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. 47 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 07, ISSUE 08 RUSTIC TOUCH
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