Our Team

We are a small and friendly team who take great pride in our work. At Building Elements, we believe in investing in the future of the building industry. We are proud to have great people, many of whom have been with us since the beginning of their building careers, have apprenticed and qualified with us, and continue their building careers with us to this day.

“Throughout the renovation Paul and his team gave us great advice, made possible what others said couldn’t and overall made the process easy and enjoyable.  The level of workmanship was outstanding and the sub-contractors they work with where some of the best in their fields.” - Amy Hain, Parnell

Paul Hawthorn

Owner/Director

Paul has been building since 1993 when he started his apprenticeship in Kaitaia. Building Elements was established in 2002 on his return from a stint learning the industry in the UK. Paul views his time in London as a valuable opportunity gaining exposure to a vast array of building methods and practices, some not commonly seen in New Zealand. He is passionate about building and has an eye for design and detail. Paul’s goal was to create a building company that offers excellence in skills, service, and the finished product, standards that he continues to strive for today.  

A man with short dark hair and a beard, smiling, wearing a black polo shirt with a logo that reads 'Building Elements' and red and white design.

Matt Hendl

Foreman

Matt discovered a passion for building at a young age and began his apprenticeship in 2011 with Building Elements.  He became fully qualified in 2015.  Matt loves the physical aspect of building, working outdoors, and the team environment. His focus is always on the detail and he takes great satisfaction from seeing a job completed to the highest standards.    

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Scott Henry

Foreman

Scott began his building career in 2014 with Building Elements and completed his apprenticeship to become qualified in 2018.  Scott enjoys the constant challenge and variety that renovations provide and loves to watch the transformation of the homes the team works on.   

A young man with brown hair wearing a black polo shirt with the logo 'Building Elements' is smiling at the camera against a plain light-colored background.

Dan Hefford

Foreman

Dan started his apprenticeship with Building Elements in 2018 and qualified in 2022.  As a child he cut his teeth on treehouses, always trying to improve and refine them.  Dan enjoys the variety that building provides and the satisfaction that comes with having a part to play in the creation of a client’s future home.    

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Contact us

Interested in working with us? Tell us about your project and we will be in touch. We look forward to hearing from you!