Building Economist - December 2013 - The Yearly Wrap Up

The Journal of the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors

The

Building Economist

THE yearly wrap up

FEATURING THE INFINITE VALUE AWARDS GALA DINNER RETROSPECTIVE – SPECIAL INSERT

DOES MY GUT LOOK BIG IN THIS? Looking back to look forward

BETTING ON SUCCESS

The Global Trend Towards Casino Development

December 2013

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The

Building Economist

10

INSIGHT The Global Trend Towards Casino Development

Why is everyone backing casinos for the win? The BE takes a look back over the past year to explore if casinos really are the safe bet of 2013.

infinite value AWARDS Gala DINNER RETROSPECTIVE Looking back at the success of the Infinite Value Awards.

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

20

DOES MY GUT LOOK BIG IN THIS?

Nicole Smith, Director of Tin Shed Marketing explains why market research can mean the difference between winning and losing millions of dollars of business, and how it can future-proof your business.

02 07 08 15 REGULARS 26 DEC 2013 C ON T EN T S

SNAp SHOT

FROM THE CEO

Nuts & bolts

SHOP AIQS

SOCIAL

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THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMber 2013 – 1

SNAPSHOT

MELBOURNE’S QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET TO GET REVAMP V

ictorian Premier Denis Napthine and Melbourne Lord

In a bid to preserve the history of the site, the City of

Mayor Robert Doyle have announced the $250 million

Melbourne will also seek UNESCO World Heritage designation

revitalisation of Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market.

The plan – to be developed over the next two years - reveals a significant expansion including key upgrades, new public spaces, essential infrastructure for traders, event spaces and pedestrian access, and would be the City of Melbourne’s largest investment to date.

2 – THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECember 2013

for the QVM following the renewal. The market, which first opened in 1878, will join the Royal Exhibition Centre and Sydney Opera House also on the list.

SNAPSHOT IN BRIEF

NEW 20 YEAR VISION FOR BRISBANE CULTURAL PRECINCT Internationally renowned museum planner Barry Lord has joined a team of architects, urban planners and designers led by Urbis and Cox Rayner Architects in Brisbane to create a 20-year vision and master plan for the South Bank Cultural Precinct.

The state’s landmark Cultural Precinct comprises the Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, the Queensland Museum and the State Library of Queensland, attracting more than 4.9 million visitors last year.

The precinct is not only nationally renowned for its exhibitions, events and public programming but also for its award-winning architecture.

“Today’s museum, library, gallery and theatre patrons expect a high level of community engagement and real opportunities for participation, both virtually and physically, from their cultural institutions,” said Lord.

BDA ARCHITECTURE AWARDED GAMES DEAL Local Gold Coast firm BDA Architecture has been awarded the design of the $52 million Coomera Sports and Leisure Centre, to be built for the Commonwealth Games.

The venue is expected to be a 2500 capacity indoor sports centre which is one of four new facilities being purpose-built for the Games. A total of 17 venues across the Coast will be upgraded or refurbished for the Games including the Southport Aquatic Centre and the parklands precinct, which will house the games athletes’ village.

GREEN STAR – PERFORMANCE LAUNCHED T

he Green Building Council of Australia has launched the new

Green Star – Performance rating tool after two years of industry engagement

LEGAL WORKPLACE OF THE FUTURE COMPLETED Corrs Chambers Westgarth legal firm will move into its progressive new Sydney office at 8 Chifley – the first fully open and flexible office environment designed for a major law firm in Australia.

and a collaborative effort between Australia’s property and facility management industries.

This is a consistent, holistic method of measuring existing buildings and improving their overall efficiency and environmental sustainability. Green

The groundbreaking office design and fitout by design firm Bates Smart will see

Star – Performance will enable building

Corrs lawyers, including partners, forgo their traditional offices in favour of a more

owners and managers to identify

open layout shared with executive assistants and junior lawyers. Bates Smart

pathways to improve the environmental

worked with Corrs to develop a scheme tightly aligned with the law firm’s strategic

and financial sustainability of their

vision, creating a truly future proof, flexible and sustainable environment.

assets over time.

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMber 2013 – 3

SNAPSHOT

BLUESCOPE CHINA PLANT AWARDED HIGHEST RATING B

luescope Steel’s new production plant, situated in the

manufacturing 120,000 tonnes of pre-engineered steel building

Shaanxi province capital of Xi’an, is the first industrial

frames per annum, and was awarded the three-star rating

building in China to obtain a three-star green rating, which is

based on its energy and water performance, material usage,

the highest currently awarded within the country.

and the economic employment of land resources.

The 13 hectare, AUD$64 million project is also one of the largest steel plants situated in inland China, capable of

TWO WA PROJECTS AIM FOR GREEN STAR RATING Two Western Australian projects, including Perth’s newest $1

Green Star – Communities is an independent, national rating

billion master planned community, have registered for the Green

tool developed by the GBCA to support the design and delivery of

Star – Communities pilot rating tool.

more sustainable, productive, resilient and liveable communities.

Alkimos Beach and Waterbank project – both of which are expected to become Western Australian landmarks – are being developed by Lend Lease, with state government partners LandCorp and the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority.

4 – THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECember 2013

Alkimos Beach and Waterbank will be the first projects in the State to be rated using this tool.

Strong apart. Stronger together. Now one team.

Abigroup, Baulderstone, Lend Lease’s Project Management & Construction businesses have united together under the Lend Lease name to create a stronger, more competitive and capable offering in the Building sector. Each has a proud history and this consolidation will acknowledge and build on that success. Lend Lease’s Building business aims to be the best in Australia, continuing to provide sporting and cultural precincts that unite our communities, inspirational places where people learn and work, as well as hospitals where they are cared for. A company committed to forging lasting partnerships, and delivering to the highest standards in safety, quality and sustainability.

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMber 2013 – 5

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

FROM THE CEO

The yearly wrap up T

his year has not been without its

message to all the awards winners and

Sangeeta Luthria has helped boost

challenges. 2013 was hopefully the last

finalists, has made light of his support to

membership in the region and assisted

year of hiatus for the construction industry

the Australian construction industry and the

with our visit to India, where we met with

and I hope that the confidence of a majority

QS profession. Since the awards, we have

Universities and local professionals and

government will return the sector to growth

heard from the Prime Minister inviting the

signed a Memorandum of Understanding

and the workload will begin to pick up as we

QS profession to engage with his pledge

(MOU) with the Indian Institute of Quantity

close out the calendar year.

to be the Infrastructure Prime Minister of

Surveyors.

Twenty thirteen saw the AIQS host the second annual Infinite Value Awards. Even in this restricted market we had plenty of high quality entries and great examples of how a collaborative team approach with early

the 21st Century. Hopefully before the year wraps up we will be meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss, Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development to develop this opportunity.

I would like to thank the AIQS Council, our outgoing President, Gary McDonald and retiring long time councillors Trevor Sanders, Trevor Main and Chris Leach for their support. I would also like to thank the

QS involvement can achieve an infinitely

I would also like to take this opportunity to

staff from the AIQS office for all their hard

valuable project for the client. With our

pay tribute to our sponsors, without whose

work during the year and again congratulate

finalists and winners coming from a broad

support we would not be able to deliver the

Marketing and Events Manager, Jenna

cross spectrum of the global construction

content we have this year. Thank you to our

Harfield on the birth of her son Charlie.

industry.

Infinite Value Awards Principal Sponsor

The Lend Lease Project of the Year went to the Translational Research Institute in Queensland, nominated by Davis Langdon, an AECOM Company. Our judges were quoted as saying “It was the best designed

Lend Lease, our gold partners, Coverforce Insurance, Bluescope and Conduit Recruitment as well as our award category

In the past 12 calendar months, the AIQS has held over 80 CPD and social events with

such a great architectural outcome, deliver

almost 3,000 attendees globally. We plan

on the design brief within budget for the

on increasing these face to face events in

client, as well as provide an impressive

the coming calendar year and are working

contribution to the global community.

towards integrating more offerings through

Rider Levett Bucknall, has been a tireless crusader globally for the construction and

CEO

training platform will be a combination of

The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors

live events as well as on demand CPD so you can do it at your own leisure.

The refreshed Building Economist continues

he does it because he loves it. It is part of

to deliver valuable content which has helped

his life, making him a great international

push our online readership to over 35,000

ambassador for the QS profession.

views in the past year. While the A List is

boost towards recognition of the AIQS and the QS profession by State and Federal

Michael Manikas

our online training platform. This online

property sector. Stephen explained that

The Awards also provided an enormous

Regards,

Consultancy.

amazing that a research facility can achieve

winner Stephen Ballesty, Director at

happy new year.

sponsors GHD, MBMpl and SGA Property

and built building in the last 10 years”. It is

Our Lend Lease Professional of the Year

I wish everyone a merry festive season and a

now into its second year in the current format, and the first edition had almost 12,000 views in the first year.

Governments. The Prime Minister, The Hon

Internationally, the AIQS has just finished

Tony Abbott through his congratulatory

our first year of office operation in Dubai.

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMber 2013 – 7

NUTS AND BOLTS

Running the Stats To compliment our feature article on the global trend towards Casino development, Nuts and Bolts goes all-in with Casino stats, and lays it all out on the table.

In 2009-10, casino visitors lost over $3.5 billion in Australia.

Park Hyatt Mendoza, Argentina Hotel de Paris, Monte Carlo, Monaco Sun City Resort, South Africa The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, China Ibiza Gran Hotel, Spain Marina Bay Sands, Singapore The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan, Puerto Rico The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino, Las Vegas Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket, Connecticut 8 – THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECember 2013

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMber 2013 – 9

Insight

10 – THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECember 2013

ROLLING THE DICE ON CASINOS IN 2013

In a bid to increase the number of tourists, and the money that they bring with them, the world seems to be turning towards one thing: Casinos. In 2013, plans for new casinos seemed to pop up everywhere. Plans for a new casino in Sydney grabbed the headlines here in Australia while globally, casino development is going from strength to strength. Why is everyone backing casinos for the win? The BE takes a look back over the past year to explore if casinos really are the safe bet of 2013.

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMber 2013 – 11

Insight

With our impressive profile as a leading tourist destination Australia has long taken on casinos as a key provider of tourism infrastructure. Gambling aside, Casino’s provide hotels, restaurants, conference facilities and support infrastructure for major domestic and international events. As it stands, Australia is home to 18 casinos, from the Skycity in Darwin, to the Crown

International tourists who visited casinos spent a total of $4.9 billion* during their time in Australia – an extraordinary $2,300* per person more than those visitors who do not visit casinos.

in Melbourne. According to a 2010 Allen Consulting Group study, International tourists who visited casinos spent a total of $4.9 billion* during their time in Australia – an extraordinary $2,300* per person more than those visitors who do not visit casinos.

These tourist dollars are important to the global tourism market, and in a time when everyone is competing for every cent, are casinos worth the gamble in 2013? Locally and globally Government and private enterprise are stacking their chips in favour of building bigger and better casinos.

In Australia, with new casino developments springing up along the east coast it is clear that casinos are adding to Australia’s extensive tourist draw card. But what does this mean for Australia and for the Australian construction industry?

The Queensland government has announced that major resort developers will be able to get their hands on two new casino licenses for outside the capital, with the possibility of increasing this offer to three. At the forefront of this push for more high-end casinos, and more importantly the tourism dollars they attract,

12 – THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECember 2013

Insight Proposed Aquis Great Barrier Reef Resort

is the state’s premier Campbell Newman. Convinced that building

competing for the tourist dollars brought through the casino

new mega resort-style casinos would be the best way to compete

industry.

with the Asian destinations, Newman has called the current

New York state approved a constitutional amendment to expand

facilities available “rundown and eroded”.

casino gambling, which could result in up to seven full-scale

Already on track in 2013, is a $4.2 billion* casino complex

casinos. Whilst New York already has five Native American run

development in Cairns. Funded by Chinese billionaire Tony Fung,

casinos upstate and nine-slot machine parlours at race tracks, the

the Yorkeys Knob based project includes nine luxury hotels, an

amendment now means casinos can be developed in the Empire

18-hole golf course, a 25,000 seat sports stadium, along with

State. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo championed the proposal and

the international class casino. It is expected to create 9,000 jobs

believes that new casinos will bring jobs, investment, tourists and

during construction, and a further 10,000 jobs once it has opened.

tax revenue to the area.

Outside Queensland, in 2013 Crown was given controversial

“We literally haemorrhage people from the borders who go to

approval to develop a new casino in Sydney. This $1.5 billion*

casinos,” said Governor Cuomo. “I think it will keep the money in

project in Sydney’s developing tourist hotspot, Barangaroo, is

the state, and I think it’s a major economic development vehicle for

believed to create thousands of jobs throughout construction

the Hudson Valley especially and for upstate New York.”

and in excess of 1,250 jobs after construction is completed. Upon completion the site is set to boost NSW gross domestic product by $442 million* per year.

Japan is also being targeted as a potential location for multi-billion dollar casino developments with Lawrence Ho revealing his plans in 2013 to invest more than $5 billion* in areas such as Tokyo or

Between new and proposed developments in Queensland and the

Osaka. Adding to his already pledged investment into building

agreed upon new development in Sydney, casinos are arguably

casinos in Russia and the Philippines.

creating a big impact on the Australian construction industry, the Australian tourism industry and in time the Australian domestic product.

Seeing restrictions of government policies, limited land and a labour shortage in the current Asian gambling mecca of Macau, Ho sees Japan – with its large and relatively rich population and

Globally, 2013 was the year that saw the financial and employment

global appeal as a tourist destination – as the next logical place for

benefits of casinos realised. America and Japan are actively

casinos.

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMber 2013 – 13

Insight “The potential is huge,” said Ho recently. “If Japan opens up and allows integrated resorts in Tokyo, Osaka, the market could easily be in excess of $10 billion* to $15 billion* or more.”

No matter the cultural or physical location casinos are fast becoming the global trend in big development. Globally the biggest gamble appears to be finding the untapped market in which to invest.

Despite the trend and obvious financial and employment benefits the casino industry have not always had the chips stacked in their favour. Lobby groups, from anti-gambling advocates to environmental crusaders, are lining up to fight any major casino developments, and the financial bubble offered by gambling institutions is argued to be unsustainable.

In the United States, Atlantic City, New Jersey, known as an established gambling destination, has seen 13 casinos claim that their properties are worth billions of dollars less than they were just a few years ago, and now they are calling for lower taxes to compensate for their losses. An increase in the number of gaming facilities opening up in neighbouring states has seen the Atlantic City market nosedive, due to over extension of the market.

Locally, Australian anti-gambling activists argue that building more casinos will add to Australia’s increase gambling addiction problems. While accusations of favoritism by NSW state government and an intensive PR blitz by James Packer have done little to warm others to Sydney’s new development.

Overall, looking back over 2013, and the push for casinos seems to be the answer. Build more, build bigger, and build better.

Will more casino licenses have more negative implications on existing casino and tourist operations, leading to financial implications for the states, negative community and social repercussions? Has the government just run out of ideas to make money and attract tourists?

Or will this roll of the dice be the long term success the past twelve months have suggested they could be?

Whatever the outcome, the bets have been placed and Australia is playing to win.

*Monetary amount is in Australian Dollars.

14 – THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECember 2013

Gala Dinner Retrospective Friday 8 November 2013

PRINCIPAL PARTNER

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

PRINCIPAL PARTNER

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.

The AIQS is proud to recognise the Infinitely Valuable in 2013

industry outside Australia it is important to recognise the high quality of this year’s International nominations, and congratulate our International winners and finalists. These alongside strong Australian nominations, finalists and winners allows us to gain a strong picture of global industry standards.

As the AIQS moves through the Infinite Value Awards program for the second year running it is important that we take the time to highlight the importance of contributions to our industry made by our peers and the projects they work on.

We have been impressed with the high standard of nominations submitted this year and congratulate all our peers on their successes in two thousand and thirteen.

This year the AIQS received nominations from a number of truly remarkable buildings.

We were delighted to see that Australian and International projects are considering the impact of our built environment on the world in which we live. Taking our societal emphasis on innovation, the environment and aesthetic beauty to a new level. We are sure you will all agree that the standard of this year’s project winners and finalists are a cut above the rest.

The contributions of our peers to the development and support of the construction industry is what ensures the continued success of Australian and International property development. The nominations received across the five professional award categories have been of the highest standard. We would like to take the time to congratulate our peers and highlight their success.

As the AIQS continues to endeavour to build our relationship with the construction 1

Overall, the AIQS is proud of the standard of nominations, finalists and winners in this year’s Infinite Value Awards and hope to see the same level of success in the years to come.

Congratulations to the 2013 Infinite Value Awards winners. Thank you for your contribution to the built environment in which we live.

The Ivy Ballroom The 2013 Infinite Value Awards Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation evening was proudly held in one of Sydney’s most prestigious events venues, the Ivy Ballroom. The Ivy Ballroom is a stylish venue with down to earth contemporary cuisine, dramatic décor and a busting Sydney skyscraper setting.

Discreetly tucked behind Sydney’s busy George Street the Ivy Ballroom is considered to be one of the best venues in the Sydney CBD because of its privacy, style and proximity to the centre of Sydney’s heart. The Ivy also boasts some of the most recognised chefs in Sydney, and the food served in the Ivy Ballroom is beyond compare.

This escape in the city allowed us to celebrate the successes of our colleagues in style, while enjoying a tantalising menu.

Lend Lease Project of the Year Award Winner

TRI an Institute for Success Brisbane’s Translational Research Institute is on track to become an icon of medical research and now architectural design in Australia. We explore behind the scenes of this award winning project, and discovers the reasons for its success.

The Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH), Dutton Park in Brisbane is now home to a new award winning medical facility.

The Translational Research Institute was the proud recipient of two awards at the 2013 Infinite Value Awards; the Coverforce Architectural Excellence Award and the Lend Lease Project of the Year Award.

Officially opened in October 2013, this $195 million state-of-the-art facility brings together the four partner institutes under one roof: University of Queensland’s Diamantina Institute, Queensland University of Technology’s Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Mater Research and the Princess Alexandra Hospital’s Centres for Health Research. Housing a total of 950 members of staff across eight floors; with four floors of laboratories plus facilities for research support, administration and teaching. This centre for collaborative biomedical research; in fields such as cancer, diabetes and arthritis, was made possible through $354 million in funding provided by the Australian and Queensland Governments, The Atlantic Philanthropies, University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology.

It is this alliance between the different institutes and researchers that Gary McDonald, Associate Director with Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company, believes is the reason that the Translational Research

Institute was the overall winner of the Lend Lease Project of the Year Award.

Speaking on the night after collecting the awards on behalf of the client, Gary, who was Cost Manager during the construction phase of the project, was quick to highlight that this project was really all about the people.

“We have brought together a number of different research areas in one building which really is its point of difference. We have created something that pays attention to architectural details and looks great, but have also thought about what is contained within.”

“It is all about the people. Not only the ones who work there, but also who they help. It serves a valuable function to mankind,” he adds.

This view is supported by TRI Chair, Dr David Watson.

Hill and Wilson Architects), it could have been easy to lose focus on the end goals.

Michael Hartwich, an Associate with Wilson Architects, was the Project Director from the outset and was responsible for ensuring the design intent was applied consistently across the project.

With a focus on providing a high quality work environment which recognises the importance of the work undertaken within, Michael believes that TRI has created a quality of surroundings that positively influences those in the workplace. Stating that “in TRI we tried to create a workplace that people would want to be in and that provides spaces with a variety of qualities to enhance various parts of their day. To support this we now have feedback from the building occupants that they love coming to work as a result of the quality of the environment provided.”

This focus on the staff and end users of the facility has led to positive feedback from everyone that works there.

This inspiring environment starts with the unique façade. Bringing multiple elements together, the exterior of the TRI building features recycled bricks from the demolished Vision Australia building that once sat on the site, custom designed bricks, and terracotta tiles. The transparent panel façade without vertical mullions provides an effective sunshade without distracting from the colour and textures below.

As a joint venture between two prominent Brisbane architecture firms (BVN Donovan

However, for both Damian Eckersley, Practice Director at BVN Donovan Hill,

“The building’s design fulfils our key objective; to facilitate a collaborative approach to medical research among four partner institutes. This will have far-reaching impact and benefit to the health and well-being of the community.”

and Michael Hartwich the “outdoor room” is the standout feature of this special project.

Uniting the entry level and lower ground level in the terracotta base of the building, the area encourages and drives interaction between the staff and visitors, and features a piazza with a garden, fountain, cafe and exhibition space.

Open day and night to patients, staff and visitors, the “outdoor room”; with it’s terrace garden that utilises planting design and a variety of different plant species to give it an interesting textural impact, offers a sanctuary and respite from the clinical surroundings common of the hospital.

“You can really feel a connection to the rest of the Institute,” says Michael, “At such a large scale, it serves as a reminder of your place in the broader context and the space is visually connected to the circulation routes of people accessing the hospital.”

“The outdoor room is the symbolic and practical heart of the project,” concludes Damian.

Like with any building both large in size and complexity, TRI presented a range of challenges – not least managing the considerable budget – but the strong design concept and the successful co-ordination of services, consultants, stakeholder relationships and the client group has led to a great sense of achievement amongst everyone involved.

“Disseminating all of the information collected during the briefing stages and ensuring it was integrated into the design successfully was challenging, particularly since there were about seven user groups which met over 14 months,” explains Michael.

“To keep the project on budget and on time we were lucky to get a great team of contractors in Watpac. The strong relationships we shared with them contributed significantly to the positive outcome.”

Speaking in August 2013, the then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd recognised the importance of this project:

“It’s exciting. It’s important. It affects real people’s lives.”

For Gary, this could not be truer. He carries a very personal connection with this project too.

“Having been a cancer sufferer myself, being involved in this project was important and special to me.”

As its two awards head off in different directions – the Coverforce Architectural Excellence Award will sit with the architects behind this beautiful project, and the Lend Lease Project of the Year will remind the clients just what has been achieved - there is no doubt that the Translational Research Institute will change lives in the years to come.

Lend Lease Professional of the Year Award Winner

Meet Stephen Ballesty The Lend Lease Professional of the Year Award was a hotly contested competition between some of the brightest minds in the construction sector, but it was the professional who had already walked away with the Lifetime Contribution Award that collected the big award on the night. We caught up with winner, Stephen Ballesty to discover what winning these awards really mean to him.

“I tell the staff that this is not a job, it’s a lifestyle” - Stephen Ballesty 2013 winner of the Lifetime Contribution Award and Lend Lease Professional of the Year Award.

Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS), Facilities Management Australia (FMA), Property Council of Australia (PCA) and the IFMA Foundation.

It is this passion and commitment to his profession that Stephen exudes every time you speak to him that really made him a stand out winner on the night. With a career that has spanned 25 years including “challenging projects, interesting places, great people and Rider Levett Bucknall’s support throughout”, Stephen has proven himself to be a professional worthy of high esteem and recognition.

Stephen modestly believes that he is “the guy you call when you can’t think of anyone else… the advisory guy, the one that thinks of the problem from a different angle.”

This mentality and commitment to helping has seen Stephen hold various Chairman and Deputy Chairman positions with the previously mentioned industry bodies and lend his knowledge to multiple international speaking opportunities in Asia, America and Europe. Lecturing on a variety of topics, most notably Facilities Management.

Aside from being a Director and Head of Advisory at Rider Levett Bucknall Stephen has also recently taken on a leadership role within Rider Levett Bucknall’s Research and Development team; allowing him to share his wealth of industry knowledge with his peers while contributing to the development of innovative and new industry standards.

Stephen’s contribution to the construction industry does not stop with his involvement with research and development. Throughout his career Stephen has remained involved with several industry bodies, namely the

Facilities Management (FM) is an area of interest close to Stephen’s heart. He is currently representing Australia on the ISO/ TC-267 International Facilities Management Standards initiative. The ISO for FM process commenced in late 2012, currently involves 30 countries and has recently reached to draft for circulation stage.

Within Australia Stephen is the industry reviewer on the Australian Government’s ‘Water Efficiency Guide’ (2006) and

the ‘ESD Operations Guide for owners, managers and tenants’ (2009). He is also the co-author of CRC-CI’s award winning ‘FM as a business enabler’ (2007), RICS’s ‘Technical Due Diligence Guidelines’ (2009), PCA’s ‘a Guide to Office Building Quality’ (2006 and 2010) and FMA Australia’s ‘An Operational Guide to Sustainable Facilities Management’ (2010).

You could say that Stephen has seen it all.

Much of his professional focus has been on non-traditional service areas such as Terotechology: the pursuit of the optimum technical performance and economic cost of ownership of facilities over their whole life span. This has led him into value engineering, life cycle costing, risk analysis and qualitative issues.

“I suppose my passion revolves around contributing to a more productive, liveable and sustainable Built Environment that supports our quality of life.”

So with a career that has spanned more than two decades, has Stephen seen the industry, and the role of Quantity Surveyors, change over the years?

“Sometimes it seems as if everything has changed several times over in terms of technology, the workplace, globalisation, and contracting and procurement systems.

Then I reflect on the constant industry values such as the need for collaboration and professionalism,” reflects Stephen.

“Certainly, there has been enormous change, and the pace of change has itself become a challenge, however the Built Environment remains of vital importance.”

Seeing his two Infinite Value Awards as validating the work he has done throughout his years within the building and construction industry, not only with the AIQS but with other

professional bodies too, and for something he has enjoyed, Stephen is quick to offer advice to all current and future Quantity Surveyors and Built Environment professionals.

“For all who wish to remain relevant, they should be open to innovation, embrace education and professional development and maintain a customer focus.”

“This may appear to change with markets and cycles but in the ‘age of environmental thrift’ the QS voice does matter and the profession can make a difference. However, this requires a vibrant industry, which is able to effectively communicate its value proposition,” offers Stephen.

With enough to keep him busy as he continues in his illustrious and impressive career, Stephen now has a Lifetime Contribution Award and Lend Lease Professional of the Year Award to show off.

When asked where his accolades would ultimately reside Stephen said “today they adorned the RLB boardroom table at lunch in lieu of the traditional flower arrangement, but I suppose ultimately they will reside at home”.

A modest and a true professional, worthy of his recognition.

PRINCIPAL PARTNER

2013 Awards Presentation Finalists and Winners Coverforce Architectural Excellence Award 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.

1.

Swanston Academic Building, RMIT University Nominated by: Wilde and Woollard, VIC

2.

St John Catholic Leadership Centre Nominated by: Prowse Quantity Surveyors, VIC

3.

NewActon Nishi Commercial Nominated by: Donald Cant Watts Corke, ACT

4.

Engineering 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.

1.

Melbourne Airport Overlay Nominated by: WT Partnership, VIC

2.

Frank Fenner Building, ANU Nominated by: Donald Cant Watts Corke, ACT

3.

Forté Nominated by: Lend Lease, NSW

Translational Research Institute Nominated by: Davis Langdon, QLD

Conduit Recruitment Future Leader Award This award is designed to recognise, encourage and, celebrate the up and coming “movers and shakers” within the construction industry.

1.

Andrew Brady Nominated by: Stuart Gray, Gray Robinson & Cottrell

2.

Tracy Williams Nominated by: Stephen Ballesty, Rider Levett Buckall

3.

Edna Yeo Nominated by: Renee Wood, Sweett Group

Winner

Winner

Winner

Translational Research Institute

Forté

Andrew Brady

6

PRINCIPAL PARTNER

2013 Awards Presentation Finalists and Winners Government Project Award 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.

1.

2.

Brisbane Supreme Court and District Court Nominated by: Wilde and Woollard, QLD Richmond Estate Renewal Project Nominated by: Prowse Quantity Surveyors, VIC

BlueScope Steel Innovation Award 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.

1.

Anitas Jackson’s Landing Nominated by: Ganellen Pty Ltd

2.

Forté Nominated by: Lend Lease, NSW

3.

Frank Fenner Building, ANU Nominated by: Donald Cant Watts Corke, ACT

GHD International Project Award This category is open to all projects completed anywhere outside of Australia.

The award will celebrate the achievements of our peers off shore in the wider construction community. We are looking for projects that have made a significant impact within the built environment of that particular country or city and reflect the core values of that particular culture of nation.

1.

Vanuatu National Library and Archives Building, Vanuatu Nominated by: PML & Associates

2.

CIC Zero Carbon Building, Hong Kong Nominated by: Sweett Group

Winner

Winner

Winner

Brisbane Supreme Court and District Court

Forté

CIC Zero Carbon Building

7

PRINCIPAL PARTNER

2013 Awards Presentation Finalists and Winners AIQS Lifetime Achievement 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.

AIQS QS Advocacy Award 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.

1.

Dhammika Tamarananda Gamage Nominated by: Prof. Indrawansa Samaratunga

1.

Ramesh Palikila Nominated by: Prof. Indrawansa Samaratunga

2.

Martin A. Seward-Case Nominated by: Franklin Joseph, Franklin Joseph Project Consultant

2.

Jeff Poultney Nominated by: Gary McDonald, QLD

3.

4.

Stephen Ballesty Nominated by: Mark Chappe, Rider Levett Bucknall John Popplewell Nominated by: Matthew O’Connor, SA

MBM Research & Teaching Award This award celebrates those who have dedicated their careers to educating and increasing the knowledge and skill–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.

1.

Dr Rick Best Nominated by: Dr Peter Smith, University of Sydney

2.

Dr Robert Crawford Nominated by: Dr Ajibade Aibinu, University of Melbourne

3.

Dr Assem Al-Hajj Nominated by: Dr Hajir Hakim, Heriot Watt University

Winner

Winner

Winners

Stephen Ballesty

Ramesh Palikila

Dr Robert Crawford & Dr Assem Al-Hajj

8

PRINCIPAL PARTNER

2013 Awards Presentation Finalists and Winners SGA Property Consultancy Women in Construction Award

Sustainable/ Green Project Award 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.

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.

2014 Dates for your Diary June Launch of the 2014 Infinite Value Awards Program Late June Call for Submissions Mid July Entries Open Early September Entries Close Early October Finalists Announced

1.

Royal Children’s Hospital (Stage 1) Nominated by: Donald Cant Watts Corke, VIC

2.

WT Sustainability & WT Partnership Infrastructure Group Office Fit Out Nominated by: WT Sustainability, NSW

3.

Monash University Briggs & Jackomos Hall Nominated by: WT Partnership, VIC

4.

NewActon Nishi Commercial Nominated by: Donald Cant Watts Corke, ACT

1.

Sarah Slattery Nominated by: Margot Nicholas, Slattery Australia Pty Ltd

2.

Asha Balachandran Nominated by: Ramesh Palikila, Dar Al Handasah

3.

Sinimol Noushad Nominated by: Prof. Indrawansa Samaratunga

4.

Tracy Williams Nominated by: Stephen Ballesty, Rider Levett Bucknall

Winner

Winner

Monash University Biggs & Jackomos Hall

Asha Balachandran

9

Mid November Awards Presentation Gala Dinner

Stay tuned for further details throughout the year.

PRINCIPAL PARTNER

10

PRINCIPAL PARTNER

11

PRINCIPAL PARTNER

12

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

www.infinitevalueawards.com

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THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMber 2013 – 15

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THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMber 2013 – 17

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THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMber 2013 – 19

Does my gut look big in this?: Looking back to look forward

The end of the year is a time for reflection but when is the last time you asked someone ‘Does my gut look big in this?’

I’m going to take a wild guess and suggest the answer for you, and 99% of the readers of this magazine, is: ‘I’ve never asked that question and I don’t intend to’.

Now, I’m not about to suggest that you start going around asking people about your personal appearance. Your work mates may think that you’re suffering some type of strange mid-life crisis.

My point is: how much business navel-gazing have you done of late?

When is the last time you asked your clients for honest feedback? In my view, asking the direct questions, and seeking genuine feedback (even when you’re not sure if you’re going to like the answer), could be one of the most effective strategies you could employ to prepare for the coming year.

As an industry, after a difficult few years confidence is on the way up. The recent Property Council/ANZ Property Industry Confidence Survey; the country’s largest business confidence survey, shows that there is a growing positivity across the Australian property and construction sector. Whilst the industry as a whole may be on the up, individuals cannot become complacent or give up trying to compete.

Strangely, whilst everyone spends time planning for their own future, few consulting firms ever make the effort to find out what their clients want. In professional services, it’s not uncommon for a client to be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in fees. And yet, rarely do consulting firms take the time to review their own services and find out whether their clients are happy with the service they have received.

After years of being the preferred construction company for a retail supermarket chain, the work just dried up. And the construction company’s management team had no idea why. “Let’s ask them,” I suggested. The CEO of the retail company was happy to meet with me, and we discovered that a project manager – one who had already moved on – had managed to offend nearly every one of the retail chain’s staff. When he left the receptionist in tears, they changed construction companies. “We really liked working with your organisation – we just didn’t like this one guy,” was how the CEO put it. No one in the construction company had any idea this was the issue. Once they understood, they could work things out – and were awarded contracts worth millions of dollars as a result.

A few hours of research – through surveys, interviews, or by simply talking to clients – can mean the difference between winning and losing millions of dollars of business and future-proofing the company for the months to come.

So why is market research such a powerful tool for professional services firms? Is it really necessary for companies to look back in order to move forward?

BY Nicole Smith Director, Tin Shed Marketing

20 – THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECember 2013

Nicole Smith, Director of Tin Shed Marketing

1. Australians don’t complain – they just go elsewhere

2. Bad is good

Aussies don’t like dobbing in their mates to their bosses. Many

will uncover some bad news. “What if our clients say bad things

people feel uncomfortable complaining about a business associate

about us? Do we really want to know?” Yes, you do! Ironically, the

– especially when they are being asked for feedback from someone

negative interviews are the most powerful. When someone is feeling

within the business. In most cases, they’ll just go elsewhere and

unhappy with your company, and yet they are willing to spend up

your company will never know why. This is an expensive outcome

to an hour of their time sharing what’s gone wrong, it means they

when your client is worth hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of

want something to be done. It means the problems can be fixed.

dollars. An objective outsider can often gain the vital information

If your company chooses to listen to this negative feedback, and

that those in your company are unlikely to hear.

makes a concerted effort to address the issues, the unhappy client

CEOs and company directors are often worried that market research

tends to transform into a loyal, engaged one. They know, from

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMber 2013 – 21

experience, that it’s OK to speak up when they are unhappy, because

their communication? What are the growth areas in their business?

their problems will be resolved. They become an evangelist for your

Where do they see the opportunities for collaboration? When asked

business.

in the right way, your clients will tell you these answers. From there, a highly-customised, clever and creative marketing and business

3. Your people are the brand

strategy can be developed to meet these needs and opportunities.

We’ve heard this one before, but do your clients actually enjoy

As one interview subject said to me recently, “the gold will be found

working with your people? In any type of professional services

in the creativity, not in the engine room.”

business, the key client relationships are held not with the CEO, but with the people who deal with the clients on a daily basis. Your staff might be brilliant quantity surveyors, but those core skills don’t necessarily mean that they are great communicators, negotiators or marketers. These staff members can often unwittingly upset a client – usually through poor communication, taking an adversarial approach or simply by not meeting the client’s expectations. Without

A commitment to ongoing dialogue underpins all client relationships. Traditional marketing relies on ‘pushing out’ a message in the hope that it will influence market opinion. Smart marketing and communication campaigns that begin with client research gives clients the chance to influence company priorities and can improve decision-making and accountability.

providing your client with a channel to resolve this, you may lose the

The bottom line is simple. To move forward in a tough market,

client – and never know why.

winning new business is costly in terms of both time and money – and the odds of winning new work are lower, as more people

4. Don’t spend a cent on marketing until you know what your clients want Rather than trying to second guess what marketing strategies will most appeal to your clients – ask them. How do they like to receive

compete for fewer projects. The bulk of new work comes from existing clients and referrals – and the key to securing loyal clients is to know them inside out. And how can you possibly know what they want if you don’t ask?

TIN SHED MARKETING Nicole is the driving force and founder of Tin Shed Marketing

Prior to establishing Tin Shed, Nicole was a founding partner

(www.tinshed.co), a cooperative of highly specialised and

in Trilogy Integrated Communication where she established

creative people that together offer a unique alternative

a niche specialisation in the property and construction

to the traditional marketing and PR agency model. Unlike

industry. She has developed an enviable network within

other agencies, Tin Shed is lean, agile and able to deliver

the industry and within key industry organisations such as

the complete array of marketing projects from short films to

the Property Council of Australia (PCA), the Green Building

websites, infographics, branding, graphic design, marketing

Council of Australia (GBCA) and the Australian Institute of

collateral, new business presentations and the list goes on.

Architects (AIA). Nicole was the author of the Trilogy Property

With a degree in Communication (PR/Sociology), Nicole is an integrated communication specialist with over twenty years experience in marketing, PR and advertising. She specialises in the development and implementation of strategic communication campaigns and new business development

Pulse research report, an analysis of resident’s attitudes to development in their cities. This study received widespread publicity and helped to enact change in awareness and attitudes towards issues such as sustainability and community within the property industry.

and project submissions for a range of clients from builders

Nicole takes a research-driven approach to marketing. She

to developers, financiers, agents, architects, project

acts as a strategic advisor to a select number of clients

managers, industry associations and lawyers.

and she is also a speaker and educator on the subject of marketing, and is also a regular writer for Wealth Creator magazine and Consult Australia.

22 – THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECember 2013

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMber 2013 – 23

Advertorial

® New COLORBOND

steel backed by improved warrantY BlueScope has launched a major update of COLORBOND® steel which is underpinned by new Activate™ coating technology – the result of almost 20 years and $100 million of research and development.

BlueScope is backing the improved corrosion resistance of its

“This product has passed extensive testing in harsh Australian

new COLORBOND® steel with a warranty regime that offers some

conditions and our warranties reflect our confidence in new

significant improvements compared with those offered for original

COLORBOND® steel,” he said.

COLORBOND®

steel.

1

“Given the improved corrosion performance of new COLORBOND®

BlueScope market manager – commercial and industrial – Manu Siitonen said

COLORBOND®

steel is better suited than ever to

Australia’s unique and demanding conditions.

“The new product’s paint resin technologies combined with

steel compared to original COLORBOND® steel, BlueScope is able to explore the possibility of offering products in new open and unwashed applications such as solar shades, and solar cell and architectural panels, so watch this space!

Activate™ technology will enable new COLORBOND® steel to meet

“It’s a warranty that means something – we are confident

customer expectations of appearance over a longer period of time.

in standing by it. We’ve made a long-term investment in

This has also allowed us to offer an improved warranty regime,” Mr

COLORBOND® steel and it’s a product that’s going to be in the

Siitonen said.

market for the long term.”

BlueScope national field performance manager George Thomson

BlueScope’s confidence in new COLORBOND® steel’s durability is

said new COLORBOND® steel’s improved corrosion durability has

the result of its improved corrosion resistance.

been verified through extensive accelerated and in-field testing.

24 – THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECember 2013

Advertorial

National field performance manager George Thomson said BlueScope is backing the improved corrosion resistance of its new COLORBOND® steel with a warranty regime that offers significant improvements compared with those offered for the previous-generation product.

Original COLORBOND® steel substrate was protected by a zinc

could include cost of rectification or reimbursement, not to mention

and aluminium metal coating under the painted surface. New

cost to your business’ reputation,” Mr Siitonen said.

COLORBOND® steel’s substrate is protected by a patented coating with Activate™ technology that features the addition of two

COLORBOND® steel products – including COLORBOND® Ultra steel, COLORBOND® Metallic steel and Coolmax® steel – will

magnesium compounds into the zinc and aluminium alloy.

receive warranty periods of up to 36 years when used in certain roofing applications.1

The strategically positioned magnesium causes aluminium in the metal coating to more actively protect areas of the base steel following exposure from cutting, drilling or wear.

This maximum warranty period represents an increase of up to six years over the maximum warranty period offered for original

Mr Siitonen said the industry should always be mindful of warranty and compliance risks when specifying product.

COLORBOND® steel.

The warranty periods applicable for architectural roofing panels

“The COLORBOND® steel warranty gives customers the peace of

using new COLORBOND® steel, for example, have increased from

mind of local technical support,” he said.

“up to 15 years” to “up to 36 years”.1

“Because COLORBOND® steel meets the deemed-to-satisfy performance requirements of the National Construction Code, simply by specifying

COLORBOND®

steel our customers avoid

related compliance risks.

“The industry and end-users run the risk of exposing themselves to potential compliance liabilities when using imported product which may not have the same assurances.

“If you don’t know the origins of a product you’re sourcing for your project and something goes wrong, you’re carrying the can – which

Revised warranty regime is available for eligible COLORBOND® steel products where installation is completed on or after 1 October 2013. Warranty subject to application and eligibility criteria. There are various factors that will determine whether a building is eligible for a warranty and the duration of any applicable warranty. Such factors include, but are not limited to, product selection, environmental influences, manufacturing specifications and product specific requirements. For full terms and conditions and to determine the eligibility of your building for the warranty visit bluescopesteel.com.au/warranties or call BlueScope on 1800 064 384.

1

COLORBOND®, BlueScope®, the BlueScope brand mark and ® colour names are registered trade marks of BlueScope Steel Limited. ™ colour names are trade marks of BlueScope Steel Limited. © 2013 BlueScope Steel Limited ABN 16 000 011 058. All rights reserved.

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECEMber 2013 – 25

SOCIAL

NSW YQS LAWN BOWLS Paddo Bowling Club 25 October 2013

26 – THE BUILDING ECONOMIST – DECember 2013

SOCIAL

VIC Annual Dinner FLEMINGTON RACE COURSE 25 October 2013

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 2013 – 27