The Building Economist - December 2014 - The Yearly Wrap Up by Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors

THE JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF QUANTITY SURVEYORS

THE YEARLY WRAP UP

FEATURING THE INFINTE VALUE AWARDS GALA DINNER RETROSPECTIVE SPECIAL

G20: THE WORLD ON OUR DOORSTEP

BE TAKES A LOOK AT THE WORLD EVENT OF 2014 AND WHAT IT MEANT FOR BRISBANE

DECEMBER 2014

THE

BUILDING ECONOMIST

IG20:NSITHEGWORLDHT ON OUR DOORSTEP

BE takes a look at the world event of 2014 and what it meant for Brisbane.

DEC 2014

CONTENTS

SPECI A L THE INFINITE VALUE AWARDS GALA DINNER RETROSPECTIVE

We look back at the construction industries’ event of the year, with a special feature on our major award winners and a look back at what was a glittering evening.

Managing Editor Jenna Harfield Executive Editor Emma Marshall Art Director Julian Brown - Nose to Tail Chief Executive Officer Michael Manikas

REGULARS

02 06 32 34 SNAP SHOT

NUTS & BOLTS

QS KIT

SOCIAL

Contributions Articles relevant to construction economics and related subjects, pictorial material, letters etc are welcome. No responsibility is accepted for unsolicited material. All contributions should be addressed to the editor: Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, National Office, Level 6, 65 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

The Institute does not, as a body, hold itself responsible for statements made and opinions expressed in this Journal. All rights of translation and reproduction are reserved.

Tel: (02) 9262 1822 Fax: (02) 9279 1400 Email: editor@buildingeconomist.com.au www.buildingeconomist.com.au

Tel: (02) 9262 1822 Fax (02) 9279 1400

Subscriptions Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, National Office, Level 6, 65 York Street,Sydney NSW 2000.

Published quarterly $110.00 (including GST) annual subscription (Airmail rates on request). Visit our website www.aiqs.com.au and order your annual subscription online.

Circulation 1000 print copies plus an online readership of over 18,000 and growing General and Advertising Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Suite 303, Level 3, 70 Pitt Street Sydney, NSW, 2000 AUSTRALIA Tel: (02) 9262 1822 Fax (02) 9279 1400 Email: editor@buildingeconomist.com.au Artwork as a PDF is preferred. ISSN 0007-3431 Designed and printed for the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (ACN 008 485 809) by Nose to Tail Pty Ltd

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMBER 2014 – 1

SNAPSHOT

GREEN STAR CERTIFICATION FOR FIVE TRAIN STATIONS The Green Building Council of Australia has awarded five

safety. Sensors automatically switch off or reduce the use

stations a 4 Star Green Star – Custom Design rating, built or

of lighting and air-conditioning systems when they are not

upgraded as part of the $3.9 billion Rail Link in Victoria.

required.

As a result, the upgrades to Footscray, West Footscray and

Each train station uses energy and water meters to monitor

Sunshine railway stations and the new railway stations in

consumption. Water-efficient taps, urinals and toilets reduce

Wyndham Vale and Tarneit feature extensive natural light that

the reliance on potable water, while a rainwater harvesting

reduces the train stations’ reliance on electric lighting, while

system collects rainwater run-off from roofs which is used to

more than 100 solar panels provide power and heat water for

flush station toilets and wash platforms. Low water-use and

each station.

native plant species have been planted in the garden beds

Energy-efficient LED lighting in car parks, forecourts,

around the station.

uncovered patron areas, and many internal areas, improve

2 – THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMBER 2014

SNAPSHOT IN BRIEF

LONGEST HIGH SPEED RAIL LINE PLANNED BY CHINA With its close ties to Russia, Beijing is considering constructing a high speed rail line to Moscow along the Trans-Siberian route to dramatically reduce the overland travel time. The proposed line would run a distance of more than 7,000 kilometres, over three times the length of the world’s current longest high-speed railway line, which connects Beijing to the Guangdong province of Guangzhou in southern China.

CLAIMS TOP $13 BILLION FROM NZ EARTHQUAKE

HYATT COMMITS TO GREEN BY MANDATING LEED

US hotelier Hyatt has created its ‘Hyatt 2020 Vision’ plan which has been designed to

Canterbury earthquake in September

ccording to the Insurance Council of New Zealand, more than $13

billion has been paid out on commercial and residential claims from the

dramatically raise the sustainability and efficiency of its properties and hospitality operations by

2010.

the end of the decade.

It is believed that the Earthquake

With targets for 2020 including slashing energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions, reducing

Commission, a government agency set

water usage by up to 30 per cent, and cutting the amount of waste sent to landfill, Hyatt has committed to LEED certification for all new construction and renovation projects starting from

up to provide natural disaster insurance to residential property owners with a

2015.

cap of $100,000, has dealt with 750,000

In addition to the sustainability and efficiency of the hotel chain’s built environments, Hyatt also

far. EQC are confident all residential

hopes to minimise the impact on the ocean environment of consumption by its clients, pledging to supply more than 50 per cent of its seafood from sustainable sources.

claims from the Canterbury quakes so claims will be finalised by the end of 2016.

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMBER 2014 – 3

SNAPSHOT IN BRIEF

AUSTRALIAN CONSTRUCTION ENTERS FIFTH MONTH OF EXPANSION Whilst growth in construction activity in Australia has slowed, as the strength in the housing market is offset by weakness in engineering construction, it was the fifth month in a row that the Australian Industry Group/Housing Industry Association Performance of Construction Index has stayed above 50. Of the four construction sub-sectors, engineering was the only one to record a fall in activity in the month. House and apartment building were robust and growth in commercial building activity moderated

US SKYSCRAPER CASTING A SHADOW OF CONTROVERSY A new skyscraper currently under construction in Manhattan is now casting a shadow over

WESTERN SYDNEY SKYLINE SET TO SOAR T

Midtown, Central Park, and designer boutiques on Madison Avenue, and attracting complaints from residents and conservationists. Opponents complain that city regulations provide no public review process in Midtown, that historic buildings are being demolished in their wake and that billionaires squeeze everyone else out. This is the case for the 425.5 metre skyscraper, where the iconic and historic 1920s Drake Hotel used to stand.

he City of Parramatta is planning to demolish the height curbs on

buildings which would make way for the ambitious plan to create a second CBD as part of the City Centre Planning Framework Review. One of three key documents guiding the region’s future development, alongside the Draft Parramatta City River Strategy and the Draft Auto Alley Planning Framework, the review expects

BUDGET BLOW OUT FOR SYDNEY LIGHT RAIL EXTENSION PLANS The planned light rail CBD and South East Project, which aim to extend an extra twelve kilometres Circular Quay through Surry Hills, to Moore Park, and then on to Kensington has

Parramatta to become the most rapidly

blown out by up to $600 million.

growing centre outside global Sydney

Originally expected to cost $1.6 billion, new projections report a more likely figure of around

over the next two decades, a trend which

$2.2 billion. The new network received planning approval in June this year, with the final

will entail the creation of new jobs and

contract expected to be awarded by the end of 2014, and the five year build expected to start

economic opportunities.

in April 2015.

4 – THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMBER 2014

navigate • select • succeed Conduit Recruitment The Preferred Choice Conduit Recruitment are the preferred recruitment agency for the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors. In partnership with them we provide: • Recruitment services to builders, consultants and developers – see our website for our sectors and strengths • Advice on recruitment matters and HR solutions within the construction industry • Salary surveys • Sponsorship of various events including AIQS Annual Dinners, AIQS CPD Events, Excellence in Construction Awards, PIF Yacht Regattas, Young Engineers Awards and many others • Seminars on relevent industry issues such as OH&S, Staff Retention, Recruitment Strategies, Emerging Trends, Economic Forecasts, Workplace Relations, Staff Contract Law, etc

Please direct all queries to Adam Walker at adamw@conduitgroup.com.au or call him on 02 9929 7224. For all our current vacancies see our website www.conduitgroup.com.au

Call: 02 9929 7224 recruitment@conduitgroup.com.au

NUTS AND BOLTS

THE COUNTRIES ATTENDING G20

As a companion to our feature article on the G20, Nuts and Bolts looks closer at the countries who attended the G20 summit recently in Brisbane, comparing their populations and leaders.

ARGENTINA

CANADA

FRANCE

REPRESENTATIVE

Cristina Kirchner, President

Stephen Harper, Prime Minister

Francois Hollande, President

LEADER SINCE

2007

2006

2012

COUNTRY POPULATION

40.1 million

33.5 million

63.5 million

AUSTRALIA

CHINA

GERMANY

REPRESENTATIVE

Tony Abbott, Prime Minister

Xi Jinping, President

Angela Merkel, Chancellor

LEADER SINCE

2013

2005

COUNTRY POPULATION

21.5 million

1.3 billion

80.2 million

BRAZIL

EUROPEAN UNION

INDONESIA

REPRESENTATIVE

REPRESENTATIVES

REPRESENTATIVE

Dilma Rousseff, President

Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council;

Joko Widodo, President

LEADER SINCE 2011

COUNTRY POPULATION 201 million (July 2013 estimate)

Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission

6 – THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMBER 2014

LEADER SINCE 2014

COUNTRY POPULATION 237.4 million

INDIA

MEXICO

TURKEY

REPRESENTATIVE

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

Enrique Pena Nieto, President

Ahmet Davutoglu, Prime Minister

LEADER SINCE

2014

2012

2014

COUNTRY POPULATION

1.2 billion

116 million

80.7 million

ITALY

RUSSIA

UNITED KINGDOM

REPRESENTATIVE

Matteo Renzi, Prime Minister

Vladimir Putin, President

David Cameron, Prime Minister

LEADER SINCE

2014

2012

2010

COUNTRY POPULATION

59.4 million

142.5 million

63.1 million

JAPAN

SAUDI ARABIA

UNITED STATES

REPRESENTATIVE

Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister

Abdallah bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud, King

Barack Obama, President

LEADER SINCE

2009

LEADER SINCE 2012

COUNTRY POPULATION 128.1 million

REPUBLIC OF KOREA

2005

COUNTRY POPULATION 26.9 million

SOUTH AFRICA

LEADER SINCE COUNTRY POPULATION 316.7 million

SPAIN*

REPRESENTATIVE

Park Geun-Hye, President

Jacob Zuma, President

Mariano Rajoy

LEADER SINCE

2013

2009

2011

COUNTRY POPULATION

49.9 million

51.8 million

46.8 million *Spain is not a member of the G20, but attends the summit as a “permanent guest” of the group Source: BRISBANE TIMES

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMBER 2014 – 7

INSIGHT

G20: THE WORLD ON OUR DOORSTEP BRISBANE HAS RETURNED TO NORMAL AFTER THE WORLD’S LEADERS AND MEDIA DESCENDED ON THE QUEENSLAND CITY FOR THE G20 EXTRAVAGANZA. PRIVATE JETS, ROAD CLOSURES, 4000 DELEGATES, 3000 MEDIA, 700 VOLUNTEERS – THE NUMBERS WERE IMPRESSIVE. BE TAKES A LOOK AT THE WORLD EVENT OF 2014 AND WHAT IT MEANT FOR THE CITY, THE COUNTRY AND THE WORLD. 8 – THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMBER 2014

INSIGHT

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMBER 2014 – 9

INSIGHT

“COSTING $400 MILLION FOR JUST THREE DAYS, IT WAS LABELLED “A BIG DEAL” BY THE CITY’S LORD MAYOR CAMPBELL NEWMAN THAT WAS “PUTTING THE SPOTLIGHT ON QUEENSLAND LIKE NEVER BEFORE.”

Around 27 kilometres of galvanised steel fencing, thousands of

“We have done everything we should have done, I believe. We’ve

bollards, security barriers and gates that kept the delegates in

planned for a long time. Now we’ve got to make the next few days

and the public out has been taken down, and everyone has gone

a great success.”

home. The build up to the event that took over most of 2014 is now over, but was it worth it? Will Brisbane and Australia see the benefit of hosting such an operation and will the G20 summit really help change the world?

Massive surveillance operations, passionate protests planned, and a city deserted, the rest of Australia had watched the plans unfold. Newspapers reported that between 30,000 - 40,000 Queenslanders were leaving the city, with some going as far as

This year’s G20 summit put the city of Brisbane in the centre of the

Bali to escape the chaos, and soaring heat was threatening to get

world’s attention and headlines were made. They came from far

everyone hot under the collar.

and wide – 25 world leaders representing around two-thirds of the world’s population, 85 per cent of global gross domestic product and over 75 per cent of global trade, joined by the heads of seven international organisations including the United Nations.

Whilst first encouraged to leave the city, the residents of Brisbane were then asked to stay in a back flip by authorities, who were then worried that the city would appear as a ghost town on the world stage. Either way, the Queensland Government was not very

The 100 kilometres of cabling was laid for the Media Centre,

sympathetic to the individuals and businesses that were affected

10,000 beds at 64 hotels booked, and 100,000 meals to G20

by the G20 summit juggernaut rolling into town.

delegates supplied. The city was ready and everyone waited.

“We have a party in town. That means it’s a bit inconvenient for

As only the ninth city to host the summit, the pressure was on for

some people at some point, but that’s just the price you have to

Brisbane. Costing $400 million for just three days, it was labelled

pay for being part of an international community,” said Daniel

“a big deal” by the city’s Lord Mayor Campbell Newman that was

Gschwind, CEO of the state government’s Queensland Tourism

“putting the spotlight on Queensland like never before.”

Industry Corporation a few days before the event kicked off – when

Addressing the media before the summit kicked off, Lord Mayor Newman admitted to feeling the nerves of welcoming 7000 delegates and world media to the Sunshine State. “I am apprehensive, that’s the honest answer. I’m apprehensive because … we are paid to worry, we are paid to think about what could go wrong. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the G20, whether

residents were already battling with road closures and a heavy police and security presence. An additional 1500 police from interstate and New Zealand joined the 4500 rostered Queensland officers to protect those on both sides of the fence – a fence that the Federal Government paid $2.9 million to hire – and they were ready to defend.

it’s planning for the next storm season or cyclone season for

No cause was ignored by those who came to protest. Aboriginal

Queensland or about water supply.”

rights, anti-capitalism, pro-renewable energy, anti-offshore detention, anti-coal and anti-war were all among the causes

10 – THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMBER 2014

INSIGHT

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMBER 2014 – 11

INSIGHT that ended up being represented at the BrisCAN protest at Roma

None of the world leaders could argue that the current economic

Street Parklands. Impressively, the area specially built to hold

conditions are slow and a little behind, and their pledges to

thousands of out of control protestors, ended up with only one

economic reform, that includes a boost to female workforce

visitor, and just a handful of arrests.

participation and an important increase in infrastructure

With just 14 arrests and 27 exclusion notices handed out, Lord Mayor Newman had a definite post-G20 glow when addressing the media after the event. The leaders had held the koalas and boarded their private jets back to their home countries, and Newman believed Brisbane had done Australia proud. “It was an outstanding event and it was outstanding because it was safe, it was secure, it was well run, it was efficient and

investment, could expand major economies by 2.1 per cent. And smaller nations left out of the G20 summit were not forgotten, with predictions of a 0.5 per cent growth as a result of “positive spillovers” from the plan. However, this all remains to be seen. It could be the pressure the world’s leading governments need to follow through on the plan, or it could also be quickly forgotten as the memories of another G20 summit fade fast.

“IT WAS AN OUTSTANDING EVENT AND IT WAS OUTSTANDING BECAUSE IT WAS SAFE, IT WAS SECURE, IT WAS WELL RUN, IT WAS EFFICIENT AND WE HAVE SEEN QUEENSLAND DO AUSTR ALIA PROUD AND AUSTR ALIA HAS PROJECTED A GREAT IMAGE TO THE WORLD”

we have seen Queensland do Australia proud and Australia has

The two sides of the G20 summit seem opposed. Whilst the work

projected a great image to the world,” said Mr Newman.

of the world leaders on the inside have been less than impressive

Regardless of how hard Australia tried however, the country still faced some judgement from the world’s media.

and everyone still waits for the positive outcomes, Brisbane itself may well see the benefits a little sooner. It was expected to bring $100 million in long term economic benefits for the city. Putting

Some complained about the heat, others the lack of quantifiable

the city, its people, and its businesses in the spotlight can only

outcomes, and others believed that climate change seemed to

help Brisbane beyond the confines of G20, but as for the G20

overshadow the whole summit. All this showed that there were

summit itself.... we will just have to wait until Turkey to see if it

two sides – the success of Brisbane and Australia as hosts on the

really made a difference.

outside, and the lack of progress throughout the summit by the leaders on the inside. And that is the real issue. Whilst it was good to see Brisbane act as a great host to the world, the progress made inside the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre is still under scrutiny. It has been labelled a “PR stunt” and the Brisbane Action Plan has been met with plenty of scepticism.

12 – THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMBER 2014

AIQS preferred insurance provider Coverforce are the AIQS sole preferred insurance provider, with extensive experience in providing smart insurance solutions to Quantity Surveyors. Our qualified insurance brokers can take care of not only your Professional Indemnity Insurance, but all your insurance needs from Public Liability to Business Insurance to Management Liability Insurance and more. Your relationship with Coverforce does not end after purchasing a policy. You are given a direct line to your personal broker who is on hand to provide free professional risk advice and review your contracts throughout your policy period.

Why choose Coverforce? Creating smart insurance solutions for clients is what we do. Our determination to genuinely protect our clients is the reason we do it so well. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not what we do, but the reason we do it, that makes us different. It drives us to deliver excellent outcomes for clients, each and every time. So, why wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you choose Coverforce? Contact us and experience the difference yourself.

For more information

1 3000 COVER coverforce.com.au/aiqs

Smart insurance solutions For AIQS members

Stay Up to Date With AIQS On-Demand CPD Offering The AIQS Academy Earn CPD Points in Your Own Time From the Comfort of Your Own Desk

Visit our site to get enrolled

aiqs.com.au

The AIQS Academy courses are aligned with AIQS core competencies and provide an easily accessible, simple method of maintaining your professional development. This online CPD service will allow members to stay up to date with topics crucial to their professional development and help with meeting AIQS professional development requirements.

The AIQS requires that Corporate Members attend 40 hours of CPD tri-annually. The AIQS Academy courses provide an easily accessible and simple method of maintaining your professional 14 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; THE BUILDING ECONOMIST â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DECEMBER 2014 development.

Gala Dinner Retrospective 24th October 2014 - Brisbane, Australia

PRINCIPAL PARTNER

Principal Partner

With thanks to our generous sponsors Proudly Supported By

The Infinite Value Awards

Infinite | ‘inf nit |

Value | ‘valyoõ |

adjective

noun

Limitless or endless in space, extent, or size; impossible to measure or calculate.

The regard that something is held to deserve; the importance or preciousness of something.

Celebrating its third anniversary, the AIQS Infinite Value Awards have established themselves as a premier construction industry honour and attracted nominations from exceptional people and projects yet again.

Serving as a poignant reminder of our industry’s contribution to the lives of millions world-wide, a giant globe hung high over the centre of the dance floor and witnessed the night culminate with the announcement of Professional of the Year and Project of the Year.

The Infinite Value Awards were established to recognise the achievements of our peers to our industry and to promote the value of their contribution to the construction industry and broader sector. The 2014 Infinite Value Awards focussed this recognition on sustainable, cohesive and future proof projects. Considering how our built environment affects the natural, how the construction industry is making strides towards cohabitation with the existing environment and look to the incorporation of natural and sustainable materials and practises. Fitting the spirit of this year’s awards and the purpose of the awards in general, Lend Lease’s Building Business was our principal sponsor. Lend Lease are committed to creating the best places and work to forge lasting partnerships, delivering to the highest quality and flying the flag for safety and sustainability. In the same spirit, more than 115 of our industry’s best and brightest gathered in Brisbane to salute their peers and acknowledge the important role sustainable development has in the future of Australia and the world.

The 2014 Infinite Value Awards have raised the bar for nominations, finalists and winners and 2015 is set to be a bumper year.

The Sofitel Brisbane One of Brisbane’s most prestigious event spaces, Sofitel’s Ballroom and adjoining Ann Street Lobby are renowned as being spectacular venues, providing a coupling of Brisbane City views and elegant décor. The Sofitel’s classic style with touches of modern convenience provided this year’s AIQS Infinite Value Awards gala event a beautiful space which emphasised the excitement of the ceremony night. The Ann Street lobby was transformed in to the Lend Lease lounge, decked in blue to express thanks to our principle sponsor and providing a relaxed space for nominees, finalists and winners to mingle after a 5 star three course meal.

Lend Lease Project of the Year Sir Samuel Griffith Centre An Australian first, the Sir Samuel Griffith Centre at Griffith University’s Nathan Campus in Brisbane has paved the way for sustainable development by being able to rely solely on its photovoltaic arrays and hydrogen-metal hydride energy storage for power. The Sir Samuel Griffith Centre is a $40 million dollar world class building and Australia’s first off-grid, self-powered teaching and research facility. Awarded a 6 Star Green Star rating by the Green Building Council of Australia, the building is a model for smart energy buildings, incorporating solar power and energy storage technology that is reliable and produces zero carbon emissions. The building was constructed as a capstone project for Griffith’s 40 year history as a leader in Environmental Science. However, being the first is not without its hurdles, explains Donald Cant Watts Corke Queensland Director Mark Mammerella. “It was definitely a challenge to investigate, what with being the first project of its kind in Australia,” said Mark. “Building the centre, we were using new technology which isn’t in place in any other buildings in the country.” “This was both the most exciting and most challenging aspect of the centre’s design and construction, having no litmus or benchmark to model from. We were really cutting new ground and it was thrilling to be part of.” The Sir Samuel Griffith Centre has been constructed over six levels of approximately 1000m2 of floor space per level and has been designed to operate independently off the electricity grid. The building is fitted with over 1,000 solar photovoltaic panels, covering the

roof and window shades. On sunny days this generates more than enough electricity to power the whole building. Energy not used during the day is either stored for later use, or used to chill water for running the air conditioning system the next day. This means that even on cloudy days, the building will never have to draw from the main power grid. Solar energy produced by the photovoltaic system is stored in batteries and powers an electrolyser that splits water to make hydrogen. The hydrogen is then stored in a stable form as metal hydrides. When there’s no sun the hydrogen can be brought back from storage, and used to generate electricity in a fuel cell. The indoor environment quality (IEQ) is another key part of any education building, helping to enhance the learning experience of students and teachers. Within the Sir Samuel Griffith Centre personal temperature and air flow preferences can be adjusted through individual outlets at each desk or workstation. This allows the ambient

building temperature to be higher and reduces demand on the main airconditioning system. The need for artificial lighting is also reduced through large windows, few internal walls, and glass partitions. An open-plan, shared office space provides the opportunity for collaboration between the environmental scientists, engineers, psychologists, urban planners, health and legal and business experts who work in the building. Overnight, stored energy is used to chill water for the main air-conditioning system to run the next day. Water is also harvested and collected from the roof and stored in a large water tank for use in landscape irrigation and toilet flushing. With innovative technologies such as these, the building showcases a commitment to finding practical solutions to environmental issues, being a model for off grid and remote communities in Australia. As the project is the first of its kind in Australia, Mark says that it’s opened up opportunities

for other sustainable developments to follow suit. Commending the project’s success, at this year’s Infinite Value Awards, the Sir Samuel Griffith Centre took out the prize of Lend Lease Project of the Year. The prestigious accolade is awarded to the project that the judges deem the most impressive, innovative and valuable on all accounts. This year’s awards were themed around sustainability and recognising projects that have made a significant impact in the environmental space. “Now that we have this technology in Australia, we can use it in other areas such as schools and hospitals. It’s a completely sustainable development which means that it could be revolutionary for rural areas in Australia,” Mark says. “It’s been a remote pioneering project so hopefully it will set the way for other projects to use the same blueprint and be the beginning of a sustainable construction future in Australia.”

Lend Lease Professional of the Year Fiona Doherty In its third year, the AIQS Professional of the Year Award has cemented its role in the construction industry, highlighting talented professionals at the top of their game who set the benchmark for success across our sector. Hotly contested, the Professional of the Year Award was taken out by a passionate, driven individual who stood out from the impressive national field of nominees Fiona Doherty. Not content with taking out the prestigious AIQS Infinite Value Award for Women in Construction, Fiona walked away with the Awards’ top honour to boot. Over the course of her impressive 25 year career, there’s no doubting Fiona Doherty has well and truly left her mark on the construction industry. Her impressive CV has seen Fiona deliver results globally, working in the United Kingdom, Singapore as well as Australia, her adoptive home. A high-achiever from the outset of her career, Fiona boasts an impressive list of achievements. From winning The National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC) ACT Crystal Vision Award in 2011, to her wide range of significant build, renovation and refurbishment projects across the world, there’s no doubting that Fiona puts in the hard yards. But for Fiona, her biggest personal achievement has been climbing to the top of her profession and becoming a Director at Rider Levett Bucknall at the age of 38. “Being recognised by industry and fellow quantity surveying professionals is a real honour,” Fiona said. “It’s humbling but very rewarding after more than 25 years commitment to my profession.”

This year’s AIQS Infinite Value Awards focused on sustainability. Fiona’s far reaching interests have seen her earn a place as a Fellow of the International Research Centre on Sustainability where she contributes her considerable expertise in delivering the most economic approach to construction projects, both large and small. Her proactive approach to cost savings and efficiency, combined with her experience building strong teams with a shared vision has enabled Doherty to successfully deliver projects on budget and to program. Aside from her professional success in firms around the world, Fiona is widely

recognised for her contributions to quantity surveying and construction through her involvement with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).

Aside from setting a fantastic example for young professionals embarking on their careers in the construction industry, Fiona also mentors junior professionals through the National Association of Women in Construction.

Fiona passionately champions the important role of women in the construction industry and is committed to seeing female participation in the sector grow. As a testament to her passion for equality in the workplace and a gender-blind society, Fiona is also an advocate for the New Mardi Gras promoting gender equality in all aspects of life.

With more than 25 years of experience under her belt, Fiona has some words of advice for those seeking to emulate her successful career.

“Get in! Stay focussed, have a plan! Things pay off if you stick at it. Get passionate about your career and stick with it and you won’t believe the things you will achieve,” Fiona says.

2014 Awards Presentation Finalists and Winners Engineering Excellence Award

Coverforce Architectural Excellence Award

This award celebrates excellence in the field of Engineering and represents the very best in the industry. This is a project-based award and can include infrastructure projects, mining projects or buildings. The projects put forward for this award must demonstrate the positive impact they have had on the community and the resulting social benefits of the project as a whole.

This award celebrates excellence in the field of Architecture. This project-based award is aimed at Architectural projects that are pioneers in terms of design as well as function, and are influencing the very face of the Australian built environment.

Finalists Perth Arena Nominated by: Ralph Beattie Bosworth

Finalists

8 Chifley Square Nominated by: Mirvac

Victoria University - Sunshine Construction Futures Project Nominated by: Wilde & Woollard

Daly River Bridge Nominated by: QS Services

National Australia Bank Campus 2 Fitout Nominated by: WT Partnership

NBN Satellite Earth Stations – Bourke Site Nominated by: Altus Page Kirkland

Australian Age of Dinosaurs Reception Centre Building Nominated by: Donald Cant Watts Corke

Winner

Perth Arena Nominated by: Ralph Beattie Bosworth

8 Chifley Square Nominated by: Mirvac

Officially opened in November 2012 Perth Arena is Western Australia’s landmark, iconic entertainment venue. The 15,500 capacity arena is a premium destination for live entertainment, music and sport. The arena’s sustainable features include displacement air-conditioning systems and hosts on the largest PV (solar) arrays installed in Western Australia. Architecturally the building is a striking form, with critically acclaimed bold interiors. Since completion in late 2012 the arena has received wide recognition for its architecture and interior design. The arena was designed by ARM Architecture.

8 Chifley is a progressive embodiment of its place and time. The 140 metre tall building serves to artistically enrich the Sydney skyline as a combination of structural efficiency, highly functional space planning and world class sustainability. 8 Chifley possesses a number of unique engineering features, including the 3-4 storey vertical villages and the significant transfer structures which enable them, the distinctive and highly efficient exposed mega braces, Australia’s first external fire stairs for a high rise building and a large six storey entry area that houses the ‘structureless’ Glass Lobby Box, which helps increase community space.

Conduit Recruitment Future Leader Award

Government Project Award

This award is designed to recognise, encourage and, celebrate the up and coming â&#x20AC;&#x153;movers and shakersâ&#x20AC;? within the construction industry.

This award recognises the value and excellence of a local, state or federal government department or authority in its association with the property and construction industries.

Finalists

Irena Kuzman Nominated by: David Madden, MBMpl

Gold Coast University Hospital Nominated by: Lend Lease

Hasan Aslam Nominated by: Karl Seketa, Contract Control Services

Perth Arena Nominated by: Ralph Beattie Bosworth

Arulanandasivam Sukanthan Nominated by: Hettarachige Chandrasena, Cost Consultancy Services

Berrimah Fire Station and Emergency Services Facilities Nominated by: QS Services Prahran Housing Precinct Nominated by: Wilde & Woollard Visitors Centre, National Arboretum Nominated by: WT Partnership

Winner

Irena Kuzman Nominated by: David Madden, MBMpl

Gold Coast University Hospital Nominated by: Lend Lease

Irena Kuzman is a natural born leader who has demonstrated her commitment and enthusiasm towards the development of youth in the quantity surveying profession and construction industry. She is an active member of the AIQS, holding positions on NSW Chapter Council and chairs the NSW Young Quantity Surveyor Committee. Championing the development of AIQS Student and Young QS Mentoring Program and is the driving force behind many of the professional development and social events held by the NSW Chapter. Irena is also heavily involved in developing the place of women in the construction industry and is a member of the National Australian Institute of Women in Construction (NAWIC).

The new $1.76 billion Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) is a 750-bed tertiary hospital featuring state-of-the-art facilities designed to cope with the population growth in South East Queensland. It consists of six separate buildings with a total floor space of around 170,000 square metres. As a clinical and research facility, quality was critical. With such a large facility, the design development process enabled standard construction details to meet the requirements of the brief, user groups and government guidelines. Extensive consultation was undertaken with 56 hospital user groups to ensure that designs met diverse stakeholder requirements, and during construction quality control audits were undertaken regularly with the client and stakeholders to ensure compliance with design.

2014 Awards Presentation Finalists and Winners Innovation Project Award

Lifetime Contribution Award This award honours those who have made an outstanding contribution to the industry and have dedicated a significant amount of time to champion the profession both inside and outside of the work environment.

This award aims to honour a project that has pushed the boundaries in terms of design, development and delivery. We are looking for projects that have adopted a more effective and innovative process in their execution and general approach, resulting in an industry leading finished product.

Finalists

Mike O’Shea Nominated by: David Madden, MBMpl

50 Martin Place Nominated by: MBMpl

John Ferrarin Nominated by: Nick Deeks, WT Partnership

8 Chifley Square Nominated by: Mirvac

Alan Patching Nominated by: Richard Hyde

Westmead Millennium Institute Nominated by: Lend Lease

Winner

50 Martin Place Nominated by: MBMpl

Mike O’Shea Nominated by: David Madden, MBMpl

50 Martin Place is a project that involved significant refurbishment of the State Heritage listed former Commonwealth Bank Building to upgrade it to contemporary premium commercial office standards. The complete refurbishment includes an Integrated fit-out to the 9 office levels, 2 new client levels and a bespoke roof and terrace. One of the most innovative aspects of this building is the application of a striking new two-storey bespoke glass roof that feeds light into the renovated interior spaces, connected to the historic banking chamber via bespoke glass lifts. The existing façade of the 1920’s heritage listed building is to be retained, with the additional two floors of meeting room and office space and the widened atrium the main structural changes.

Mike has worked in the quantity surveying industry for 44 years, and is considered to be a pioneer in the facilities management sector. Starting his career in the United Kingdom, Mike moved to Australia in 1983 where he was engaged as a Cost Engineer on the controversial Olympic Dam Copper/ Uranium Mining Project, in South Australia. Mike is an active member of the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) and Facilities Management Australia (FMA), and is currently siting on the AIQS Council. Aside from working in and representing the industry Mike is a guest lecturer at the University of Sydney, passing on his knowledge about facilities management to the next generation of Quantity Surveyor’s.

Buildsoft Quantity Surveying Advocacy Award

MBM Research & Teaching Award

Finalists

This award celebrates those who have dedicated their careers to educating and increasing the knowledge and skillâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;base of the profession. It aims to recognise the contribution that an individual has made to the industry through research and education. It is about recognising those who have enriched the people and practices that make up the construction profession.

Dr Peter Smith Nominated by: Irena Kuzman

Finalists

Maree McDonald Nominated by: Gary Crutchley, Wilde & Woollard

Prof Craig Langston Nominated by: Bond University

Ramamurthi Karthikeyan Nominated by: Ramesh Palikila, Dar Al Handash

Dr Peter Smith Nominated by: Irena Kuzman

This award is designed to thank those in the industry that actively engage with and endorse the role of the Quantity Surveyor. It provides an opportunity for QS firms to put forward their best clients and advocators in gratitude for their continued support

Winner

Dr Peter Smith Nominated by: Irena Kuzman

Prof Craig Langston Nominated by: Bond University

Peter has over 32 years experience as a Quantity Surveying practitioner, 23 of those as an academic in the quantity surveying/construction project management field. Currently, Dr Smith is the Program Director of the Construction Project Management Programs at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and is the Secretary General of the International Cost Engineering Council (ICEC). His dedication to the profession, most notably through his academic efforts shows his great passion for Quantity Surveying, a passion that he shares with his students and potential young Quantity Surveyors every day. His students and peers always speak highly of him and he is well respected as an expert in Quantity Surveying within Australia and around the world.

Craig Langston is Professor of Construction and Facilities Management at Bond University in Queensland. In addition to authoring over 100 papers, five books and three software programs, Professor Langston is a widely awarded lecturer. In regard to teaching, Professor Langston has taught construction, quantity surveying, project management and facilities management students at three Australian universities over his career. Currently he is Cluster Leader for Architecture, Construction, Property and Planning at Bond University. His subject interests are project planning and scheduling, principles of project management, advanced asset management and sustainable development. He is a pioneer at Bond in the development of blended learning. He has also delivered online courses for the AIQS in life cycle costing and in project management over a number of years.

2014 Awards Presentation Finalists and Winners Wood Solutions Sustainable / Green Project

Women In Construction Award This award celebrates the Women who are dominating the industry and making significant impact in a stereotypically male space. This is an exciting accolade that seeks to honour the achievements of key female players who are campaigning for the role of women in the construction industry at large.

This award aims to reward and recognise a project that has made significant impact in the environmental space and the principals of sustainability have been at the forefront of the design and execution of the project.

Finalists

Sir Samuel Griffith Centre Nominated by: Donald Cant Watts Corke

Fiona Doherty Nominated by: Mark Chappe, Rider Levett Bucknall

50 Martin Place Nominated by: MBMpl

Nafeesa Begum Sayed Nominated by: Ramesh Palikila, Dar Al Handash

Monash University New Horizons Centre Nominated by: Donald Cant Watts Corke

Christine Chan Nominated by: David Collins, Altus Page Kirkland

8 Chifley Square Nominated by: Mirvac

Winner

Sir Samuel Griffith Centre Nominated by: Donald Cant Watts Corke

Fiona Doherty Nominated by: Mark Chappe, Rider Levett Bucknall

The Sir Samuel Griffith Centre is Australia’s first teaching and research facility relying entirely on photovoltaic arrays and hydrogenmetal hydride storage technologies to deliver a truly innovative, 6 star green star rated building with a state-of-the-art reference laboratory that focuses on hydrogen storage materials. First occupied in July 2013 and officially opened in 2014, the most exciting aspect of the innovation that this project delivered is its ability to remain off the power grid, relying solely on its own, completely sustainable, power generation – using the sun, water and oxygen – the first building to run a hydrogen storage process of this scale. This innovation and added value provides examples of sustainability that can be incorporated into isolated buildings in remote, such as schools and community health centres in rural communities

Over her 25 year career Fiona Doherty has wide range of significant new build, renovation and refurbishment projects across the United Kingdom, Singapore and Australia. Her proactive approach to cost saving and efficiency, combined with her experience building strong teams with a shared vision, enables the successful delivery of projects on budget and to program. Aside from her professional success in firms like Rider Levett Bucknall Fiona is widely recognised for her contributions to the profession through her involvement with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors and The National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC). In 2011 Fiona received the NAWIC ACT Crystal Vision Award, in recognition of her contribution to actively promoting and encouraging women to become part of and progress in the construction industry.

ADVETORIAL

HOW TRADITIONAL TAKEOFF SOFTWARE IS HURTING THE INDUSTRY

NATURAL ESTIMATING REVOLUTIONISES THE QUANTITY SURVEYING INDUSTRY Natural estimating is a concept that software developed for Quantity Surveyors can be better, that it can increase your bottom line as it enables more estimates to be completed, with greater accuracy, with a fraction of the effort. Natural estimating takes takeoff and estimating software back to the drawing board, and throws out the restrictions of traditional onscreen takeoff.

BETTER ISN’T GOOD ENOUGH

The computerisation of estimating was the first step in the right direction, but takeoff was a puzzle that never got solved. The introduction in the 80s of digitizer boards was a breakthrough into the modern world, but caused as much problems as it solved; high hardware costs, heavy maintenance requirements and a still lengthy process. Traditional onscreen takeoff has been growing as the industry standard for over a decade. Traditional takeoff is performing quantity takeoff from a plan, to then getting a list of results and then inserting a reference into your estimate. The benefit of this over manual takeoff is that it is faster, more accurate and updated values can be reflected in the estimate. Yes, the results

achieved using traditional takeoff is better than by performing a manual takeoff, so why change it? Traditional estimating is fundamentally flawed. Its creation was tied to the limitations of computer hardware of the time and the software development available to companies. Software was designed specifically to replicate the flawed and ineffective process of the digitizer boards. The software was designed from what was achievable, and ignored any concept of being user friendly. From the very beginning of takeoff software, the process of extracting quantities to then work on your estimate after the fact hasn’t been reviewed, despite every other element of the estimating changing. We have had more, and better, file types than we have ever had and the increase in computer graphics have given better visualisations with 3D on your desktop. Still, the underlying method has remained stagnant and never revisited. Despite the good intentions at the time, the sheer victory of a better takeoff at the time caused a halt in development for what would be over a decade. Better was good enough, but now, only the best is.

30 – THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMBER 2014

LET’S GET SPECIFIC IN HOW TRADITIONAL TAKEOFF IS HURTING

The process of creating a list of takeoff items, and then mapping them to an estimate is not the natural way that people think. If I’m trying to produce an estimate, all of my goals revolve around that estimate and generating a final product for estimate. Traditional software users perform takeoff separately, with little to no integration between the two processes. A separation of these processes, even if only by a fraction, cause unnecessary complexity, inefficiencies and worst of all: decreased accuracy. Complexity in traditional software is caused from users needing to shift their thinking further away from the context of what they are estimating. Quantity Surveyors have to adapt how they want to work to match the very specific interpretation of the process as conceived by a software programmer. This often permeates throughout a software applications interface and this complexity means it is not only harder to use but also harder to learn, driving up ongoing training costs and steeper learning curves.

The unnecessary addition of steps between takeoff and estimating not only hinders your ability to get through an estimate quickly and effectively but it also increases the likelihood of errors as you are having to input your takeoff, validate your takeoff, map your takeoff to your estimate, validate your mapping, perform further estimating and the validate that estimating. These problems are not new, but to maintain the status quo all companies developing takeoff and estimating software have found ways to navigate through the complexities and limitations instead of trying to fix the problem. Although these flawed takeoff systems have improved many customers’ businesses, a continued development from a flawed plan was holding the industry back. Software should always be better, and always be making sure tomorrow is easier than the day before. Natural estimating is a better tomorrow.

NATURAL ESTIMATING

Buildsoft drew on, not only, their thirty years of providing software solutions for the construction industry, but also the feedback and interactions with thousands of their customers. The moment Buildsoft uncovered

that perhaps the very links between takeoff and estimating could be examined, things started to change. With the grand concept of reinventing the platform of takeoff and estimating software, it became obvious to look at the very process of estimating. With attention spent on what process would be most effective, Buildsoft created a single and fully integrated software package, where the takeoff was inside the estimate. As soon as they discovered it was possible to move the takeoff process to be internal to estimating, the problem of your mind performing rapid context shifts to different abstract numbers and measurements gave improved focus on the task at hand that directly (rather than indirectly) helps you get your estimate done. Extensive testing indicated that, what appeared to be a simple shift could drastically reduce the time to complete estimates and for the first time in a decade takeoff became faster. Tests revealed that a familiar user of both systems could complete estimates as much as three times faster using the natural estimating approach. Not only are you able to get the results into the estimate quicker but the results are more likely to be correct as the manual step of

mapping all your takeoff is merged into the step of performing your takeoff. It is much harder to miss items and discrepancies can be picked up immediately. Beyond this discovery, we found that users of the natural methodology were able to learn how to use the system much quicker than a traditional takeoff system as it better fitted with how they thought about estimating. Not only was initial training time to reach a productive level reduced but the need for retraining was virtually eliminated.

THE CUBIT SOLUTION

With the concept of natural estimating as their guiding force, Buildsoft have developed Cubit. The takeoff of Cubit is fully integrated with the estimating, and as such allows users to takeoff up to three times faster than traditional takeoff software and learn to use the software in as little as an hour. Natural estimating is the new software platform for the Quantity Surveying industry. Cubit is the most advanced solution for your takeoff and estimating, bringing the most cutting edge tools in a simple program designed from the ground up to be a natural estimator.

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMBER 2014 – 31

QS KIT

STOCKING FILLERS You’ve done your Christmas shopping….well almost. The big presents for under the tree can be ticked off the “to-do” list, but what would Christmas morning be without a few little trinkets to unwrap from the Christmas stocking? Back to the shops you go, but here are some ideas to make the process a little less stressful. Happy Holidays!

FOR HIM

GENTLEMAN’S SHAVING BRUSH $65.00 Made in England using the finest synthetic silver tip fibre, this luxurious shaving brush channels the very best in old school gentleman’s grooming. Soft enough to use as part of a daily saving ritual this classic accessory will make the most mundane of tasks feel special. www.aesop.com

PETER ALEXANDER CHRISTMAS SLEEP SHORTS

$49.95 LEATHER IPHONE 5 HARDCOVER $49.95

The sure sign of a successful Christmas Day is the man in your life asleep in front of the TV, stomach full of festive delights and half drunk beer in hand, wearing his new Christmas sleep shorts.

This sleek leather iPhone accessory is as stylish as it is functional.

What a sight. Every husband, dad, brother or uncle would enjoy a

Delivered in a beautiful presentation box this is a perfect sized little

bit of extra Christmas cheer this year and Peter Alexander never

treat for the tech savvy man who enjoys the finer things in life..

fails to deliver. www.peteralexander.com.au

www.webstore.scotch-soda.com.au

32 – THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMBER 2014

QS KIT

FOR HER

SANDRIPPLES BEACH TOWEL / THROW - $49.95

JO MALONE CANDLE - $85.00

MAC COSMETICS MINI-KIT FOR LIPS - $65.00

This versatile, 100% natural cotton throw is the must have summer item for any beach loving lady. It is soft, luxuriously large and glamorous to boot. It can be used as a towel, throw for the home or even a chic wrap-around sarong. It comes in a variety of colours but we love this one, inspired by ripples in the sand at dusk after an evening swim. Ahhh bliss. www.thehuntedco.com

There is little more extravagant than a Jo Malone scented candle. They have to be smelt to be believed, but they are little glass jars of heaven and a beautiful luxury for someone special. The British company favoured by the London elite, create complex and unusual scent combinations such as peony & blush suede or wild fig & cassis. Why not treat your loved on to some sweet almond and macaroon from the warm and comforting ‘Just Like Sunday’ collection this Christmas. www.jomalone.com.au

What girl wouldn’t love this charmingly named “Objects of Affection” mini lip gloss kit from cosmetic super brand MAC? In a festive palette of antique pink and rose this little gem comes in a sweet keepsake box in glittered steel, which would serve as a happy addition to any ladies collection. www.maccosmetics.com.au

BABY RUDOLPH FEEDING SET – $38.00

TODDLER TO TWEEN ERIC CARLE HEAD TO TOE CARD GAME - $21.89

TEENAGE SUNNYLIFE PORTABLE BEACH SOUNDS - $59.95

This jolly little feeding set is cute as a button for baby to enjoy a hearty Christmas lunch with the family. It would no doubt serve as a family keepsake to be treasured in years to come and can easily be used through to toddler years. www.potterybarnkids.com.au

From the beloved children’s author and illustrator, Eric Carle (The Hungry Caterpillar) this retro style charades card game will keep the whole family entertained this Christmas. Featuring fabulous illustrations that kids will recognise from his popular boosk this is a charming gift that will have everyone smiling. www.edex.com.au

This vintage inspired beach accessory is the perfect option for the music loving teenager who can connect their iPhone/Pod and listen to their favourite tunes at the beach or park this summer. They come in a variety of colours and also feature a radio tuner, volume dial and bass control…plus we think they look pretty cool and will be a hit with the kids. www.sunnylife.com.au

FOR THE KIDS

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMBER 2014 – 33

SOCIAL

END OF YEAR FUNCTION QLD CHAPTER

END OF YEAR FUNCTION ACT CHAPTER

34 – THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMBER 2014

SOCIAL

END OF YEAR FUNCTION NSW CHAPTER

If you have held or attended an AIQS event in your area and want to feature it in the Social Pages please send the event details and photographs with the names of who is in the picture to editor@buildingeconomist.com.au

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMBER 2014 – 35