References

I have known Mark since my first project back in 2005 which is shown on the website as "resort and deck design" We wanted a deck that projected out over the water. Mark flew to Vanuatu and spent 2 days just sitting in the area taking note of sun and view angles etc. His design was something we had never envisaged ourselves but I must say it was a revelation once he explained why he choose these angles etc.

Once built it was absolutely everything he said it would be. In Vanuatu you do not chase the sun as he explained you seek shade and at any time of day there was sufficient shade provided by the trees that were already in place. He utilised these extremely well. And as a finished product just added an abundance of charm and style to an area of the property that was not previously being enjoyed.

The second project is on the website as "modern swimming pool design" Mark took over when I felt the architects were not fully understanding the brief and the design of the pool was just secondary to the house. Mark came up with exactly what was required for the site. Pool fencing is always ugly and his negative fencing design means there is no real barrier to the Pool and was passed by council which took him several trips from Tauranga to North of Auckland to personally convince the Council that it was in fact legal.. The beach area is a huge hit with the Kids and Adults alike just to bath in the shallows.

Mark insisted on Acacia Pools from Tauranga to build the Pool and again this was the right choice. Mark Cashmore and Paul from Acacia pools working well together and have produced an outstanding product which I still look at with much pleasure.

The whole design and build process with Mark was easy and enjoyable the whole way through. Its sometimes hard to just let a designer go for fear of some unpractical way out ideas but with Mark you can rely on him to produce a great design keeping in mind costs and also usability of the final product. He would be in my mind the finest outdoor area designer in New Zealand.

Kerry Bell



In 2008 I commissioned Mark to design my landscape, a property on the inner harbor of Tauranga City. This was an expansive project starting April through to late December of that year. The talent that Mark showed to combined my personal, family and house position requirements truly show today. His ability in planning and detail to meet my needs. With three years maturity, I now have a property which is fill of wonderment and a great deal of pleasure. I have a garden where a mixture of style, colour and structure marry perfectly. Formality, cottage, outside dinning, fire, small and large areas, woven into each other with style and ease.

This was not any easy fix situation. An 80 year old house that additions must feel and look with grace into the existing. All Mark accomplished.

Simply a very satisfied happy client Thankyou Mark.

Sally Morrison



Earlier this year we enlisted the landscape guidance of Mark. We had a house on a paddock to which we had some pretty well thought ideas but decided if we were spending a fair chunk of money we probably should check we were on the right track. Well Mark confirmed but disputed at the same time. It was great to be in alignment with someone like Mark and also to be challenged and to debate issues and hear the reasoning why he had come to a particular conclusion contrary to us.

I was also very impressed by the way Mark measured distances, depths, checked wind flow and direction as well as the obvious sunlight hours, then brought into the plans, views, privacy, flow and rooms for all family members. If I did not like something, Mark listened, went away, reflected and then either came back with a new idea or revised his slightly, explaining why it would not be a total change.

Essentially he worked with us guiding and using expertise. Finally, Mark looked at the house, the style and kept in fitting. All and all I can not recommend Mark enough. Take the plunge you will not be disappointed.

Debra Jager



Mark has been a very creative designer for our property. He was able to rescape the old site in such a way that by clever interpreting the height differences we suddenly had much more living and garden space. Also from the very first moment that we met he spoke our language and needed only a few words to feel and design what we were looking for. He is truly a wonderful man and we still enjoy his advice and his friendship. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend him.

Ted Baijings