Testimonials
Sanctuary House
“The decision to build a new home is never taken lightly. For us we had searched for a downsized house with no luck.
Several years earlier we had employed RB Studio to modify an old farm house and were stunned with the result. It far exceeded our expectations or dreams.
Having found a suitable "piece of dirt" in Takapuna (close to family etc) we contacted Tom and introduced him to our chosen very small section with an interesting shape and relatively steep terrain.
Can you design a home for our retirement? Can you make our dreams come true? (On this "wedge"?)
The answer was "yes" and so the design was completed. The house model presented to us was inspirational - we were committed.
And then came all the usual dramas when you are in the building process.
Tom's calm problem solving attitude was always very reassuring (even with Council!).
After a year of living in our dream home we are still marvelling at all the clever uses of space and light combined with practical living.
We commend RB Studio for their unique design ethos and ability to think outside the square to deliver special spaces.
Thank you very much”
G & E in Takapuna
Te Mata House
“If we would ever build, we would like Tom to create our new home!” – something said years before we even intended to build.
Years later, the project started with a vision as soon as Tom saw the section. Using the landscape and views to form a special place.
We were impressed with the professionalism, the listening and care, attention to detail, the quality of communication and support - from concept, to design, when it came to specifications, throughout the building phase, till completion and beyond.
Tom has been incredible, very thorough and solution oriented; he is also very personable and it was a pleasure working with him.
Our new home is unique and very special every day to us. We are very grateful.”
G + R
Volcano House
“Over the past 15 years we have worked with Tom on two of our residential projects.
He has the ability to interpret the brief and respond with a design that is unique and awe inspiring. Tom is very easy to work with, he challenges you, has a great eye for detail and takes away much of the stress associated with construction.
The last project that he undertook for us " Volcano House " received many awards and accolades which is a credit to his work and ethos.
We have always found it to be an enjoyable journey with Tom and we would have no hesitation in using his services again. We would highly commend him to any prospective client.”
R + N
Waiheke House
“We were introduced to Tom Rowe from RB Studio by loving his Volcano House in Devonport. Having discovered who owned it, we were luckily allowed to visit, and from there contacted Tom with ideas of our new house. Our brief was to have an open modern home, lots of glass to the extensive views, a light airy “Japanese feeling” building.
The land we had bought in Waiheke faced north, with views over the bay, views over vineyards to the west and a sheltering hill behind. The existing two small 70’s cottages were removed and replaced by Tom’s design of the main house and separate studios, for painting ceramics. I wanted something special, but I didn’t want to spend a fortune, so we tried to keep a balance, spending on the important areas and being sensible about cost where it didn’t matter or where we felt we could save.
Our builder was great, Willie James of James Bros. He kept prices under control as much as possible yet worked to produce a spectacular and well built house.
Tom was happy for us to use our builder and our engineer; he was always willing to listen to our input and we were involved with the whole process. Tom is easy to connect with, and we enjoyed our discussions on aesthetics and practicalities. During his visits he looked keenly at work done. There were many discussions and final details perfected. Charlie (Tom’s Assistant) was in constant contact with willie also.
The end result is a house that already feels like a home crossed with a stylish resort, perfect.
Thankyou, Tom.”
A + G
Point House