganui to submit entries across seven categories, including residential, commercial and industrial projects.
The New Plymouth architecture company won the alterations and additions category for its work at Kereru Lodge in Atkinson Rd.
Mr Biesiek is no stranger to success in the renovation domain, having won the residential alterations and additions category at last year’s national awards.
He will now have a chance to defend his title at the 2012 national awards in October.
Imagine Building Design entered the regional awards in 2008, 2009 and 2011 and picked up first place each year in various categories, he said.
In the Kereru Lodge alteration, which began four years ago and finished two years later, a 1970s, three-bedroom house was renovated and transformed into a modern ‘‘Kiwi bungalow’’, he said.
The renovation, which cost a little more than $400,000, almost doubled Kereru Lodge’s size to 319 square metres.
Most of the renovation focus went into a big, single-storey living area that featured sea views, a ceiling made from Fijian kauri, and Taranaki-grown macrocarpa framing.
It also includes a covered outdoor living area protected from the prevailing westerly – a necessity in Taranaki, he said.
Winning industry awards was a powerful marketing strategy and a great way to build a strong brand, he said.
‘‘I don’t have any other marketing strategy.’’
The judges said the simple Kereru Lodge alteration was hard to go past. ‘‘The old house has been subtly renovated to provide a considered degree of separation.
‘‘The extensive patio is a confident and effective transition space to the garden.’’
Imagine Building Design also picked up a highly commended award in the ‘‘arty-tecture’’ category for a butterfly-style pergola designed for a Taranaki home.

Source: Taranaki Daily News