About Shade Smart Queenstown
Meet James — the local builder behind Shade Smart.
Your local builder
One person. Start to finish.
At Shade Smart Queenstown, you deal with James Beattie — a licensed builder and the man behind every project we take on. From the first site visit to the final handover, James is the one measuring up, designing the system around your home and making sure it's installed properly.
Being a builder means James understands how a louvre roof ties into your house, your deck and your council requirements — and how it needs to stand up to Southern Lakes snow, wind and sun. There's no call centre and no hand-off to strangers: just straight-up advice from someone who lives here and stands behind his work.
You'll often spot James around the district in the Shade Smart Ranger, usually with his Border Collie riding along.
Our story
Made in New Zealand. Installed by locals.
At Shade Smart, we design, create and install outdoor shade systems that let you and your loved ones enjoy your outdoor space all year long. Our louvre systems are designed and manufactured in New Zealand, and installed nationwide — from Southland to Auckland.
Our Queenstown team, led by James Beattie, brings that New Zealand-made quality to the Southern Lakes. We work with homeowners, architects and builders on everything from lakefront decks to new builds and hospitality venues.
We believe an outdoor living system should feel like an architectural part of your home — designed around the property, built to handle the climate and backed by a long-term warranty.
Why Shade Smart
Designed here.
Made here.
Built to last.
01
NZ Made
Our louvre systems are designed and manufactured in New Zealand.
02
Local knowledge
Our Queenstown-based team understands the unique climate and building conditions of the Southern Lakes.
03
Custom designed
Every system is designed around the property rather than forcing the property around a standard-sized product.
04
Engineered to last
Premium materials and engineered systems designed for New Zealand conditions.
Process
From idea to outdoor living.
01
Site visit
We visit your property and discuss how you want to use the space.
02
Design
We measure the area and develop the ideal solution.
03
Visualise
Where appropriate, our design team prepares drawings and 3D visualisation so you can understand the finished result.
04
Install
Our experienced team professionally installs your new outdoor living system.
Reviews
Loved by homeowners across New Zealand.
“We had a custom built Louvre system installed over our decking. It was quite complex due to the size and the fact we have solar panels. Special brackets needed to be made and the guys did a great job working it all out. We are extremely happy with the end result. Excellent product that works well and looks fantastic.”
“We highly recommend Shade Smart precision engineering, quality products strong and attractive, first class Company providing attention, care, quality, value for money.”
“The guys were great to deal with, sharp price compared to the competition and the finished louvers came up great.”
“Great product and service, got my outdoor motorised blind working with google homes and has all the smart function with the wifi built-in blinds.”
“Their staff who installed the roof and blinds worked efficiently and professionally at all times. Two minor problems with electronics were solved almost immediately and we could not fault the follow up service.”
“Angus and team helped my parents build a pergola. Very nice and professional, would definitely recommend.”
