Sponsored: Design and Build with Heart

Andrew and Michelle Pope have built more than homes in Marlborough. They have built their lives, their family, and their business here. Lifelong locals, they understand what families need to feel at home. For them, building is a calling, a way of creating spaces where people can connect, feel secure, and grow.

Andrew followed his father into the building business where he gained a broad amount of technical know-how, craftsmanship and the importance of getting details right. Michelle, meanwhile, brought a different strength with her natural flair for design, eye for colour, and instinct for how spaces should flow. In 2009, the couple combined their talents to launch APH Design and Build with a clear vision: to create homes where integrity, honesty, and family values were at the heart of every project.

Fifteen years later, APH has become one of Marlborough’s most trusted and respected building companies, now a family affair with their children, Bradley, Christopher, and Jaz all involved. People often comment that working with APH feels like joining a family, where they are listened to, cared for, and guided every step of the way.

From the very beginning, Andrew and Michelle chose to approach the building process differently. Rather than starting with the design, they start with the budget. Clients share what they are comfortable spending, and APH builds the design around that number. This way, there are no unpleasant surprises later, only clarity and confidence about what the finished home will look like and the features it will include. It is an approach that sets them apart, giving clients peace of mind and reinforcing the trust at the centre of their business.

The feedback they receive consistently reflects this client-first philosophy. One homeowner recalls how, during a renovation, that the knowledge, workmanship, and efficiency they experienced during the process, were unbeatable. Others describe how Michelle’s guidance transformed what could have been an overwhelming process into an enjoyable journey. Her ability to balance style with practicality means clients never feel lost when choosing finishes for kitchens, bathrooms, or flooring. Instead, they feel supported and inspired, ending up with spaces that reflect their personalities as well as their lifestyles. Andrew, Michelle, and their team are known for being available, approachable, and transparent, keeping clients informed from start to finish.

The APH showhome at 25 Wai Iti Place demonstrates both craftsmanship and design innovation. Its bold black Acoya timber exterior beautiful, sustainable, and low maintenance. A plaster-finished chimney balances the strong lines of the façade, while the entryway is framed by dramatic Suyaki fully charred Thermowood panels. At night, subtle strip lighting traces the roofline, casting a warm glow.

The 237 square metres interior reveals a different mood, one of warmth, light, and calm which feels generous without being overwhelming. The open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area sits at its heart, centred on a sleek gas fire and surrounded by spaces that flow effortlessly into one another. A window seat along one wall offers the perfect spot to curl up with a book.

The kitchen, designed by Michelle and crafted by Bay’s Joinery, is a standout. Rich Melteca Oiled Legno Woodgrain cabinetry wraps the oven and central island in warmth, while crisp Ash White cabinetry provides a fresh contrast. Stone benchtops rise seamlessly up the walls, and discreet LED strip lighting gives the space a soft ambience at night. A hidden scullery with a butler’s sink keeps the main area free of clutter, while integrated appliances maintain the sleek, modern look.

The Pergo Isla Oak laminate flooring, inspired by Scandinavian design, has the look of natural timber but is hardwearing enough for daily family life. Black-framed windows and doors add an elegant Japanese-inspired edge, reinforcing the home’s sense of balance and calm.

Bathrooms are designed as retreats. Green mottled tiles line the showers, evoking a spa-like atmosphere while doors open onto private ferneries. Four spacious bedrooms, ample storage, and a well-designed walk-in wardrobe complete the private areas of the home, ensuring it is as functional as it is stylish.

A custom wine storage unit designed by Andrew adds a playful yet practical element. Outdoors, a generous roof overhang creates a sheltered dining space that can be enjoyed year-round.

This is a home that feels inviting and liveable, a place designed for family meals, laughter with friends, and quiet evenings by the fire. Though built as a showhome, it feels like a home waiting for life to unfold within it.

For Andrew and Michelle Pope, 25 Wai Iti Place is more than just a showcase of their abilities. It is a promise of what APH Design and Build delivers to every client: homes created with honesty, care, and an unwavering commitment to building not just houses, but spaces where families can truly thrive. It is now available for a family to enjoy.