McBride Design

Richard McBride has been designing boats in Nelson for 14 years. But when Challenge NZ was established in 2008, he was keen to get involved.

"A commitment to environmental awareness is logical", he comments. "I have always preferred to create boats that are economical and have minimal environmental impact. Connection with the Challenge NZ group makes my business much bigger than just me - I can broaden my horizons and look at bigger stuff - it has a lot of potential."

While links between marine design and other companies in Challenge NZ are useful - in both directions - they are not exclusive. McBride Design, like the other parties in Challenge NZ, remains a separate and independent entity. Thus while some of McBride's vessels are built in Nelson by companies within the group, others are not. Richard continues to work with boat builders all over New Zealand and overseas.

"Right now we are developing proposals for work in South America, Africa, Indonesia and elsewhere in the Pacific. Despite the recession, the work is still out there. We like to think we can offer innovative solutions, so our proposals tend to highlight this. Of course we have to maintain a competetive edge as well, and that can be a bit of a balancing act. It's about putting the design elements together in a way that meets the client's brief - in an economically logical way".

Manju Bodiyabadu, marine draughtsman, joined McBride Design in April 2009. He brings a wealth of drawing and technical expertise, and is primarily engaged in generating computer based working drawings and specifications for Richard's designs. Prior to Manju's arrival, Richard had worked alone for a number of years, so this has been a big change in the nature of the business.

Originally from Sri Lanka, Manju is a true global citizen, having lived in countries as diverse as Bahrain, UAE and Finland. Now settled in Nelson with his family, Manju is enjoying living in a more moderate climate, and taking on the diversity that a smaller organisation requires.

With Manju on the team, developing the structual designs drawings for new builds, and generating engineering support of various conversions and modifications, repair jobs and docking information, McBride Design is well placed to grow as the recession fades away. "There's no doubt the recovery is coming - and as that flows through to marine design work, we will be ready".