Award-winning builder delivers the ‘wow’ factor

While many builders are proud of their signature designs, Damien and Emily Weeks are happy to let their keen eye create something truly special – with nothing more stunning than their winning entry (Individual Homes $551,000 to $650,000)

From an early age, Damien Weeks was exposed to the building industry…and he loved it.

His young mind eagerly absorbed everything around him – watching tradesmen intently and storing that expert knowledge away.

But, with a keen eye for design, Damien thought his future would unfold sitting in front of an architectural drawing board.

Like all good plans, that idea got ‘tweaked’ a bit and Damien’s flair for carpentry and attention to detail delivered him to the construction game.

Having completed his apprenticeship, he soon moved into a foreman’s role before ‘biting the bullet’ and going into business for himself.

That decision, five years ago, saw BBC QLD come to life and he and wife Emily have turned their early dreams into one of the most respected and innovative building companies in the region.

“Hopefully I bring a fresh, modern eye to design,” Damien reflects.

“When I see plans, I can quickly see if there are any faults at the paper stage and then we can adjust the plans to get a better outcome.”

“We want to make a client’s ideas come to life,” Emily adds. “And we enjoy working together to help them visualise their finished designs.”

Damien predominantly worked the commercial side of construction in the early days, but adhering to tight deadlines and corporate expectations has held him in good stead in their ever-growing work in the domestic building arena.

BBC QLD has worked right across Queensland, working on everything from hospitals to libraries, child care centres to police stations and even on Toowoomba’s own City Hall.

But, that hasn’t restricted their flair for the creative with spectacular housing, townhouses and innovative renovations all proudly showcased in their construction portfolio.

They also contract to other builders.

With a team of 15, they have the manpower and a strong bond with long-lasting tradies who have come

through the BBC QLD system.

“We definitely have an expectation of our tradies,” Damien said. “We want people who can problem solve and think on their feet to assist our customers.”

“If you’re thinking outside the square and are prepared to listen to all sides, you’re going to come up with better solutions,” Emily adds.

“I’ve had apprentices or school-based workers come up with a great idea. It’s all about listening to the client and staying open-minded,” Damien said.

While many builders are proud of their signature designs, Damien and Emily are happy to let their keen eye create something truly special for their clients.

“I don’t want to have a ‘style’,” Damien declares. “I want my builds to be ‘one-offs’ that give the wow factor and reflect the personality of the home owner.”

While client satisfaction is paramount to the BBC QLD team, Damien and Emily agree that it goes far beyond just a tick of approval from the homeowner.

“We want everyone who walks into that home (or unit) to be blown away,” Emily said. “We want to impress them as much as the owner.”

And, if you’re thinking of building, Damien has one simple piece of advice (other than working out a conservative budget).

“Having a list of things you don’t want is as important as a list of what you do,” he explains. “By being able to rule out design layouts, certain fittings or colours – it allows us to concentrate on creating a house plan that meets your expectations right from the start.

“And with the millions of pages on Pinterest and Instagram available, it’s never been easier to put together a scrapbook of ideas that we tweak to make it truely your own – a one-off piece right in your new home.”