Surface

Name

Surface

Legal name

Surface

Website

https://surface.nz

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Architectural Finishes Services

NAICS

Painting and Wall Covering Contractors (238320), Building Finishing Contractors (2383), Other Building Finishing Contractors (23839)

SIC

Coating, Engraving & Allied Services (3470)

akta.pro primary industry

Texture, Skim Coating & Decorative Finishes (Popcorn Removal, Knockdown, Venetian) (HSAPAHAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Surface Preparation & Paint Removal (Sanding, Stripping, Lead-Safe) (HSAPAHAG), Industrial & Commercial Painting/Coatings/Surface Treatment (IMAIAAAK), Interior Wall Surface Prep for Paint (Skim Coating, Sanding, Leveling) (HSAGACAJ)

Keywords

• Architectural finishes
• Decorative plaster services
• Commercial fit-outs
• Wall and ceiling linings
• Painting and plastering

Headquarters

HQ city

Auckland

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Architectural Finishes Services: Surface generates revenue through professional services for architectural finishes, including artisan decorative plaster, interior and exterior painting, plastering, and stopping services. All services are subject to separate contracts or written agreements. Project pricing is confirmed in writing after consultation and formal quote, varying based on project complexity and scope.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Surface is a New Zealand-based multi-disciplinary architectural finishes company that provides artisan decorative finishes, plastering, painting, wall and ceiling linings, and full commercial fit-out services. The company operates a Super-Sub integrated delivery model that bundles multiple specialist trades under a single contract, serving premium residential and commercial projects nationwide.

Product overview

Surface is a multi-disciplinary premium architectural finishes company offering five interconnected service lines: Artisan Finishes (hand-applied decorative plaster including Venetian and microcement), Painting (interior/exterior), Plaster (stopping and plastering), Linings (wall/ceiling systems), and Super-Sub (integrated multi-trade delivery). They also provide Commercial Fit-Outs as a comprehensive interior delivery service. The Super-Sub model serves as an umbrella offering that combines multiple services under one contract, while the individual services can be engaged separately. Their specialty lies in high-end decorative finishes for residential, commercial, and hospitality projects across New Zealand.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Artisan Finishes Decorative and specialty artisan finishes for premium residential and commercial architectural projects, delivered by certified specialists in recognised finish systems.
• Painting Interior and exterior painting services for residential and commercial projects, delivered as part of standalone scopes or integrated packages.
• Plaster Decorative and traditional plastering services for architectural projects, executed by certified plasterers trained in leading finish systems.
• Linings Wall and ceiling lining installation services for residential and commercial projects, offered as a standalone trade or as part of an integrated scope.
• Super-Sub Integrated Delivery Integrated delivery model that consolidates multiple specialist trades (plaster, painting, linings, and fit-outs) under a single contract, providing one point of accountability for builders and developers.
• Commercial Fit-Outs End-to-end commercial interior fit-out services combining architectural finishes, linings, and specialist trades to deliver completed commercial interiors for property developers and tenants.

Quantifiable outcome

• Projects have earned industry recognition and a collection of coveted awards in New Zealand

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Architects and Designers (General)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSurface collaborates with New Zealand's leading architects, designers, and construction professionals. These partnerships are fundamental to the company's business model, working together from early planning through to final finish delivery. The company also offers early engagement for material and specification advice.
• Savory ConstructioncoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGeneral contractor on the AON Building Lobby refurbishment project in Auckland. Surface delivered the full decorating package including specialist finishes.
• Warren and MahoneycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitecture firm partner on the AON Building Lobby refurbishment. Collaborated on transforming the prominent space into a sophisticated and welcoming destination in Auckland's CBD.
• Studio 11:11coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitecture/design studio partner on the PH Digital warehouse transformation project, working to create a sophisticated, high-energy workspace.
• CASAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesign firm partner on the PH Digital project, contributing to the transformation of the warehouse into a sophisticated workspace.
• Studio John Irving ArchitectscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitecture firm partner on the Te Arai Links luxury golf club facility project. Designed the cottages and villas integrated into the rural estate setting.
• Wonder GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesign partner on the Mode Studio wellness sanctuary project, delivering the full decorating package including specialist finishes.
• Mibo BakeryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClient partner on the Mibo Wynyard Quarter waterfront hospitality venue. Surface delivered painting scope including Resene FX Paint Effects Medium lime-washed finish.
• Warren and MahoneycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitecture firm partner on the Aurecon office fit-out project, working on innovative workplace design with natural timber elements and cultural storytelling.
• Wonder GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesign partner on the Motion Sickness creative studio project, transforming the Grey Lynn space into a modern creative hub.
• CASAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesign firm partner on the Motion Sickness project, contributing to the transformation of the Grey Lynn space into a contemporary collaborative workplace.
• AmbiteccoreTechnology or IntegrationBrand certification partner for artisan decorative finishes. Surface is trained and certified in Ambitec products including Ambitec Suave finish.
• RockcotecoreTechnology or IntegrationBrand certification partner for decorative plaster systems. Surface is trained and certified in Rockcote products including Rockcote Otsumigaki, Rockcote Cerano, and other specialist plaster finishes.
• Nova ColorcoreTechnology or IntegrationBrand certification partner for artisan decorative finishes. Surface is trained and certified in Nova Color product line.
• ResenecoreTechnology or IntegrationPaint brand partner for specialist paint finishes including Resene Paint FX, Resene stains, and lime-washed finishes used across multiple projects.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Armourcoat: International specialist in decorative plaster, polished plaster, sculptural surfaces and architectural finishes. Closely comparable specialty plaster capability including Venetian-style and microcement systems, serving architects and developers on premium commercial and luxury residential projects globally.
• Farrow & Ball: Premium decorative paint and wallpaper brand specializing in artisan finishes for high-end residential and boutique commercial interiors. Comparable premium positioning, architect/designer-led go-to-market, and emphasis on craftsmanship and distinctive surface effects.
• Keim: German specialist in mineral silicate paints and architectural surface finishes with strong presence in heritage, premium residential and architectural projects. Comparable specialty architectural coatings portfolio and specification-driven sales through architects and designers.
• Porter's Paints: Australian premium decorative paint and specialty finishes specialist offering lime washes, textured finishes and artisan effects. Directly comparable premium decorative finishes positioning across the Tasman, with overlapping customer base of architects, designers and luxury residential/commercial clients.

Broad incumbents

• Sto: Global manufacturer of exterior and interior architectural coatings, renders and plaster systems. Comparable architectural surface finishes category but as a broad multinational supplier rather than a specialist applicator/contractor.
• Unispace: Global commercial interior fit-out and design firm with strong ANZ presence. Comparable commercial fit-out delivery model and enterprise client base, but at much larger scale and with integrated design-build capability rather than specialist artisan finishing.
• Dulux: Largest paint and coatings brand in NZ with a broad architectural and trade product portfolio. Comparable end-market (architects, builders, commercial fit-outs) but at vastly larger scale and broader product scope, serving as an incumbent the specialist contractor market competes against for premium specification.

Regional players

• Shape: Australian commercial fit-out contractor delivering interior construction and refurbishment across offices and retail. Comparable commercial interior fit-out capability and enterprise customer profile, but operating primarily in the Australian market and with broader trade scope rather than artisan finishing specialization.

Others

• Rockcote: Manufacturer of decorative plaster systems including Otsumigaki and Cerano finishes used by Surface. Comparable specialty plaster product portfolio across Australia and NZ, but operates as a materials supplier and training partner rather than a direct finishing contractor.
• Resene: New Zealand's leading paint manufacturer and a key brand partner of Surface (uses Resene FX Paint Effects). Comparable premium decorative positioning and NZ market presence, but operates as a product supplier and specification brand rather than an applicator/contractor peer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/surfacenz
• Instagraminstagram.com/surface_nz

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Surface