After many years living in Australia, Andrew returned home to Christchurch in 1996. Initially, he worked in the mortgage industry. A move into investment property was a natural development, and he soon built his first three houses. Realising he enjoyed working on home builds and structuring property investments for his clients, he set up Strategic Homes and would go on to build more than 750 homes over the next 20 years.
Andrew and Karen had been friends for many years, and they shared an interest in home building. Karen had spent 25 years in the wine industry and was ready for a change. While Andrew’s strength was in finance and planning, he needed a partner who could work with clients on the design elements. With a love of architecture and interior design, and a passion for working with people, it was only a matter of time before Karen came on board.
In their spare time...
Of living in Christchurch, Karen says, “The lifestyle here is awesome. Space and recreation is everywhere… skiing… beaches… and access to the rest of the South Island. It’s such an easy place to live.”
When it comes to leisure, skiing is a big part of their winter life. Andrew has been helping run the Children’s Ski Race programme at Mt Hutt (Team Hutt) for 15 years. Summers are spent with the whole family camping at Kaiteriteri and boating up Tasman Bay.
They travel to Sydney often to visit family (though they normally plan this around a concert they want to see).
When it comes to children, they are certainly busy. Andrew has three step-children and two of his own. Karen has two children. And they have two Birman cats and a Golden Retriever between them.