KJ and Robyn
OUR STORY
Two brothers-in-law. One better way to build.
A family-owned building company in Selwyn, started by two people who believed clients deserved a better experience.
HOW IT STARTED
Different roads, same idea.
Before Lifestyle Builds, our paths looked nothing alike. KJ came from fabrication, manufacturing, logistics and the film industry. Whatever the job, he ended up in management, because he loved making complicated work run smoothly: bringing people together, improving systems and finding better ways to get things done. Construction let him do all of that and create something real at the end of it.
Ian spent 12 years rowing for New Zealand. High performance sport taught him that great results never come down to one person. They happen when everyone understands their role and works towards the same goal. He leads the team the same way today, and he still loves being hands-on, solving problems and watching a build take shape day by day.
We'd both worked for companies that did plenty of things well. We'd also both seen where clients deserved better: stronger communication, smoother processes, relationships that mattered, and projects managed properly from start to finish. We talked about starting something together for years. Eventually we stopped talking and built the company we believed should exist.
THE SIGNATURE BUILD
Refining the shed home.
Our biggest challenge has also been our biggest lesson. A Lifestyle Builds shed home is not an off-the-shelf building. Every project is custom engineered to suit New Zealand conditions, and we've spent years learning, refining and improving our systems for seismic zones, wind loading, snow loading and the different ground conditions you find across the country.
Every challenge has made the product better. Every lesson has made us a better builder.
OUR VALUES
How we work, on every job.
Four things we hold ourselves to, whether it's a 60m² shed home or a fully bespoke new build. They're not a poster on the wall. They're what you'll notice on site.
Communication
You'll know where your build is at from the day you engage us to the day we hand over the keys. If something changes, we tell you. If there's a problem, we talk about it. Honest communication builds trust, takes the stress out and makes the whole experience better for everyone involved.
Ownership
Everyone on our team takes responsibility for their work. No excuses, no blaming someone else. If something isn't right, we own it and we make it right, because that's exactly what we'd expect if we were building our own home.
Quality
We'll always choose doing it properly over doing it quickly. Every project carries the Lifestyle Builds name, so we take the time to get the details right, work with trusted trades and build something we're proud to hand over. We'd rather spend the extra time than rush and compromise the finished result.
Teamwork
Great homes aren't built by one person. They come from good people working together towards a shared goal. We work closely with our clients, our team and our trusted subcontractors, because when everyone is pulling in the same direction the process is smoother and the home is better.
What drives us.
It hasn't changed since day one.
For KJ, it's watching a client walk into a finished home that once only existed as an idea. Seeing someone realise a dream they've often spent years planning never gets old.
For Ian, it's leading the team each day: coordinating trades, solving problems and watching steady progress become someone's future home. Standing back at the end of a project, knowing you've built a place where memories will be made for years to come, is hard to beat.
We're proud to be Registered Master Builders, and Ian holds his Licensed Building Practitioner licence. But the achievement that means the most isn't an award or a certificate. It's when a client calls us back for their next project, or recommends us to family and friends. That's the biggest compliment we can get.
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
Family keeps us grounded.
Outside of building, family and community are a big part of who we are.
KJ is married to Robyn, Ian's sister, and together they have two children. When he's not on the tools, you'll usually find him out on the motorbike or heading off four-wheel driving with the family. Ian and his partner Zoe also have two children. High-performance sport brought them together and has always been a big part of their lives. With a shared passion for rowing, they hope to get back into coaching in the future.
Being part of our local community is important to us too. We're proud to support Darfield Primary School, Rolleston Playcentre, the KidsCan Foundation and the Barbarians Rowing Club. We believe strong communities are built through the same things as great homes: commitment, teamwork and people who genuinely care.
For us, building is about more than putting up walls and handing over a set of keys. It's about getting to know our clients, understanding what matters to them and being there throughout the process. We're here to bring your vision to life, guide you through the journey with honest advice and clear communication, and ultimately build a home you'll be proud to call your own.
Let's talk about your build.
Whether you're ready to go or still weighing up options, we're happy to have a yarn. Free, no-obligation consultation at your place or on your section, anywhere in Canterbury.
Or give us a call 03 925 7726
Family-owned Registered Master Builders based in Selwyn, building new homes, shed homes and kitsets across Canterbury.
Proud supporters of Darfield Primary School, Rolleston Playcentre, KidsCan and the Barbarians Rowing Club.
GET IN TOUCH
REGISTERED MASTER BUILDERS
LICENCED BUILDING PRACTITIONER
LICENCED BUILDING PRACTITIONER
