Judges’ Profiles

FRANK PAVAN

CHIEF JUDGE

Frank Pavan is Managing Director of Pavan Consultants, a Melbourne based, multi-disciplined firm of project managers, building designers, engineers and interior designers.

Frank is a civil/structural engineer with post-graduate qualifications in building design, project management and commercial and domestic estimating.

He has worked in many and varied industries including mining, petrochemical, commercial, retail, educational, defence, industrial, judicial, local, state and federal governments including multi-unit developments.

Frank has 38 years of experience in the building and construction industry and has worked in Saudi Arabia, Italy and in many Australian capital and regional cities.

He is a Fellow of Engineers Australia (NPER), Fellow of the Australian Institute of Building and a member of the Building Designers Association of Victoria, Master Builders Association of Victoria, and the Green Building Council of Australia.

He is also a VCAT building expert and a member of the Australian Society of Building Consultants. Pavan Consultants has won three project management awards in 2014 and 2017, that latest being a National Award in project management. The firm also won three design awards in 2011.

He has worked on projects valued up to $30Million. Frank is the immediate past President of the Victorian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Building and is an on-going industry representative with the Victorian Building Authority.

DR PHILIP ALVIANO

Sustainable Building Advisor Master Builders Victoria

Philip has been employed as the Sustainable Building Advisor at Master Builders Victoria for the past 16 years and on building and construction related projects and research for the last 18 years.

Phil’s extensive experience in education and training has informed the development of nationally recognised sustainable construction training programs and the national roll out of the accredited Master Builder Green Living program.

He has provided advice on sustainability solutions and onsite environmental management on projects ranging from large infrastructure developments to small residential building companies. Phil has also spent time working for the Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Melbourne Water, local government and as an academic.

In 2014 he received a fellowship from the International Specialised Skills Institute which enabled him to travel to Germany in 2015 to investigate job skills in the prefabricated construction industry.

He has presented at forums and conferences both nationally and internationally on sustainability, modular construction and emerging industry trends.

Philip has a PhD in Ecology and land management, Masters of Environmental Science and is a Certified Passive House Consultant.

RUSSELL BATES

Russell is a highly experienced construction professional. He has over 40 years experience in the construction industry and has worked for major builders and project management consultancies.

Russell first joined Johnstaff in 2005.

Russell has also been a judge for the MBAV Construction Building Awards since 2007.and (NAWIC ) the National Association of Women in Construction Awards since 2008.

Russell has extensive experience at all levels of project developments and directs multiple projects from all construction phases through to commissioning. He has successfully delivered all types of projects including hospitals; complex laboratories; clean rooms; bio containment facilities; correctional facilities; unit developments; nursing homes; educational facilities; shopping centres; and multi-storey developments, to name a few.

He has a Associate Diploma in Building and is also registered as a Building Surveyor, Building Inspector, Commercial and Domestic Builder.

Russell has also developed and facilitates risk management workshops on complex building projects to ensure successful outcomes for both all parties.

DAVID BLANCHE

B ARCH (MELB), FRAIA

David Blanche is the former chair of the Building Advisory Council which is an industry wide group that advises the Victorian Minister for Planning on issues relating to the building industry.

David is an architect, and is currently managing director of a design management organisation and a property investment company. The design management company, Property Consultant Services, is responsible for the design and construction of a number of major projects in Victoria. Prior to that, David was director of Godfrey and Spowers, and was responsible for the design and administration of more than 20 major buildings in Melbourne and other parts of Australia. He was involved in the planning and development of the Southbank and Docklands precincts as new urban spaces in the City of Melbourne, and in the retention of the heritage environment in inner Melbourne.

He has a passionate desire to use his planning skills to ensure that Melbourne remains a highly liveable city. He has been president of the National Gallery Society of Victoria, and maintains a close relationship with the arts, the National Gallery of Victoria, and in the collection of art. He was also on the board of the Property Council, and a member of the Heritage Council. Life outside of work is important.

David plays competition squash, and is an enthusiastic, but somewhat erratic golfer. He is married and has two daughters, who share his interest in property and the arts.

JAN BRANDJES

Environmental Building Consultant, Trainer, MBAV- Sustainability Principles (2014 - 2018)

Growing up in The Netherlands, Jan started his career as a writer/ journalist and public relations manager with Elsevier’s Publishing Company in Amsterdam. The attraction of wide open spaces saw him immigrate in 1983 to the Yukon, Canada, where after a short stint as a communications strategist for the government, he became involved in Canada’s super energy efficient building program labelled ‘R-2000’. Over the following 12 years Jan developed extensive knowledge in sustainable and energy efficient construction. First starting as a builder of R-2000 homes in Canada’s far North in the 1980s, he later progressed into a building consultant and building inspector. 1995 saw Jan immigrate to Australia. He soon discovered that the importance of energy efficiency was not widely recognised in Australian construction. To share this knowledge, he developed a number of demonstration projects: ‘The Healthy House”, ‘The Ecohome’ and ‘ The Economical House’, which were all built in Sunbury, Victoria. He received invitations to guest lecture at a number of universities on sustainable building, and developed training programs for energy efficient construction. As an environmental building consultant Jan advises on a wide range of issues to both industry and private clients. As a trainer for Master Builders in Victoria, and with 35 years experience, Jan combines his journalism background with his practical building skills. His focus is strongly on future industry developments with education being the key ingredient.

PETER CARMODY

Peter Carmody’s experience in the building industry ranges from small projects, multi-storey buildings, fitout and refurbishment of existing buildings since beginning his career as a carpentry apprentice in 1957.

He worked on various sites with promotions to foreman, site supervision and contract administration.

Peter was employed as a building estimator by a number of major building contractors and subcontractors and most recently employed by Hooker Cockram Projects as Chief Estimator for 28 years until his retirement in 2007.

Since then Peter has been active in the domestic building market with developments of new units, new houses, refurbishments, renovations and extensions, also working with the Building & Facilities Committee at Holmesglen TAFE until this committee was discontinued in 2016.

Peter now enjoys retirement.

PAUL CHEN

After obtaining double degrees from the University of Melbourne, Paul has spent a considerable amount of time participating on both local and international projects. He has worked across all facets of the building construction industry including domestic, civil, commercial, land subdivision and property development in both private and public sectors.

Through his career, Paul has being appointed as estimator, contract administrator, project manager, client side project manager, senior project manager, chief estimator, project director and had held various company directorship.

His roles have seen him successfully deliver a portfolio of diverse and complex projects and developments. His most recent appointment is project director at one of the fastest growing companies Greenland Holding Group - currently ranked 202 in the Global Fortune 500 list. He is working on their tallest residential tower in Sydney, known as “Greenland Centre” currently under construction. It will stand at 235m tall. Paul joined Codicote as Director in 2018 and is also a director at a construction consultancy firm Pi Projects.

ROBERT CONTI

Robert Conti studied architecture at the University of Melbourne and is the principal of Conti Architects Pty Ltd.

The company commenced operations in 1987 following his return from working as an architect in London from 1984-1986. It has since established a body of awardwinning architectural projects incorporating architecture, interior design and landscaping in the commercial, institutional, residential and tourism sectors.

Robert’s extensive travel and overseas work brings international experience and a historical perspective of architecture to his works.

JAY DURRANT

Jay Durrant is an OHS Advisor, Lead Auditor and ICAM Lead Investigator who joined the Master Builders Association of Victoria in 2021.

With over 17 years construction industry experience, six of which specialised in Occupational Health and Safety management for airport, civil infrastructure, commercial, education, energy, ports, rail infrastructure, refurbishment, health, hotel, industrial, retail and residential projects.

Jay has attained an Advanced Diploma of WHS, a Diploma of Quality Auditing including RABQSA Lead Auditor training, a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and is an ICAM Lead Investigator.

Jay is a licensed Intermediate Rigger and Basic Scaffolder who holds various competencies for powered mobile plant.

Jay represents Master Builders Victoria on several stakeholder forums and participates in regulator industry consultation and review of legislation and development of guidance material.

SYLVIA HADJIANTONIOU

Sylvia is a strategic leader with expertise in infrastructure advisory, project planning and delivery. Her breadth and depth of experience spans across the commercial, residential, retail, health and education sectors.

She has managed public/private infrastructure portfolios of up to $750 million. These initiatives have transformed communities, health care and education across Victoria.

Sylvia holds an EMBA, a Bachelor of Commerce and has attained a Building Practitioner Licence from the Victorian Building Authority. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute Company Directors and a Non-Executive Director of a Public Hospital Board.

JOE HASTIE

Joe has been involved as a Master Builders Victoria Judge for over 10 years and continues in the industry with over 30 years experience in construction, delivering projects across multiple disciplines. These include schools, aged care, retirement villages, community centres, hotels, high-rise apartment developments, commercial offices, retail department stores, shopping centres, boutique and ‘high street’ retail stores, sports & recreation facilities, streetscapes, landscapes and Industrial projects.

He is firmly focused on Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality outcomes within the life cycle of every development.

With extensive liaison with clients, consultants, and subcontractors, he is able to guide projects to be completed on time, on budget and to the right standards.

Joe is GSAP, Environmental Management CertIV qualified and holds Masters qualifications in Sustainable Practices.

MARK HOPKINS

Mark has worked in the construction industry since 1980. He started work as an apprentice carpenter and then worked his way up to a leading hand and a site manager.

Mark has worked on many large Melbourne and overseas projects including in China and India. Mark has also obtained several OHS qualifications which also include auditing and investigation skills. He worked for many years as an OHS Advisor for several construction companies within Australia and New Zealand and has also assisted construction companies obtain certification of their safety systems.

Mark’s involvement with MBV over the years have included the completion of training courses, attending safety committee meetings and the winning of several MBV building and safety awards. In July 2020 Mark accepted a role with MBV as an OHS Advisor.

Due to Mark’s building and OHS knowledge within the construction industry and 40 years of working on site, the role assists members with sound practical advice in all aspects of OHS management.

Mark also represents the MBV in many OHS forums and committees to assist in the development of OHS documentation and share information within the construction industry.

EFY KARAGIANNIS

Efy is currently the General Manager of the Victorian Government’s Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) Program responsible for the strategic direction and operational management of this mandatory insurance product that insures over 16,000 builders annually.

Having completed a Construction Management degree at RMIT University and worked for a number of Melbourne’s leading building companies, Efy has extensive experience in commercial and residential building projects.

Efy is a Past President of the Victorian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Building and was the first female appointed to this position, as well as being an Adjunct Fellow (Building and Construction) at Holmesglen Institute.

In 2011 Efy was awarded the prestigious NAWIC Crystal Vision Award for the advancement of the interests of women in the construction industry. This recognised her contributions through professional roles in the building industry and on State and Federal Boards.

In 2017, Efy led the transformation of the DBI service delivery model to the domestic building industry. This was underpinned by the successful launch of a new digital IT platform, “BuildVic” that provides builders with access to cover 24/7. Importantly, it resulted in a 20% reduction in the cost of insurance premiums to builders and enables homeowners to access information portals and online claims lodgement tools.

DARYL MCILVENA

Starting as an apprentice carpenter in 1961, Daryl has achieved more than 51 years experience in the construction industry, before retiring in 2012.

He is widely respected in the industry for his broad industry knowledge and aptitude, gained from his detailed and varied construction experience across all industry sectors, both in Australia and overseas. He is an immediate instigator of knowledge transfer, and related very well with both clients and employees. His excellent communications skills are founded on his intrinsic and astute understanding of human relations, coupled with his foremost concerns for health and safety, and building quality.

Major civic projects overseen by Daryl in his lengthy career include his role as Construction Manager for the massive Melbourne Airport International Terminal redevelopment and the Qantas Melbourne Domestic terminal, as well as key hospital projects at the Alfred Hospital, Ballarat Base Hospital and Sunshine Hospital, and numerous high rise apartment towers in the city and city fringe.

In early 2000 Daryl transferred to Indonesia as General Manager — Construction with German construction giant Bilfinger Berger, managing the Indonesian Construction Division during his two year posting. His extensive construction knowledge proved invaluable in establishing the local office as a most reputable and quality builder. As well as his wideranging construction experience, Daryl was also highly valued for his input in the review and analysis of tenders, as well as safety, workcover, quality assurance, defects and environmental issues.

KELVIN OLDRIDGE

Kelvin is a Principal of KO Construction Law Pty Ltd. Kelvin has more than 16 years experience in advising and acting for clients in construction law related to civil engineering, infrastructure, commercial and large scale domestic developments as a partner in National Australian Law Firm.

He also has over 11 years project management experience including single and multi-storey domestic, commercial and industrial projects in Melbourne. Additionally he has worked on large scale projects in a project management capacity such as Canary Wharf, Isle of Dogs London, the Westminster and Chelsea Hospital, and the London Underground’s Jubilee Line Extension Project.

Kelvin has a Bachelor of Building from RMIT, a Bachelor of Laws (University of London) and a Graduate Diploma of Corporate Governance (Chartered Secretaries Australia).

CARMEL PETERSON

Carmel is a Construction OHS Advisor and Lead Auditor who joined the Master Builders Association of Victoria in 2019.

With 20 years’ experience in Occupational Health and Safety, Carmel has specialised in safety management of commercial, industrial and residential building and construction.

Carmel has tertiary qualifications in Training & Assessment, Occupation Health & Safety and Lead Auditing along with many years working across the construction industry both in Victoria and Queensland.

Carmel represents Master Builders Victoria on several stakeholder forums to assist and advise in the development of industry guidance material in the areas of OHS.

LAWRENCE REDDAWAY

Lawrence Reddaway has worked as a consulting engineer in UK, Vietnam and, especially, in Australia.

He has also worked in government and for a building contractor. He advises on fire safety and building regulatory matters, including as an expert in disputes over defective construction.

He was with IrwinConsult, based in Melbourne, from 1976 to 1995; and was a director for seven years. In that role he was involved in many significant projects, principally in Victoria.

SAM SMITH

Sam Smith is the Senior Coordinator OHS and has been at Master Builders Victoria for five years.

With more than 10 years of experience in Occupational Health and Safety and workers compensation, Sam brings with him a variety of industry experience having worked in finance, government, emergency services and major events.

Sam is an excellent communicator across all aspects of a project from workers to management, providing advice and support in both domestic and commercial construction.

Sam has also represented Master Builders on a number of stakeholder forums to assist in the development of guidance material and provide advice in the areas of OHS.

RICHARD SUTTERBY

Richard is a very experienced building professional having worked in the building and engineering industries for more than 40 years. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) and a Master of Business Administration from Monash University.

Richard commenced his career as a planning engineer in a government organization before he became a project engineer in various mining projects throughout Australia and Papua New Guinea with Rio.

Richard entered the Victorian building industry in 1985 with J.C. Taylor and Sons as General Manager. The company undertook a wide variety of projects in addition to running a separate mechanical services division.

Richard joined Kane Constructions in 2000 and became a director in 2008. Richard has been a pragmatic and solutions-focused leader and a firm believer in the benefits of a collaborative team environment. As a Project Director, Richard’s priority was to drive delivery excellence to ensure projects were consistently completed to the exacting standards of clients. His extensive industry knowledge combined with his strong track record in the delivery of major projects brought a robust leadership capability and a ‘safe pair of hands’.

Richard has been active in industry and professional organisations throughout his career.

DON WILKINSON

Don has over 45 years experience in the construction industry in Australia and overseas and has worked with both Contractors and Client side organisations.

With a background in Civil Engineering, Don’s early construction experience was on Resource and Manufacturing projects within the Aluminium Industry working on Alumina Refineries, Aluminium Smelters and Aluminium Fabrication plants.

His move into the Building Industry saw his involvement with the Floodlights, Corporate Suites and Dining Rooms at the MCG in the early 80s, then returning in the late 80s for the Redevelopment of the Great Southern Stand, working with the Client organisation.

Don returned again to the MCG in the late 90s to work on the feasibility study for the MCG Northern Stand Redevelopment and working through the entire project, to completion in 2006, post-Commonwealth Games.

Contractor experience has included as a Project Design Manager, Project Manager on major retail and two and a half years as State Manager of Fletcher Constructions.