The thrill of receiving two awards at the 2016 NZ Master Builders Commercial Project Awards is almost indescribable, says Heather Harding, General Manager of Harding Construction.

The Timaru-based company won a coveted overall Special Project Award and also a Bronze Award in the Commercial and Civic section against entries from around the country. These are New Zealand’s most prestigious awards for commercial construction. "To have our work recognised in this way is a real honour," says Harding

The project entered was a small one - the fit-out of the new offices for the Aoraki Development Business and Tourism (ADBT)/ South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce in Timaru. However, the requirements for the project were unusual and required a unique problem solving approach. The client had no real budget for the work but still needed a high-quality, professional fit-out.

The Master Builders Commercial Project Awards recognise not only the delivery of a high quality project, but excellent building processes and practices, quality of work and craftsmanship, team work – including coordination of sub-trades and suppliers, and client satisfaction.

"These are qualities we at Harding Construction pride ourselves on," says Harding. "We strive to deliver not only high quality construction work, but also to ensure our clients have a positive experience dealing with us."

The Special Award is given at the discretion of the judges for a specific outstanding project or element of a project that is worthy of recognition.

"Only two Special Awards were given this year," says Harding. "We are very proud to have received one of them."