About Us

Character Builders have built and developed housing solutions for hundreds of clients in Canterbury since 1997

Since 1997...

Guy commenced his building operation in 1997, then soon after joined forces with a 3rd generation building company, “Lewthwaite & Son builders”, to form a longstanding relationship and a building company that would stand the test of time.

Over the years our projects have ranged from the small ongoing maintenance and repair needs of home owners, to large scale additions and alterations, and to brand new homes.

Whilst our marketing focus has always been with conventional and traditional NZ homes, this also naturally translates to a wide range of skills applicable to all types of building and construction, such as; light commercial Mall and Shop fit outs, Bars, schools, churches, etc.

And though we love the traditional, inevitably the sound practical skill and attention to detail that our staff lean to, provides us with architectural building and joinery detailing.

You will see our Character New Builds in various locations all round Canterbury and the West Coast, but likewise our skills have been in demand from a wide range of specialists, from mass production housing companies, developers, designers, and architects, all specialising in their own niche and all needing our ability to adapt and apply practical skill in so many different forms.

Our Team

Character Builders are a skilful team of fully qualified craftsmen backed by a fully capable management team, ensuring any job, small or large is finished and managed to an exceptional standard.

With a strong focus on relationships and communication, we work to ensure that along with the finished product, every client has been a big part of the process and enjoyed the journey! With small dynamic teams you deal directly with those working with you ensuring clarity and understanding at all times.

Some of the key people behind the teams are profiled below, outlining the experience they bring to supporting and managing all of Character Builders work.

Guy Gillespie

Managing Director

26 years married to Jo, with two young adult sons. Experienced, 20 year qualified carpenter. Solutions person, problem solver and innovator. Passionate about historic NZ architecture, bit also visionary and proactive in the pursuit of solutions to future proof construction.

Steven Armstrong

Operations Manager

With many years experience in management and a number of years “on the tools“ and 20 years of competing at national and international level in various sports. Steven is detailed, focused and driven. He will ensure the administration side of your project will run smoothly from the start to finish. He overseas the general operation of the business, documentation, and Health & Safety process and monitoring client relations.

Our teams

Quality Craftsmen

Our teams are highly skilled and competent tradesmen, committed to the details and specs that ultimately give you the house you have dreamed of! We all have experience across building styles that enable us work on any type or scale of project

Our Suppliers

Character Builders reputation is greatly enhanced by our solid base of suppliers

Our teams are fully supported by our dedicated suppliers that have the same commitment to your project as we do in our building role.

With an intentional focus on communication and relationship building they ensure the timely delivery of goods and services to our building teams on the ground, committed to completing your project.

We’ve worked with some of these suppliers for 20 plus years now, and our combined experience gives us a real advantage when planning and executing you building project. Other benefits enable us to manage and oversee costings from the the estimate and quoting stage. All up, as our valued client, we can give you greater assurance and peace of mind!

Of course we will work with your own suppliers and contacts if that works best for you. Whatever way we plan your project, talk to us early about how you would like to proceed.

Simple communication, open and honest. That’s us and our suppliers.
Call us to start the conversation now!

"Exactly what we asked for and more ... "

MARTY