BSE Spotlight: Interiors & Refurbishment Team QLD

In this instalment of BSE Spotlight, we sat down with Queensland’s Interiors & Refurbishment (I&R) team leaders to learn more about them, their roles at BSE, and the interesting work they’re delivering.

BSE delivers specialist engineering and consulting services across the full spectrum of building services. Our work is delivered through Buildings and Interiors teams, supported by multidisciplinary specialists who collaborate to provide coordinated solutions. The Interiors & Refurbishment team focuses on fit-out and refurbishment projects, ensuring building services align with design intent while remaining practical to operate and maintain, particularly within live or constrained environments.

The team is led by Peter D’Astuto, Senior Associate, I&R Lead – QLD, supported by Queensland’s I&R discipline leads: Jason van Koersveld (Mechanical), Alex Radford (Electrical), Douglas Neufeld (Hydraulic), and Allen Taylor (Fire Protection).

Together, they bring expertise across all major building services disciplines, supporting clients through complex projects with a focus on collaboration, technical excellence, and practical outcomes.

Now, let’s meet the team.

We asked each team member:

• Tell us a bit about yourself.
• What is your role at BSE and within the I&R team?
• What interesting projects are you currently working on?

Peter D’Astuto

Senior Associate, Interiors & Refurbishment Lead – QLD

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’ve wanted to pursue engineering since about Year 9, initially choosing mechanical engineering because I was interested in automotive. When automotive manufacturing in Australia started to disappear, I found my way into building services and haven’t looked back. I’ve now been in the industry for over 10 years and still enjoy the variety that comes with building services.

What is your role at BSE and within the I&R team?

As I&R Lead for Queensland, I work closely with our discipline leads to deliver projects and support the wider team. Being across so many projects can be crazy at times, but I thrive under pressure and enjoy working with the team to get projects across the line. My focus is on bringing the right people together and supporting the team to deliver quality outcomes for our clients.

What interesting projects are you currently working on?

We’re currently wrapping up a couple of large projects that have brought challenges purely based on their scale and volume. It’s been great to see these projects come to fruition, and I’ve been particularly proud of how the team has stepped up to deliver some large, intricate fit-out projects. Seeing the team come together and deliver under pressure is one of the most rewarding parts of the role.

Jason van Koersveld

Mechanical Team Lead, Interiors & Refurbishment – QLD

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’ve worked in the building services industry for over 10 years, starting with my undergraduate placement. I initially considered architecture or civil engineering, but ultimately found my passion in mechanical engineering through problem-solving and technical challenges. My early career in controls and energy management gave me valuable hands-on experience in plant rooms and commissioning, which really cemented my passion for building services. Outside of work, I’m a family man, with an almost two-year-old son and a nine-month-old Border Collie puppy who both keep me busy!

What is your role at BSE and within the I&R team?

I’m the newly appointed Mechanical Team Lead, working closely with a team of four mechanical engineers and our colleagues across the other disciplines. Day to day, I lead projects, optimise our deliverables, and support the team to keep projects on track across all disciplines. Working within Interiors & Refurbishment requires practical thinking and adaptability, developing solutions that work within existing building constraints and can be effectively delivered by contractors.

What interesting projects are you currently working on?

I’ve been fortunate to work on a range of interesting projects, including the Brisbane City Council Brisbane Square refurbishment, Summit Mt Coot-tha Restaurant and Function Rooms, and the QIC fit-out at 360 Queen Street. More recently, I’ve focused on larger projects with our Buildings and Infrastructure teams, including the City of Moreton Bay Administration Building at Petrie. It’s been a great opportunity to work on a project of this scale and complexity.

Alex Radford

Electrical Team Lead, Interiors & Refurbishment – QLD

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’ve spent 14 years in the industry, working on projects across Australia and overseas. I enjoy solving technical challenges and delivering practical solutions. Outside of work, you’ll usually find me on the golf course or planning my next travel adventure.

What is your role at BSE and within the I&R team?

I lead the design and delivery of electrical services across a diverse range of fit-out and refurbishment projects. What I enjoy most about the role is the variety. With existing buildings and historical installations, no two days are the same. There is always a new challenge to investigate, collaborate on, and solve alongside the wider I&R team.

What interesting projects are you currently working on?

We are currently delivering a number of large-scale hotel, bar, and restaurant projects across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. These projects bring a range of challenges when working within existing buildings, from understanding historical installations to coordinating new services within constrained spaces. One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is seeing these projects come to life and experiencing the finished result.

Douglas Neufeld

Hydraulic Team Lead, Interiors & Refurbishment – QLD

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m a Senior Hydraulic Consultant with over 20 years’ experience in hydraulic services design across a wide range of building classifications and sectors. I’ve also owned and managed five companies across four industries and lived and worked in five different countries. These experiences have given me a broad perspective on engineering, business, and working with people from different backgrounds.

What is your role at BSE and within the I&R team?

I’m the Hydraulic Services Team Lead for Queensland’s Interiors & Refurbishment team. I work across a wide range of sectors, including food and beverage, workplace, healthcare, aged care, laboratories, education, retail, and hospitality. It’s a hectic and varied role, but I enjoy working with the wider I&R team to deliver practical, efficient, and compliant solutions for our clients.

What interesting projects are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on the refurbishment of the Victory Hotel in Brisbane, including a new rooftop bar, as well as The Summit restaurant and café redevelopment at Mt Coot-tha. Both projects involve working within existing buildings and present their own unique challenges. I enjoy the variety of I&R work and the opportunity to work on projects that transform existing spaces for new uses.

Allen Taylor

Fire Protection Team Lead, Interiors & Refurbishment – QLD

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m a Senior Fire Protection Engineer and qualified sprinkler fitter with 24 years’ experience in the fire protection industry. Originally from Sydney, I relocated to Brisbane 17 years ago and have developed a strong passion for the specialised nature of fire protection engineering. Outside of work, I enjoy playing competitive lawn bowls, watching my children play sport, and am the Senior Vice President of my local bowls club.

What is your role at BSE and within the I&R team?

At BSE, I work across sprinkler, hydrant, hose reel, and special hazard systems, drawing on my practical experience as well as my background in fire protection product manufacturing, testing, and development. I enjoy working alongside a knowledgeable and collaborative team, building strong relationships with clients, and being involved throughout the project lifecycle, from concept and design through to construction and completion.

What interesting projects are you currently working on?

I’m particularly looking forward to being involved in the Sofitel Hotel refurbishment, which will involve significant upgrades ahead of the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup. The project presents an exciting challenge due to the timeframe and complexity of the works. I have extensive knowledge and experience in specialised fire protection systems, including gas suppression, foam suppression, and watermist systems. I look forward to continuing to build on this experience by engaging with emerging technologies, innovative solutions, and ongoing advancements within these specialised areas.

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