Who we are

Collins W Collins is a family owned and operated building design company. Established in 2003 by Derek and James Collins, a pair of local brothers who are both passionate about building design and strongly believe in delivering individually tailored services specific to every client’s needs.

“With Collins W Collins, each project is unique and we approach every client in that way – individual people equal individual design.”

What We Do

• Building Design for all styles and sizes of residential, commercial and industrial developments - no project too small!
• Extensive range of ancillary services including BASIX Certificates, Thermal Comfort Assessments, Council Applications and more
• Liaise with your builder throughout all stages of design and construction

We have developed a range of services that provide clients with a complete ‘concept to construction’ package

To see our range of projects, please view our Gallery

Why We Are Here

In memory of…

We often get asked why there is a ‘W’ in Collins W Collins, a lot of people assume it is short for 'with' however there is a sombre, heartfelt story behind our W. Back in 2001 James moved home to Port Macquarie to start working as a junior Designer with John Walsh at Walsh Architects. John was a well-loved local personality that James connected with immediately when he realised their mutual passion for Rugby league. In 2003, John met Derek and offered him a job if he ever decided to return to Port Macquarie with his family. Within weeks, Derek packed up his house and family and moved back to Port Macquarie. The week prior to Derek commencing his employment with Walsh Architects, John was tragically killed in a work-place accident.

Important discussions were had and big decisions were made to start a business. The next biggest decision was the name and there was no other name for us than Collins W Collins - Two Collins brothers who wouldn't be where they are with out our W, John Walsh.

Derek Collins

What You Do: Director | Building Designer
Years in the Biz: Back in 1994 I started my career as a Building Designer, I worked in Port Macquarie and surrounds for 6 years before moving the family to Sydney in 2000. Realising the big smoke wasn't for me we headed 'home' to Port Macquarie and in 2003 started Collins W Collins with my brother James
What you love about CWC: I love doing something new – in this industry, there’s always new design techniques, new technologies, new materials, and new trends.
What do you love outside work: I love the country and coastal lifestyle, so outside work I’m on our property enjoying time with my family.

James Collins

What You Do: Director | Building Designer
Years in the Biz: Whilst playing professional football for Cronulla Sharks for a couple of years I studied to become a Building Designer whilst working part-time for a Building Design Firm in the Northern Beaches. In 2001 The North Coast (home) called my name and I started my first full-time Building Design roll. After the Tragic Death of my boss John Walsh in August 2003 it was decided to start Collins W Collins from the kitchen of my home and 'The rest is History'
What you love about CWC: I love designing projects – taking an idea and turning it into reality. And the fact I get to work with my brother, that’s an added bonus (sometimes)
What you love outside work: My 6.5m game fishing boat ahh I should probably say My Misses (as in my wife) and children

Tamika Collins

What You Do: Whatever is needed! Primarily BASIX and Thermal Assessments (I'm an accredited Assessor with ABSA #20606), Applications for Council / Private Certifiers and Business Management
Years in the Biz: I've been around since day 1
What you love about CWC: Our team - their quirks and senses of humour - There is always plenty of laughs in the CWC office!! We have a great team environment with everyone always willing to help someone else
What you love outside work: Taking time out with my family (kids grow up way too fast!!!), music festivals and just the daily chilled out rural lifestyle

Shannon Collins

What You Do: Keep the Bosses in Check........ Accounts, HR and Marketing.
Years in the Biz: CWC started in my kitchen, so I have been involved since day one, but officially a part of the team since 2013.
What you love about CWC: What's not to love?? We have an awesome team here at CWC (even if the majority of those people are family!) which make coming to work each day that much easier. Working in a environment where no project is the same keeps things interesting.
What you love outside work: Born and bred in Port Macquarie, outside work is (also) all about family! My 'spare' time is usually spent running between netball and football or swimming lessons and soccer with our kids or spending time with our extended families, relaxing around our gorgeous property

Daniel Shackleton

What You Do: Building Designer and Graphics Manager
Years in the Biz: I came on board with CWC in 2011
What you love about CWC: To see an initial sketch flow through to a design to a fully constructed home – from pen and paper to bricks and mortar, that’s such a great feeling. I also love the relaxed and friendly working environment.
What you love outside work: Spending quality time with my family and being outdoors.

Matthew Smith

What You Do: Assistant Building Designer and Energy Liaison
Years in the Biz: With CWC since July 2014 and prior to that I lived in the UK and South Africa where I worked as a draftsman in retail design and land surveying
What you love about CWC: I enjoy the people I work with and the family like environment, I also enjoy learning about the industry.
What you love outside work: I enjoy riding my motorbike on the weekend’s and also spending time with my family.

Andrew Eggins

What You Do: Energy assessments, Drafting and Building Design.
Years in the Biz: Been in the business since late 2017. Currently studying Bachelor of Architecture with aims to complete a Masters in Architecture once complete.
What you love about CWC: I love being a part of creating habitation spaces which provide not only shelter but also enrich peoples lives through aesthetically pleasing designs. It also makes it all that much better working amongst a team atmosphere and from a pretty cool looking office!
What do you love outside work: I love studying architecture, watching shows about architecture. basically anything 'Man Built', I also enjoy riding bikes, and spending time with my family.

Michelle Morrison

What You Do: Council and Certifier Applications and Liaison
Years in the Biz: Since 2015
What you love about CWC: I love a challenge!! I'm new to the building industry although I have always had an interest in renovating and building. Collins W Collins provides a great friendly, family oriented environment that allows me to grow and develop my skills and knowledge.
What do you love outside work: Surfing, camping, being outdoors and maybe the satisfaction of hands on renovating.

Jai Tisdell

What You Do: Planning administration, from taking phone calls to liaison with Council.
Years in the Biz: I began employment with CWC in April 2018.
What you love about CWC: I love the family atmosphere and being able to see and be a part of the preparation and designing that goes on behind the scenes is an awesome new insight for me.
What do you love outside work: I love racing motorcross, camping and four wheel driving, but most of all I love spending time with my family.

Marilyn Chambers

What You Do: Reception administration support.
Years in the Biz: I started with CWC back in 2004 before heading over to Africa. I started back working with my sons and their wives in 2017
What you love about CWC: I predominately love working with my family and interacting with our clients.
What do you love outside work: I love being with my family, especially my grandchildren, gardening and finishing off the construction of my home.

Community

As a local business, Collins W Collins believes in supporting the community through sponsoring and assisting a number of local clubs and initiatives, including:

• Port Macquarie Sharks Rugby Leage Football Club - Major Sponsor (2006-Current Sponsor)
• Port Macquarie Snooker (2010-Current Sponsor)
• Port Macquarie Dance Eisteddfod (2012-2014)
• Port Macquarie Sharks Junior Rugby League (2008-2012)
• Port Macquarie Netball (2010-2012)
• Collins W Collins also provides pro bono provision of services, such as:
• Contribution of design services for storage shed for all terrain wheelchair, Livvi's Place, Westport Park, Port Macquarie - Yabi Industries (2014)
• Contribution of design services for Asembo Cultural Tourism Village, Asembo, Kenya (2013)
• Contribution to the upgrade of Dixie Park Soccer Facility (2007)
• Contribution of services to the clubhouse of the Long Flat Football Club (2007)
• Provision of services for canteen facilities of the Port Macquarie Kart Racing Club (2007)
• Provision of services for clubhouse extension of the Tacking Point Surf Life Saving Club (2007)
• Provision of services for external and internal refurbishment of premises of the Port Macquarie Scouts Association (2006