Felicity Wallace Architects, February 2010

To Whom it may concern:

I have known Jared Torrington since January 2009.

Jared has been the foreman on a project at 99 Majoribanks Street, Mount Victoria, Wellington for which I was the architect responsible for full contract administration. He has had a team of up to 3 or 4 carpenters working with him at times. Construction time: late January – December 2010.

This project is the construction of a 3 level dwelling on a steep and difficult site in the middle of a very dense and historic urban community. The owners were living in Christchurch during the initial stages of construction, then renting an apartment within walking distance of the site. My practice is based in the Rangitikei and I made regular visits to the site.

Jared has maintained good communication with my practice, with the owners and with the neighbours adjacent to the property during this project. The neighbours who overlooked the site regularly commented on the quality of Jared’s work and attitude during construction.

Jared thinks ahead and plans his work before commencing. He anticipates potential issues that may arise with details and junctions and prepares his work with care. The house at 99 Majoribanks Street has been extremely well built and this is in no small part due to the care and technical skills of Jared.

The project fell behind the programme by about 3 months; this was owing to a series of un anticipated events: firstly an underground stream running through the site was uncovered, necessitating additional excavation and fill; and amendments to foundation design; secondly the cedar cladding specified needed to be replaced, this required a change in specification and delays in supply; and thirdly a number of Variations were incorporated.

Throughout the project, despite these setbacks, and pressures to meet difficult deadlines; Jared kept the big picture and maintained his focus on delivering a quality project. He also retained the confidence of the owners throughout the project.

I would be very happy to act as a verbal referee for Jared.

Yours faithfully

Felicity Wallace,
Felicity Wallace Architects