Generating Acoustic Solutions: Powerlink

BSE’s Acoustics team were recently involved in delivering acoustic solutions to Powerlink North (or North Link). This project encompassed BSE delivering the design and development of additional commercial workspaces for Powerlink's Virginia site, based in Brisbane, QLD. The space was formerly utilised as an industrial site, before the conversion into the existing commercial space, consisting of a mix of workspaces, private offices, meeting rooms, and general multi-use spaces. 

Our team was engaged to navigate a solution to an ongoing noise issue. Sound from an adjoining warehouse, specifically the use of forklifts, was clearly audible, entering the office-space via a set of inter-connecting sliding doors between the two warehouses. During the initial site visit, it was abundantly clear that the large warehouse volume and bare concrete finishes would be problematic for workplace productivity.  

BSE undertook benchmark testing of activity in the adjacent warehouse, and it was determined that the existing sliding doors did not provide enough separation between the adjacent warehouses. Additionally, reverberation testing conducted of the warehouse identified that reverberation inside the warehouse was at very high levels (>6 seconds, which sounds like an echo chamber).

Reverberation testing can be achieved through popping balloons and measuring the sounds, as demonstrated in the photos. The level of finishes and the room volume inside a space affects the reverberation time, which is a measure of sound decay. Impulse testing for reverberation time involves the generation of a loud noise (balloon burst or similar) inside an enclosed space and measurement of time it takes for sound to decay, typically by 60 decibels.

Our team presented separation from the adjacent warehouse and air handling units from the proposed new workspaces as a suitable solution, this was achieved through the use of separation corridors. Reverberation control was achieved by using carefully selected materials, such as carpets, ceiling tiles, and wall panels. 

All the acoustic requirements were implemented successfully, and it is anticipated that the Powerlink staff will enjoy a high level of workplace well-being.

Client: Generate Property Group

Architect: Woods Bagot

Services: BSE (QLD)

Acoustics: BSE (Acoustics)

Strategy & Leadership | Retreat 2024

This month, our senior management team were together again for BSE’s annual Strategic Workshops. We swapped last year’s warm sun for drizzle and crackling fires in the Yarra Valley, with the usual blend of laughter, planning, updates and sharing. This important time allow our senior team to plan for short- and long-term priorities, review progress and make planning adjustments to improve how our teams work together and deliver projects, setting up and growing our incredible teams and the continued sustained growth of BSE.

As well as planning for our growth and enjoying the wonders of the Yarra Valley, our team tackled a corporate challenge, bonding and working hard to solve puzzles and clues, culminating in an ultimate challenge: racing to build a bike to be donated to underprivileged children. A rewarding experience requiring teamwork, creativity, and creative problem-solving. Delighted to work with Bikes for Tykes, contributing to their incredible work and make a positive impact on the community. Knowing that the bikes would be provided to and used by children who would need and appreciate the gift reminded us of the importance of giving back.

In reflecting on the workshop, CEO, Andrew Fraser shared:

‘Each year we build on our strength as a team, growing our team and hitting impressive goals! Our amazing group of people we have leading TeamBSE brought their A-Game for this year, and great outcomes and exciting plans highlight this. 

Directors and Managers brought back the outcomes and shared directly with each of our teams, ensuring we’re able to take everyone on the BSE adventure.

EOFY (or SOFY – start of financial year)

Our National Finance Director, Nicki Fraser, shares her EOFY reflection:

As we have closed out another financial year, I’m pleased to take the opportunity to reflect and look forward. Once again, our industry is navigating a few key factors which I consider providing both new risks, and opportunities. The continuation of fluctuating and challenging economic trends along with regulatory changes and fast technological advancements provide consideration, require strategic thinking and creative problem solving. All of which both our technical team and functional business teams do on a daily basis.

In BSE’s post pandemic recovery, injection of government infrastructure packages into the economy are an aspect I see as a positive. Across transportation, healthcare and education sectors, this investment providing a robust pipeline of opportunities for our business and interesting problems for our team to solve.

Continually advancing technology across hardware and software enables our teams to embrace our continual improvement mindset and refine our processes and deliver outstanding project outcomes. Building Information Modelling and Virtual Reality allow our teams to enhance project planning and design accuracy in our offices, while scanning and interactive technologies create efficiencies for our teams on site for improved outcomes.

How we allocate our talented team members to projects, balancing limited available resources and high commitments, continues to be a challenge for BSE and the wider industry. We are always looking for great candidates to join our ever-growing team. This last year saw us grow to over 90 team members and celebrate 3 of our key team members as they rolled over their 10 years with BSE.

As we launch into FY25 BSE continue to adapt to changing tax implications and legal requirements along with regulatory changes, which allows us to sustain a fluid and effective risk management approach to achieve long term success for our team members and continued partnerships with our clients.

Welcome | Jonathan Ramajoo joins BSE

BSE is thrilled to share the exciting growth of our QLD leadership team, welcoming Jonathan Ramajoo as Building and Infrastructure Group Manager and QLD General Manager.

As BSE’s QLD team have grown over the past 10+ years, delivering exceptional engineering solutions with true partnership, the needs of our team and business have evolved. With Jonathan joining we are looking forward to enhancing our strengths and continuing to provide practical designs and exceptional customer service.

 With strong experience in design and delivery of construction projects in Queensland, leveraging contracting and consulting knowledge, Jonathan’s knowledge will enhance our talented team in our next phase of growth, an exceptional addition to Team BSE.

Cameron Webb, Director, said of the appointment:

“We are delighted to welcome Jonathan to our QLD Team. His extensive expertise and leadership will support and grow our team to consistently deliver exceptional customer service, with practical engineering solutions, we look forward to the growth and continued excellence that Jonathan brings to our team.”

— Cameron Webb

Team Member Elevations

BSE are delighted to share these team member elevations and changes.

In NSW, David O’Connell steps up to the challenge as our newest Associate and Mechanical Team Lead, with Geoff Taylor taking up the Electrical Team Lead scope.

David O’Connell, Associate & Mechanical Team Lead NSW

Geoff Taylor, Associate Director & Electrical Team Lead NSW

John Smithers, National Team Lead - Building Technologies

In QLD, John Smithers continues to leverage his exceptional experience of smart buildings, and building technologies as our National Team Lead – Building Technologies. Stay tuned for more details on this exciting new service offering soon.

Congratulations to David, Geoff and John, and thank you for your continued championing of BSE’s Values and Vision.

National Blood Donor Week

Throughout the past year, some of BSE’s team members have generously donated blood and plasma, and today we recognise them, amongst all others who generously give their life-saving blood donations.

Each year, Lifeblood hosts National Blood Donor Week as a way of recognising the impact and importance of the wonderful donations that underpin Lifeblood’s life-giving work.

Well done to those and the thousands of others who selflessly donated in the cause of saving lives.

Full details on how this helps, and where to donate: https://www.lifeblood.com.au/blood/national-blood-donor-week

10 Years of Solomon & Jessica

Last week, our Sydney team took the opportunity to celebrate with Solomon Aluague and Jessica Chesser on their 10-year anniversary at BSE. Both an important part of our BSE community, celebrating with Sol and Jess together was a heap of fun.

Solomon has been with BSE since 2014, a demonstrated team and project leader, Sol’s extensive experience in ESD principles, design mechanical design and engineering is essential to how our Sydney team delivers successful interiors projects.

Stuart Johnson, NSW Director, took the opportunity to express his appreciation for Solomon’s dedication and technical excellence that he has continually provided to BSE’s success in Sydney. He commented that “Sol’s consistent dedication, leadership and technical ability have been invaluable to the Sydney team. Such unwavering commitment and exemplary service!”.

Also, with BSE since 2014, Jess been an essential part of our recent growth period, providing a strong combination of project and management skills to support and lead our teams, ensuring priorities are balanced between our project partner’s expectations, delivery and business requirements.

Andrew Fraser, CEO, shared his appreciation for Jess’s development of BSE’s systems, processes and compliance requirements to scale with BSE’s national growth and ongoing achievement. He commented that “Jess’s continued hard work and strategic insights have significantly contributed to our growth. We are so grateful for her dedication and many years of excellent service”.

Recent new starters

What a year 2024 has been so far! As our team continues to grow, we’re thrilled to share this update of amazing team members who have joined and returned to BSE recently. Bringing exceptional technical experience, innovative ideas, and a whole lot of laughs, our people are our greatest strength!

Welcome to our newest team members, and always delightful to be saying welcome back!

Stay tuned for more exciting announcement about our expanding leadership team.

BSE is made up of talented, professional, creative, and passionate people, who work hard and have some fun along the way. Our promise to our teams is building for growth, innovation, engineering excellence and BSE fun!

If you’re interested in joining TeamBSE, we share all our open roles on our Careers page or pop your CV through to careers@bse.com.au if want to hear more! Make sure you’re following our LinkedIn page for all the updates.

Welcome | Mun Leng Ng to our Adelaide Team

BSE is delighted to welcome Mun Leng Ng to Team BSE!

Mun joins our SA team as Associate Electrical Engineer, bringing in exceptional technical expertise, project delivery focus and strong partner and client relationships.

An accomplished industry expert, with over 15 years of Australian experience (plus a PHD!), Mun is a notable addition to our Adelaide team and Electrical delivery expertise across the country. With significant involvement in design and support during construction across education, commercial, hospitality, correctional, aged care and residential projects, Mun’s strengths of attention to detail, clear and open communication will be fully utilised as our local team continues to grow.

Outside work, Mun enjoys painting, applying her creativity both on her projects at work and her favourite pastimes at home.

In welcoming Mun, CEO Andrew Fraser, said:

“We are thrilled to introduce Mun Leng Ng as the newest member of the BSE community. Mun brings a wealth of experience from the South Australian consulting engineering sector, showcasing exceptional technical expertise, leadership skills, and a strong focus on business development. Based in BSE’s Adelaide office, Mun is poised to make a significant impact.”

— Andrew Fraser

OUT & ABOUT | TOK Newcastle

Thrilled to have collaborated with Tree of Knowledge last week in Newcastle for their Autumn event at Customs House Hotel.

An event brimming with fun, meaningful connections, and enriching conversations. With networking opportunities and insightful discussions, last weeks’ event provided space for new partnerships and innovative ideas. Our teams always look forward to future TOK events!

CELEBRATIONS | Easter

Another opportunity to build our community, this week our teams have shared chocolate eggs and Hot Cross Buns for Easter!

A sugary boost to get through the rush of a short week before the long weekend.

 Happy Easter from TeamBSE! 🐰

CELEBRATIONS | Persian New Year

Our Sydney team celebrated and observed Persian New Year this week with joyous festivities. Our aim was to celebrate the culture and history of Persian / Iranian New Year. We enjoyed a variety of traditional food items and New Year objects to create an authentic experience for everyone involved. It was a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on the diverse backgrounds of our community and celebrate one of them for this occasion.

We delight in sharing this opportunity of celebration which reflects our team members. We extend our wishes for health, happiness, and a year filled with success to all.

Celebrating Success! Luc Su Promotion to Associate

We are celebrating Luc Su's promotion to Associate Electrical Engineer. With dedication to quality design, outstanding technical expertise, and commitment to partnering with our clients, Luc excels in all aspects of project delivery – designing, engineering, collaboration, earning respect from peers and clients.

Luc’s promotion as BSE’s Brisbane’s team newest Associate Electrical Engineer, recognises his past achievements and signifies our belief in his potential for even greater success.

QLD’s Buildings and Infrastructure Manager, John Smithers said this:

““We’re thrilled to announce Luc’s promotion to Associate Electrical Engineer. His dedication, expertise, and technical leadership have been instrumental in driving innovation and excellence within our teams. This promotion is a testament to Luc’s outstanding contributions and sets the stage for continued success of Luc and BSE QLD.””

— John Smithers

Congratulations, Luc! We’re always thrilled to have you continue your career journey as part of Team BSE!

Win for Winnings | Winning Appliances Showroom

This highly specialised scope for Winnings Redfern Showroom, covers 2,500sqm across two levels and two tenancies, which provides the Winnings team with an innovative, fit for purpose and customised flagship facility to deliver outstanding customer experiences for years to come. Project team included Mettle Projects, Cera Stribley and Essence Project Management.

BSE’s talented and creative engineering team delivered engineering across electrical, mechanical, fire protection and hydraulic services through concept, detailed design, tender, and services during construction through defects period.

Giving scope for the best of innovative engineering, BSE’s team delivered load management to optimize energy consumption – allowing the facility to operate efficiently and sustainability, cutting edge water cooled VRV system to maintains optimal temperature for visitors and the Winnings team, with state-of-the-art hot water circulation systems integrated to provide instant hot water access – convenience and functionality for the facility as well as comprehensive fire protection. Overall, our designers and engineers provided meticulous coordination with the full project team, and consistent partnership with Mettle Projects, Cera Stribley and Essence Project Management through design and construction.

New Year message from Director - National Strategic Partnerships, Godfrey Frederick

Happy New Year to our wonderful clients, industry friends, project partners and colleagues. The partnerships we have across our business and delivery teams are who have made the previous years truly remarkable for BSE. Here’s to another year of shared success, growth and memorable achievements.

2024 is already shaping up as a massive year, with lots of key new projects kicking off across infrastructure, education, commercial, living, hospitality and retail (to name a few).

BSE’s leadership team are so grateful for the many collaborations and look forward to reaching new heights together in 2024.

Godfrey Frederick.

End of Year Closure

Our offices are closed for the end of year period, from Thursday 21 December 2023 reopening Monday 8 January 2024.

We hope you have a safe and happy Christmas and New Year period.

Rounding out 2023 with a recap of TeamBSE’s End of Year celebrations!

Our teams came together locally to celebrate the close of 2023, rejoice in achievements, incredible project outcomes and BSE’s growth over the past 12 months. Across each of the celebrations was an atmosphere of accomplishment, honoring hard work all with BSE style fun.