pitt&sherry Building Surveying have received the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS) National Building Surveying Team of the Year award and Ash Beardwood was a joint winner as the National Emerging Building Surveyor of the Year.
The AIBS Awards celebrate the best in professional standards, initiatives in building surveying and mentoring skills. National winners are determined by the AIBS National Board from the state winners in each category.
“It is rewarding to win the AIBS top building survey team ranking against all the national entrants,” said Roland Wierenga General Manager, pitt&sherry Building Surveying.
“It’s the culmination of genuine teamwork in action, trusted long-term relationships and our wider community engagement. We pride ourselves on our two-way understanding of design and code parameters and this award is proof of that integrity,” continued Wierenga.
“This is a fantastic honour and also specifically to Ash for being recognised nationally for his commitment to the building surveying profession,” said Wierenga.
Roland Wierenga explains the building surveying complexities as Parliament Square project evolves
The Parliament Square project in Hobart is an excellent example of the broad complexity of compliance issues that require building surveying expertise. A site which required multiple staging, integration with heritage buildings, and a client – Citta Property Group whose long-term tenant – Tasmanian Government, had a demanding probity process. It’s not just about the building but about the site ensuring that with continued occupation, occupants have access to the level of safety required at all stages.
This project has evolved since it started in 2013, growing in scope during construction, as new possibilities arose. Initially the redevelopment was for the construction of a standalone nine-storey office block, an open podium with bars and an underground carpark; which included the demolition of an existing thirteen storey office tower, other buildings and restoration of one of the oldest buildings in Hobart. It has now expanded to include two additional floors, incorporating conversion of plant areas to offices plus one additional structural level, as well as connection to the existing Parliament House and the Marriott Luxury Collection Hotel.
When a client sees new opportunities and the building evolves during the project it’s important for the building surveyor to have a thorough knowledge of the current parameters and can quickly provide the required advice on effects, Building Code implications, and altered approvals required. This provides for a seamless integration into the construction programme ensuring the client’s timelines are still achievable.
Staging of work also has its unique challenges where site safety requirements may preclude a designated exit/s being available; which may vary depending on the location of work, staged occupancy and the occupants shifting security arrangements. At these stages, it is necessary that the building surveyor is involved to ensure not only Building Code of Australia requirements are achieved but that the alternative fire solution does not lose its validity. It is also necessary to provide clear communications for the tenant to be satisfied its probity requirements are achieved.
The maintenance cycle of the building starts at day one and pitt&sherry Building Surveying are also providing the client with assistance in ensuring the client satisfies its legislative essential safety requirements so that the features and measures are maintained to perform their functions when required.
Shaun Wilson, Project Director of Parliament Square redevelopment congratulated pitt&sherry Building Surveying saying “Citta Property Group have been extremely pleased to work with pitt&sherry on the Parliament Square project. This award is a well-deserved recognition of outstanding professionalism since 2012 when construction commenced. The longer we were involved in the project and the more we learned about the history, meant we developed some better ideas and pitt&sherry Building Surveying worked with us to achieve them.”