creating peaceful & happy homes
Why
Have you ever been inside a home that really feels like another world? There’s a sense of calm that can be felt. The air feels fresh. Visually, everything looks like it belongs together. The materials meld into each other. There’s no tension between materiality (what the building is made from), and nature (where the building sits). The home has a presence of peace.
Peace can be felt through the home. There’s a fascinating cross roads of various elements of a building that work collaboratively together, expressing their unique identities, creating that peace. Think about air flow, sun filled rooms, natural and honest materials, thought-provoking layout, internal temperature, luscious greenery and detailed design. If just one of these elements is missing, or these are not properly mastered, the building is a failure.
It has often been said that there is a strange dichotomy between an architect and a builder. The two come from polar opposite realms in the building world. The relationship is misunderstood, because there’s a misunderstanding of community. It’s not one member or opposing sides, but a community of craftspeople; from the client who has the initial vision, to the architect who designs and details the building, through to the builder who brings it to life with their team, including skilled stone masons, bricklayers, electricians, plumbers, cabinet makers.
Peace leads to happiness. The two are inseparable. A peaceful process from the start through to completion, leads to happiness within the community.
We appreciate the craft of building, cherishing the process of creating tangible structures with skill and dedication. Each home we construct embodies the principles of artistry, much like a finely crafted piece of furniture or a celebrated artwork. This craft requires an investment of time, love, passion, and vision, all of which are deeply woven into our work.
Our commitment to bringing well-crafted, beautiful creations to life reflects an enduring desire to enhance the spaces in which people live. The homes we build are not just structures; they are places of comfort and joy, thoughtfully designed to be enjoyed, celebrated, and experienced for years to come. In every project, we aim to create an environment that fosters peace and happiness for those who inhabit it.
What’s in a name?
The name Karinya is derived from a Wiradjuri word meaning peaceful and happy home/ground. This reflects our desire to create homes that are remarkable and true to their essence, whilst maintaining a harmonious working relationship with all involved, culminating in a peaceful and enjoyable process and home for the client.
In the spirit of reconciliation, Karinya acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
We recognise and admire this special connection to land and the true desire to look after it all costs, not exploiting it for its resources. This has motivated Karinya to reflect that stewardship in all aspects of the construction process through to project completion. Find out more below.
Sustainability
Central to Karinya’s philosophy is our responsibility to the environment. Karinya aims to be responsible to the environment that we live in, both built and natural. Building, however, does come at a cost to the planet. We are committed to always learning and growing to ensure we are providing clients with the best quality outcome.
Below are some examples of how we turn this responsibility into action through the construction process :
Selecting products and materials that can be re-used as far as possible on and off site and recycling where reuse is not possible
Continuously seeking alternative ways of using materials
Minimising the use of products that may be harmful to the environment, either in production or product use.
Researching and utilising modern, efficient and sustainable building products and methods
As part of our commitment to reduce our impact on the earth, we have partnered with Carbon Neutral to offset those emissions we cannot avoid. Currently, we are supporting the Rimba Raya project. This project aims to protect tropical forests in Central Kalimantan on the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo.
The expansion of the palm oil industry has placed these biodiverse ecosystems under threat of destruction due to economic pressure.
The Rimba Raya project is safeguarding over 65,000 hectares of tropical peat forest that’s home to many endangered species, including the orangutan, whilst creating sustainable social and health benefits for the local community.
Meet our team
Scott Cunningham
Scott's talent for craftsmanship is deeply rooted in his early experiences. Growing up, he was inspired by his father's dedication to enhancing their family home, which ignited his passion for building from a young age. This foundational influence has shaped his career and continues to guide his approach to construction today.
Embracing a spirit of innovation, Scott is always open to integrating new technologies and materials into his projects. He views challenges as opportunities for growth, consistently seeking ways to improve his methods and the final outcomes of his work.
Scott's commitment to equitable access to high-quality construction is evident in his annual volunteer work at an Aboriginal College in Darwin. Through his involvement in the college's maintenance program, he not only shares his skills but also fosters a sense of community and support for those he works alongside.
In his personal life, Scott balances his work commitments with family responsibilities, proudly embodying the role of a devoted husband and father. He understands the importance of quality time with his family and actively participates in their lives, ensuring they are nurtured and supported.