Wolf and Whale

“Cole has worked on a number of residential building alteration projects for us and we highly recommend him. Most recently he was the site foreman for the early stages of a large and complex alteration to an old bungalow, and did a great job of coordinating all of the on-site processes. Cole leads by example and he had very positive working relationships with his small team of carpenters and with the other trades. This helped to create a good vibe on the site. Prior commitments meant that he was unable to see our job through to completion. Cole is an excellent communicator and kept us well informed about any matters that required our input. He was always very willing to share his knowledge and explain things for us. Cole’s own building workmanship is of a very high standard and has the ability to find creative solutions to any problems. If he was to return to Auckland we would not hesitate to involve him in any future projects. John Hunt”

— John Hunt

“I commissioned Wolf & Whale to construct my eco-home in October 2019. It was a highly complex build due to several construction innovations rarely seen before in New Zealand such as multi-layered thermally broken walls, energy and water self-sufficiency, air tightness for thermal control and a digital monitoring systems for managing optimum building performance. Cole and his team did an outstanding job over the 18 month build. They were extremely thorough and contentious, rising to the challenge of the brief. Cole's project management was excellent. My architect, local suppliers and contractors that contributed to the project tell me he set a new benchmark for others to strive for. Cole was an absolute pleasure to work with and I 100% recommend his services to others considering taking him on.”

— Hamish Reid

“In 2023, we engaged Wolf and Whale for our kitchen renovation, mindful of preserving the unique character of our 1920s home. The project involved the demolition of the entire kitchen, including a sizable fireplace, followed by the meticulous reconstruction of both the dining room and kitchen. The challenge was to seamlessly match the trim work and mouldings with the existing elements of our historic home. After months of searching for the ideal professional, we, as first-time homebuyers, were fortunate to find Cole. His reassuring demeanour immediately put us at ease as he took charge of the entire project, seamlessly coordinating with other skilled tradespeople. Cole's attention to detail and craftsmanship were truly exceptional. His genuine passion for his work and dedication to client satisfaction shone through at every stage of the project. Throughout the renovation, Cole maintained excellent communication, ensuring we were well-informed and involved. Beyond his professional expertise, Cole proved to be not only a skilled craftsman but also a personable and delightful presence in our home. We wholeheartedly recommend him — a truly outstanding professional and individual. Emily + Calum”

— Emily Allen