The evening brought together architects, renovation professionals and industry partners in a relaxed setting designed to encourage conversation, creativity and professional development.

Refresh Renovations is a design-and-build renovation company, helping homeowners bring projects from initial ideas and feasibility through design, planning, construction and completion. Their collaborative approach also enables them to work alongside architects and industry partners to help bring residential projects, whether a new build or a complex home addition, from design intent through to delivery.

As hosts of the evening, Refresh Renovations brought together architects and renovation professionals for an opportunity to connect, share ideas and build relationships across the industry.

The event brought together several complementary perspectives from across the industry. Neil Chand, Founder and Director of Refresh Renovations Central Auckland, welcomed guests and shared more about Refresh’s approach to working collaboratively with architects and other project partners. Resene supported the evening with wine, paints and all the supplies for the creative workshop, while seasonal spring flowers were displayed to provide a source of design inspiration. Concrete NZ provided the opportunity for professional development through a 10-point NZIA CPD presentation.

For Winnings, hosting events like those hosted during a local design week is an extension of the role the showroom plays within Auckland's architecture and design community. A showroom can be more than a place to view appliances, tapware and products, serving as a hub for community placemaking. It can also provide an environment where professionals can meet, exchange ideas, discover new possibilities and build relationships with the people and brands contributing to the industry.

The relaxed format was intentional. Rather than simply attending a presentation and heading home, guests had the opportunity to network, participate in a creative workshop and engage with the CPD session. It created a balance between professional development and genuine connection, giving the evening a social element while remaining relevant to the work guests do every day.

For an industry built around collaboration, creating more opportunities for those conversations can be just as valuable as the formal presentation itself.

A central theme of the evening was the importance of collaboration across the renovation industry. Delivering a considered design successfully requires close alignment between the original architectural vision, engineering expertise, quality materials and skilled trades.

Bringing designers, suppliers and project partners together helps create a shared understanding of the project, making the process more connected and efficient from concept through to completion. It also highlights the complementary role each discipline plays in delivering a successful residential project, where thoughtful design, technical expertise and quality execution come together to create the final result.

A successful renovation involves much more than the design itself. From managing budgets and timelines to coordinating trades and navigating the practical challenges that arise during construction, there are many moving parts that need to come together.

This is where collaboration between architects, designers and renovation specialists can add real value. Bringing the right expertise into a project early can help identify potential challenges, establish realistic expectations and ensure the original design intent remains at the heart of the project as it moves into construction.

As a design-and-build renovation company, Refresh Renovations works across these different stages of the renovation process, helping clients move from initial ideas and feasibility through to design, planning and construction. Their collaborative approach also provides an opportunity for architects and other design professionals to work alongside an experienced project delivery team.

"The evening was a reminder of the value of bringing the industry together outside the usual project environment. Bringing Auckland’s architectural and renovation community together created an opportunity to connect, share ideas and build relationships that strengthen the wider industry." - Neil Chand, Director & Founder of Refresh Renovations Auckland Central - Neil Chand.

Guests also had the chance to step away from the more formal side of the evening with a relaxed wine-bottle painting workshop, designed by the Refresh Renovations Auckland Central - Neil Chand team. With spring flowers for creative inspiration and using Resene paints, guests painted glass bottles, turning a simple and easily recyclable material into an alternative canvas for their designs. The spring flowers on display provided seasonal inspiration, while the glass bottles offered a fun but slightly challenging surface to work with. The activity gave guests an opportunity to experiment with colour, get creative and enjoy a more informal part of the evening before moving into the CPD session. It also provided another way for guests to connect and share ideas outside their usual work environment.

Practical considerations when incorporating concrete into designs

Professional development was another important part of the evening, with the program combining learning with the opportunity to connect with others across the industry.

A highlight was the dedicated Continuing Professional Development (CPD) session delivered by Ralf Kessel Head of Architecture at Concrete NZ, which explored the versatility of concrete and its potential within modern design. The session offered practical insights for design professionals, while encouraging them to consider how materials, form and structure can be used creatively across both interior and exterior spaces.

By bringing this learning into a relaxed industry setting, the session provided a valuable opportunity to share knowledge, explore new ideas and consider different approaches to the way concrete can be used in design.

The Winnings Newmarket showroom provided the setting for the evening, giving guests an opportunity to explore the latest appliances and design solutions in person.

For architects and design professionals, being able to see, touch and experience products firsthand can be an important part of the specification process. The showroom brings together a curated selection of premium appliances, custom cabinetry, and kitchen and laundry solutions, allowing guests to explore different finishes, features and configurations within a considered design environment.

From integrated appliances and statement cooking products to innovative solutions for the kitchen and home, the showroom offers an opportunity to see how products can work within a wider interior design scheme, rather than simply viewing them on a screen or in a catalogue.

It also creates a natural space for conversations between designers, suppliers and industry specialists, helping turn product discovery into a more collaborative and engaging experience.

Key Highlights of the Winnings Newmarket Experience:

1. Interactive Appliance Displays: Hands-on evaluation of premium technology.

2. Bespoke Material Galleries: Exploration of luxury finishes and hardware.

3. Live Technical Demonstrations: Direct insight into installation and performance.

4. Product Experts: Our product experts specialize in luxury appliances

Meet with suppliers and brand representatives

The showroom also provides an opportunity for design professionals to meet directly with suppliers and brand representatives. These conversations can be useful when exploring product specifications, installation requirements, warranty information or more complex integration options.

Having access to the people behind the products makes it easier to ask questions, explore possibilities and get practical advice when considering products for a project.

Host presentations and connect with other professionals

Industry evenings at Winnings can combine presentations, product insights and opportunities to connect with other professionals across the design and renovation community.

Presentations can provide useful insights into new products, materials, technologies and industry developments, while the more informal parts of the evening give guests a chance to catch up with colleagues, meet new people and share ideas.

Whether you're attending for professional development, to discover new products or simply to connect with others in the industry, these events provide an opportunity to learn, exchange ideas and build relationships in a relaxed setting. Contact Winnings.

If you would like to learn more about Refresh Renovations Central Auckland’s operation and how they can take the stress away from your renovation, contact them on 0800 705 289, or checkout their website: Neil Chand Refresh Renovations Central Auckland