The Idea That Wouldn’t Leave Me Alone.

Have you ever had an idea that just won’t go away? Something that might go quiet for a few months, or sometimes even a year or so, but then there it is again - waving “remember me?”

Well, Renovation Success is that idea for me. I’ve been wanting to create something to help normal people renovating normal homes create successful renovations for almost as long as I have been a designer.

Truth is, I’ve never fitted into the exclusive and high-brow world that is often defined by the typical interior designer stereotype. I’ve just never wanted to be part of that world. Maybe it’s my New Zealand heritage? In New Zealand we tend to be friendly, practical, down to earth. Quite the opposite of the slightly stand-offish and perfectly manicured “designer”.

What is much more interesting to me is helping people with real budgets design real homes. The sort of homes that get kicked about with schoolbags and skateboards. That need spaces for hanging the washing to dry and for the bulk-buy Costco shops. So for most of my career, this has been the very thing I have designed: well thought-through, functional family homes with just the right measure of delight designed in to make my clients really happy. Of course, I’ve done my share of projects with extremely high levels of specification and the opportunity to furnish with little concern for budget. But that’s not the idea that keeps knocking - the one that won’t leave me alone.

Where my heart is - and what this idea that won’t stop knocking is really about - is providing an alternative to the traditional interior designer and the high-cost architect. It’s about empowering people so that many more renovations can genuinely be classed as successful. There are plenty of high-fee interior designers and architects around, but I genuinely couldn’t see an option for those who simply wanted the right help at the right time, without spending a big chunk of their budget.

I’ve consistently asked myself: how can I help people efficiently and innovatively so that support is accessible. Both from a practical point of view and a budget perspective? How can I add real value to a project without having to do everything for my clients? In other words, how can I reimagine the designer–client relationship for maximum benefit? Over time, I’ve noticed where clients struggle, what helps, what doesn’t, and the points at which renovations tend to fall short of being a full-blown success.

I now have a very big pile of notebooks filled with ideas. Most of them are those recurring ideas that just won’t go away. I’m sure some are very good and some won’t quite hit the mark. But I do know one thing: when I am on my deathbed, I would feel real regret if I hadn’t shared these ideas with the people who could genuinely benefit from them.

So this is what Renovation Success is all about. I am (finally) answering the call. I’m using my own downsizing process and new renovation project as a catalyst. I’m putting aside my natural designer’s perfectionism to simply get started and begin sharing what I’ve created.

Renovation Success will be a mix of thinking, tools, products, processes and hands-on support. All designed to help people make better decisions without needing a full-service designer.

I care deeply about houses, homes, renovations and the people who do them. I know we are not saving lives or inventing groundbreaking technology. But together we are creating the places where people gather, feel safe and build their lives. That matters to me. As do the sad and neglected buildings I see that are crying out to be loved. How lucky am I to have been able to “adopt” one of these myself lately.

I’m hoping you might care too. And if you do - and you’re renovating, or planning to - then I think you’re in exactly the right place.

Welcome.