Rustic Touch

Designing Homes with Heart, Heritage, and Harmony

Crafting Spaces that are Ideally Suited to Call Home

Nestled on the picturesque Central Coast of New South Wales, Rustic Touch has carved out a unique niche in the world of residential construction—creating homes that aren’t just built, but crafted. Since its inception in 1987, the company has remained steadfast in its founding mission: to design and build sustainable, timeless homes that work with nature, not against it.

For founders Tony and Debra Turner, Rustic Touch isn’t just a business—it’s a deeply personal expression of values, vision, and community.

A Name, A Vision, A Legacy

The journey of Rustic Touch began when Tony, disenchanted with commercial construction, and Debra, with a passion for design, decided to forge their own path. “Rustic” wasn’t just a name—it embodied their love of natural materials, sustainable design, and building homes that felt healthy, livable, and enduring.

“When we started, we were young and idealistic,” Debra recalls. “Back then, you gave away your design just to win the job. But even then, we believed in solar passive design. It wasn’t mainstream, but it felt right—and it still does.”

Today, that commitment has evolved into a company of 15, including site staff, apprentices, and office personnel. But the heart of Rustic Touch remains unchanged: thoughtful, bespoke design and unwavering integrity.

Designing with Nature

Rustic Touch’s design process is grounded in an intimate relationship with the land. The team begins each project by walking the site—often alongside the client—studying topography, sunlight, views, and ventilation. “We want to create homes that sit softly on the land,” Tony explains. “We work with Mother Nature. You can’t fight her—she’ll win every time.”

The company continues to champion solar passive design principles over trend-driven styles. While they’ve completed Passive House-certified builds, they prefer designs that invite natural light, airflow, and thermal comfort. “We don’t chase trends,” says Debra. “We’re sympathetic to them, but we prefer to set our own.”

Their approach is both aesthetic and philosophical. “A good home shouldn’t scream for attention—it should belong to the environment it’s in.”

From Sketch to Showpiece

Rustic Touch is a full-service design and build firm. Projects typically span two years, beginning with site evaluation and continuing through architectural planning, council approvals, interior design, and construction. It’s a deeply collaborative process—and one that results in highly personalized homes, often award-winning.

Among their many accolades—over 35 and counting—a standout was a National Award for a complex curved build designed in collaboration with renowned architect Dick Clarke. “Every surface curved—floors, walls, everything. It was an incredible challenge,” says Tony. “And no callbacks. That’s something to be proud of.”

Still, one project stands out above all: their own home. “It’s 25 years old, but still one of our proudest creations,” says Debra. “It’s ageless—and that’s what we aim for in all our designs.”

A Boutique Approach

Rustic Touch limits itself to building six to eight homes per year, allowing for exceptional quality and consistent client experience. “We know every team member’s birthday,” Debra smiles. “We’re not trying to be the biggest—we’re trying to be the best.”

Clients meet the whole team—from design through build—and the culture of transparency is unwavering. “We don’t ‘sell’ a client,” says Debra “We educate them. If we’re not the right fit, that’s okay. But if we are, we hold their hand the whole way.”

The company’s ethics are just as strong as its craftsmanship. If a client requests unsustainable or incompatible materials, Rustic Touch will recommend they look elsewhere. “We’re small enough to stay true to our principles,” Tony says. “And that’s non-negotiable.”

Stability in an Unstable Industry

Navigating challenges is nothing new for Rustic Touch. From economic fluctuations to pandemic-related disruptions, the company’s strong foundation has kept it thriving where others faltered.

During COVID-19, many Australian builders closed their doors. Rustic Touch didn’t just survive—it excelled. Thanks to longstanding relationships with suppliers and subcontractors, and a high-overhead but well-managed model, the company stayed organized and transparent throughout the crisis. Clients were updated via Google Meets, site signage changed daily, and staff adapted swiftly.

“The way we managed our business meant we had our finger on the pulse at all times,” says Tony. “Our team stepped up. And so did our clients.”

Post-COVID, the building industry continues to grapple with 30–40% increases in material costs, labor shortages, and complex new regulatory changes. But Rustic Touch remains steady—because their model was always built for resilience.

A Team That Stays

What truly sets Rustic Touch apart is its people. Office manager Tracey has been with the company for 20 years. Their site foreman, for over a decade. Many apprentices have become carpenters and team leads—and one recent graduate is even the son of a long-time staff member.

“We treat our staff like family,” Debra says. “If someone needs to attend their kid’s swimming carnival, they go. We’ve had four daughters—we know how important that is.”

This loyalty translates into trust, consistency, and a warm working atmosphere that clients feel immediately. “We want clients to feel like they’re being welcomed into our home,” says Tony.

The Showroom That Feels Like Home

Even Rustic Touch’s office space reflects their ethos. Their commercial showroom—located just minutes from their home—is designed not like a sales floor, but a living room.

“We’ve got a display kitchen, lounge area… but no sample clutter,” Debra explains. “We sit on the couch with clients, have a coffee, and chat about their vision. It’s all about comfort and connection.”

It’s a far cry from their humble beginnings—when their coffee table was their desk and a tapestry shoulder bag doubled as a briefcase. But the values remain the same.

A Future Built to Last

Looking ahead, Rustic Touch is focused on stability rather than scale. With Tony and Debra eventually planning to step back, their vision is for the company to grow within its existing framework—guided by the same principles that shaped it from day one.

The company continues to adapt to the ever-changing building codes and environmental demands, including Australia’s stringent bushfire (BAL) regulations and engineering requirements for steep and coastal blocks. Their focus remains on longevity and sustainability—not just for structures, but for the business itself.

“We’ve always said our homes should last 100 years,” says Tony. “Project homes might last 30. Ours are meant to stand strong for generations.”

Staying True, Staying Strong

At its core, Rustic Touch is more than a builder. It’s a custodian of craft, a believer in balance, and a quiet leader in a noisy industry. With a reputation built on trust, transparency, and timeless design, the company has weathered storms—literal and figurative—and emerged stronger every time.

“Being honest from the beginning is always easier than fixing problems at the end,” says Debra.

“That’s why we don’t cut corners, and why we’ll always stay small enough to care,” she concludes.

At a Glance

Who: Rustic Touch

What: A leading sustainable home builder that is defined by unparalleled craftsmanship and customer loyalty

Where: Central Coast, New South Wales

Website: www.rustictouch.com

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