From penciled house plans to 3D tours

With over 40 years of experience in carpentry, one Matamata builder has seen his fair share of changes to the industry.

Peter Vossen has just been honoured with a certificate which marks his 25 years as a registered Master Builder.

However, 25 years is only a benchmark achieved with Master Builders, his career in carpentry goes back much further than that.

After leaving Matamata College with high marks in woodwork, his gateway into the industry started in 1977 with Potter Brothers, Trevor and Raymond.

‘‘Dad said go out and find a job, so I went door knocking for an apprenticeship and managed to pick one up.’’

As technology has developed, so has the building industry. Long gone are the days of pencil and paper to create house plans, now clients can do a virtual walk through.

‘‘Years ago with pencil and rubber, it was a longer process.

‘‘The availability of CAD drawing equipment, 3D models and visual imagery make it easier for clients to understand. The bulk of all the decisions are made before you start.’’

He says the hands-on craftmanship makes building so exciting, such as a villa he built for a client on Maple Place.

The home won gold and gold reserve in the Waikato Home of the Year competition and went on for consideration to the National Home of the Year.

‘‘The more carpentry that we do, the more my guys enjoy it too.’’

He says the lack of land for new developments in Matamata is always a concern, and there is now more building activity out of town.

‘‘We are running out of land. It’s a bit of a concern, no one saw it coming. If someone was to start a development today, it would be two years before builders were building on it. That’s why we are spreading our wings and building out of town.’’

Vossen always has an apprentice on staff. Since starting the business in 1985, Vossen has given 22 apprentices an introduction to building.

His son Bjorn has been one such apprentice. The 23 year old graduated late last year from BoP Polytech, Toi Ohomai, with a National Certificate in carpentry level four.

‘‘It gives me a lot of satisfaction to see them go from boys to men, and see them evolve. I’m big on giving back to the industry.’’