About us
District Build Co. is a family-run business, established by Harrison (Harry) Smith.
Harry’s passion has always been in home building; crafting the touches that make a house feel like home. Always striving to strike the perfect balance between form and function, he creates beautiful spaces that are enjoyable to live in.
Through District Build Co. Harry takes a realistic, quality-driven approach to every project, taking the time to ensure every home is built to delight and to last the test of time.
Harry is a Licensed Building Practitioner and qualified carpenter, as well as being a member of New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB).
Where it began
Harry has been building since he was 17, starting his career as an apprentice in Wellington. Renovating 100-year-old Wellington character homes shaped Harry’s eye for detail and problem-solving; he learned to seamlessly tie new into old, making modern features belong.
Harry’s career has taken him around the globe, building in the UK and then Australia before returning to Rotorua, New Zealand.
He invested time in commercial construction in Rotorua, working on large-scale projects such as the Wairakei Spa and the Sir Howard Morrison Centre. Being immersed in commercial construction advanced Harry’s skills in project management, health and safety, and commercial acumen.
His passion for architectural home building led him to step away from the corporate world, start a family, and build something of his own - applying everything he’s learned to deliver the highest quality residential construction.
For Harry, it’s not just about building houses, it’s about crafting homes that feel right in every detail.