already had wide hallways and practical layouts, so we just increased our standard door sizes and made a few other tweaks.” That foresight has paid off.As of 2025, only a handful of New South Wales councils enforce these standards, but Blue Ribbon Homes is already ahead of the curve. “We expect it’ll become statewide soon, and we’ve been ready for over a decade.” WHERE PRACTICALITY MEETS STYLE When it comes to integrating new trends, Phil keeps his builder’s hat firmly on.“Most of the real changes in homes come from selections—fittings, finishes, tapware,” he says. “But for the core design, we stay practical. I’m a builder, a carpenter by trade. If you can’t build it, there’s no point designing it.” That pragmatic approach keeps projects economical while still offering room for creativity. “Everyone wants a little architectural flair,” Phil adds. “No one wants to live in a tissue box.” RELATIONSHIPS THAT BUILD CONFIDENCE Blue Ribbon Homes offers a deeply personal and highly involved client experience. With just four staff in the office and a display home hostess, the company prioritises direct contact between the client and the designer—in this case, Phil himself. “I do all the design and sales work,” he says. “When we’re discussing plans, clients are talking directly to the person who’s sketching and pricing. It makes everything clearer and less stressful.” This approach leads to faster decisions, better accuracy, and a rapport that builds naturally over time. “By the time clients are ready to sign, they’re comfortable,” Phil says.“We’ve already been through a lot together.” On the construction side, accessibility remains a priority. Phils construction manager, Ben Smith, is known for his obsessive attention to detail—and his willingness to take client calls well outside regular hours. “He’s up at 4 a.m. and on site by 5,” Phil says.“He’s probably the best we’ve ever had on the ground.” 26 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 07, ISSUE 05
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