Built by lifelong friends since 2016.

Astute Build was founded in 2016 by lifelong friends Jesse Crooks and Matt Foggo. After working abroad (Jesse in the UK and Matt in Australia), they brought their experience home to New Zealand.

We’re now a team of ten, tackling projects of every size and complexity, always with the same goal: building legacies through homes people are proud of.

Working together

We've shaped our process into four clear phases, giving you and your architect clarity at every step. Whether you're coming to us with an architect already on board, or you're still exploring what's possible, we'll work collaboratively from the outset to make the process well-managed, transparent and stress-free.

Phase 1:
Plan

Our Discovery meeting explores your vision, plans and priorities. When working with an architect, we collaborate from the outset to understand the design, scope and possibilities. We then develop a preliminary quote, timings, phasing and contract structure.

Phase 2:
Prepare

Your Astute Site Manager is assigned to you, the team is introduced, and we work through the details together. With your architect, we align on documentation, procurement, scope, costs and timing.

Phase 3:
Build

Construction begins, with regular meetings, open communication and transparent cost tracking. We keep you and your architect informed throughout, working together to solve problems and keep the project moving.

Phase 4:
Completion

We walk through the finished project together, making sure everything is completed as intended. We then hand over the project, provide documentation and remain available for post-build support.

Thinking about a project, or simply exploring what’s possible?

We’d love to hear from you. Start a conversation with our team and we’ll guide you through the next steps.

Architects, we’d love to collaborate.

From early-stage costing through to construction, we work alongside you to help bring your designs to life, with a free preliminary cost estimate to get things started.

Our Team

Matt Foggo
Founder/Director

Matt is a father of two and married to fashion designer Victoria. He returned to New Zealand in 2015 after eight years in Sydney.

BCITO trained, Matt brings over 25 years experience across architectural homes, high end renovations, restorations, and complex builds. In Sydney, he worked as a site foreman for a boutique builder specialising in bespoke architectural homes, as well as on Victorian and Federation restorations, commercial fit outs, and demolition projects.

Back in Auckland, he has focused on Villa and Bungalow renovations, refining his eye for detail and knowledge of traditional New Zealand craftsmanship. Matt thrives on the challenges of building and creating spaces clients love.

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Jesse Crooks
Founder/Director

Jesse is a father of two and married to interior designer Kate, so home design and architecture chat is never far away. He spent five years in London before returning to New Zealand to form Astute Build.

A Licensed Building Practitioner (Carpentry, Site 2) with over 25 years experience, Jesse trained across residential and light commercial construction in Central Auckland, specialising in additions and large scale renovations. He also studied horticultural science with a focus on sustainability, bringing a broader environmental lens to his work.

In London, Jesse worked for an acclaimed high end residential developer, followed by a site management role with a well known commercial company back in New Zealand. He now brings experience from both sectors into the Astute Build business, combining strong technical knowledge with practical, on site leadership.

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Daryl
Site Foreman / LBP

Jesse
Site Foreman

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Jack
Site Foreman

Jack
Carpenter

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Riki
Carpenter

Finn
Apprentice

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Dev
Apprentice

Sam
Apprentice