Building her home
For Myra Mifrano, building homes in New Zealand is about more than construction – it’s about creating the life she once dreamed of.
A qualified civil engineer with more than 20 years’ experience, Myra arrived in New Zealand ready to grow her career on an international stage. But like many migrants, she found herself starting again. In those early years, she worked as a quantity surveyor and planner within established construction companies, steadily building her understanding of the Kiwi housing and commercial markets.
What came next was unexpected – and deeply personal.
As she began building her own home, friends started to take notice. One opportunity led to another, and before long, she was being asked to take on projects of her own.
“A friend trusted me to build his house,” she says.
It was a turning point. What started as a favour quickly revealed something bigger – a clear path forward.
“My heart belongs in construction.”
With that clarity, Myra founded RM Homes Canterbury. Drawing on her extensive experience in the Philippines, where she worked on projects for both local and international clients, she set out to create homes that felt both timeless and attainable for New Zealand families.
Since then, her work has grown steadily, grounded in a simple philosophy: a home is more than a structure – it’s a place of belonging.
“Each house I build in New Zealand makes it feel more like home. I’m growing my family,” she says. “Some clients, before I had a showhome, offered for me to use their new houses as showhomes, because they loved them so much.”
It’s a reflection of the trust she builds with her clients – something she sees as just as important as the physical result.
Working alongside a network of trusted local subcontractors, Myra ensures each project is delivered to a high standard, with clients kept informed at every stage. The goal is not just quality, but comfort – homes that feel considered, liveable, and truly personal.
For Myra, the journey has come full circle. From starting over to building homes for others, she has created something lasting – not just for her clients, but for herself.