Every architectural build starts with a vision and for JKL Architectural Builders, that vision comes from founder Kalem Uttinger.
Building wasn’t something Kalem fell into, it’s something he grew up in. From early hands-on learning to a deep respect for craftsmanship, his direction was clear from the start.
A Builder Raised on the Job Site
Kalem grew up in Tauranga, following his dad around job sites from a young age. Long before he could properly lift a hammer, he was watching, learning, and helping wherever he could.
One of his earliest experiences was helping build his dad’s workshop. From concrete work through to the finished structure. Those early years laid the foundation for a career grounded in strong fundamentals, craftsmanship, and doing things properly.
Building Beyond the Brief
At School while most students were crafting desks or chairs, Kalem was constructing a full-scale playhouse for his younger brother Jarni. A project that hinted early at the scale of his ambition.
Today, Jarni is a qualified builder and integral part of JKL Architectural Builders. Together, the brothers bring a shared standard of precision, pride, and detail that defines every bespoke project they undertake.
Where Design Meets Hands-On Craft
Kalem has always combined hands-on craftsmanship with a natural instinct for design.
For his 12th birthday he was gifted an architectural drafting table. After school, he enrolled in a drafting course, drawn to architecture and creative thinking. But it didn’t take long to realise he didn’t want to sit behind a desk.
“I wanted to be out there, making things with my hands.”
Kalem Uttinger at the Bay of Plenty building apprentice of the year competition 2015
Apprenticeship Excellence
Kalem trained through Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and went on to work for Atrium Homes, specialising in architectural residential construction.
His commitment to quality and workmanship was recognised early when he placed in the Bay of Plenty Building Apprentice of the Year, earning a spot among the New Zealand's top apprentice.
From Solo Builder to JKL Architectural Builders
Image: Kalem with builders from the JKL team
As his experience grew, so did his desire to be more involved in the full creative process. Working for others taught him a great deal, but he began to see opportunities to approach projects differently, with greater attention to detail and a stronger design-led mindset. Eventually, he knew he knew it was time to build things his way.
He began taking on projects independently, building a reputation through word of mouth. As demand increased and the quality of his workmanship became evident, the workload grew quickly and soon, he needed to bring others on board.
That steady growth became the foundation of JKL Architectural Builders.
Today, Kalem remains closely involved from initial concept through to final handover, thriving on complex architectural builds that require careful thinking, precision, and a commitment to getting every detail right.
A Bit of Creative fun
Image from: Bay of Plenty Times
Kalem’s creativity doesn’t stop at construction.
In 2017, he made local headlines after building a 10-metre life-sized sandcastle pirate ship on Mount Maunganui beach, built with friends, shovels, and no plans.
“Just because you get old doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy building sand castles.”
That same creative energy flows into JKL’s work, thoughtful, hands-on, and never cookie-cutter.
Building Architectural Spaces That Last
At the heart of JKL Architectural Builders is a clear philosophy:
design-led, bespoke builds that perform long-term.
Kalem believes the difference is in the details most people don’t see. How spaces feel, how they work, and how they stand the test of time.
A Founder Story Still Being Built
From early backyard builds to award-recognised apprenticeship work, to massive architectural builds in Tauranga. Kalem’s journey has always been driven by one thing, a commitment to building exceptionally well.
Today, as founder of JKL Architectural Builders, he brings together design insight and construction expertise to deliver bespoke architectural homes. Involved from the earliest design conversations through to the final detailing, Kalem ensures every project is thoughtfully executed and built to last.
When you’re building an architectural home, experience matters and so does having the right builder leading the project from start to finish.
