Robert Alvarez
BSE News | EOFY Recap With Nicki Fraser
BSE News | EOFY Recap With Nicki Fraser
Robert Alvarez
30 Years of BSE
30 Years of BSE
Robert Alvarez
Touch Base with TeamBSE – Solomon Aluague
Touch Base with TeamBSE – Solomon Aluague
Robert Alvarez
Workout 24/7 at Club Lime Rosebery!
Workout 24/7 at Club Lime Rosebery!
Robert Alvarez
Australia's Fifth Five Guys Opens in Martin ...
Australia's Fifth Five Guys Opens in Martin Place

BSE SA Moves to a New Office

Yesterday, January 20th, marked the 5-year anniversary of the opening of BSE’s Adelaide office! The SA team celebrated this milestone with a move into a brand-new, bespoke office.

This updated space represents a major step in BSE’s commitment to the South Australia market. Designed with modern amenities and collaborative workspaces, the office is tailored to support our expanding local team and enhance client engagement.

BSE’s Team Manager for SA, Mun Ng, commented: “After 5 years of local operations and project delivery, the time feels right for the BSE SA team to commit to a new space designed for us and our growth plans. This move marks a significant milestone for us and provides a positive environment for bigger, better collaboration and fostering creativity. Our talented team is excited about this new chapter and looks forward to delivering many more successful projects to our valued clients.”

 

Our South Australia team is now established on Level 7, 50 Pirie Street, Adelaide.

 

If you’d like to visit our new space, reach out to our team.

Touch Base with TeamBSE – Claudia Faulkner

We’re back with our Touch Base with TeamBSE series, focusing on our leaders and national team. Today we speak to Claudia Faulkner, our National People & Community Manager. Claudia recently joined BSE, a strategic addition to our management team, who brings exceptional skills and experience in growing and developing engineering teams. Claudia’s knowledge and people-focused approach is essential for BSE to deliver outstanding experiences to our existing team members, and new starters as we continue to grow.

What is your background story?

My career began in HR while working with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), the peak employer body. The Waterfront Dispute of 1997 was a key motivator for me - witnessing the impact of employee actions on businesses and how businesses navigated these challenges was eye-opening and fuelled my interest in industrial relations (IR). Working with my then boss, a key Advisor to the Employment Minister at the time, exposed me to the complexities and necessities of IR law amid union aggression. This experience highlighted the broader implications of IR on Australian industries and led me to focus on practical IR applications within workplaces. After further studies, I joined a large engineering consultancy in a combined EA and HR role, which was a pivotal starting point in my HR career. Within a year, I transitioned to a full HR role, captivated by the diverse challenges of the engineering industry. My subsequent move to a smaller growing engineering consultancy, was a strategic decision, allowing me to grow their HR function from the ground up. My passion lies in connecting the right people and addressing necessary issues, emphasizing the importance of the function over the role. Despite the challenges, I thrive on making impactful contributions and fostering positive work environments.

 

Did you choose engineering, or did it choose you?

As we covered, it certainly chose me initially, then I made the intentional choice to stay.

 

How do you feel services engineers add value to projects?

Before working in the industry, I probably took for granted services like lighting, running water, and flushing toilets. Now I can fully appreciate the critical role that services engineers play in these areas. A quality services engineer works to ensure their project meets design intent and safety standards, both in the short and long term. The engineer also adds value through their inspections, reviews, and integrating safety considerations into the design process, which ultimately keeps all the users of the space safe and comfortable, with the highest standards maintained.

 

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

I am an innately motivated person, driven to be the best I can every day, be it a Monday or a Sunday. This motivation gets me out of bed!

I am someone who thrives on doing, creating, and seeking new challenges or ways to do things. I love to connect with new people and support others in personal and professional development. It is important that people feel heard, respected and understood. My aim is to leave people feeling inspired, motivated and encouraged after any interaction, knowing that I have made a positive impact on their professional lives energises me.

Pineapple on pizza: yes or no?

No.

BSE Spotlight: EOY Wrap With Andrew Fraser

We’re launching a new video series, BSE Spotlight, with an EOY Wrap from our CEO, Andrew Fraser! 🎉

In this first instalment, Andrew reflects on BSE’s wins in 2024, explores the opportunities and challenges ahead in 2025, and even shares his holiday plans! It’s been a year filled with milestones for BSE! From our team growing to over 100 employees to expanding our offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, and Canberra.  

Let us know what topic you'd like us to cover in the next instalment of BSE Spotlight! 🎥 Alternatively, tell us who from BSE you want to hear from!

 

With only a few days until the end-of-year break, we want to wish all our project partners, clients, and colleagues a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎄🎆

 

A huge thank you to everyone at #TeamBSE for going above and beyond to deliver exceptional work! 🙏

Touch Base with TeamBSE – Fergus Mactaggart

Today we speak to Fergus Mactaggart, our ESD Lead. Championing ESD at BSE, Fergus leads some of our most innovative scopes. Having successfully developed and implemented sustainability strategies in a range of projects, Fergus leverages his professional and academic skills with a passion for decoupling economic growth from environmental pressures. Drawing on engineering, mathematics, architecture, psychology, urban design, and landscape architecture, BSE provides innovative, unique, and integrated environmentally sustainable design solutions to clients and project partners.

What is your background story?

Anything but a straight line is the quickest summary! Started with civil and environmental engineering, and with sustainability as the goal I tackled academic work, civil, environmental science, geotechnical and wastewater. Having such broad knowledge was a great foundation and pinpointed ESD as the aspect which best aligned with personal passions, beliefs and technical skills. Simply, I wanted to help people and to use my scientific passion and creativity to do this. From the beginning of my study, I’d been involved with Engineers Without Borders and scholarships took me to the USA, Germany, and Cambodia, understanding and learning how engineering and science can be used to solve huge issues such as housing, education and health.

Putting this learning and approach to practical application: now at BSE, our interdisciplinary ESD Team deliver solutions that provide safer, greener, cooler cities, schools and homes. Bringing my desire to help people in our local communities, we provide practical solutions for clients – decoupling environmental and human health pressures from economic growth, which is a win-win.

 

Did you choose engineering, or did it choose you?

It was a reciprocal relationship. My interest in science has always been a significant aspect of my pursuits. Aspirations for humanitarian engineering through my work with Engineers Without Borders and RedR, I was able to transfer this approach to a niche where I could add value through Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD). My work in ESD enables me to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of communities, cities, and our planet.

 

How do you feel services engineers add value to projects?

Service engineers bring invaluable expertise that is founded on a robust understanding of science, health, and functionality. By leveraging this knowledge, we help design building spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing also functional, comfortable, sustainable and optimised for human well-being and operational efficiency.

 

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

Any possibility of being in the ocean, surfing if conditions allow.

Professionally speaking: the opportunity to solve complex problems that benefit both individuals and society as a whole is a tremendous motivating factor. The very essence of engineering, to me, lies in its capacity to better the human experience through thoughtful and innovative design.

 

Pineapple on pizza: yes or no?

I am an advocate for culinary creativity, so yes, pineapple has a place on pizza in my opinion.

Life at BSE | October to November 2024

Here are some of the things that we've been up to over the past couple of weeks:

📍 Brisbane celebrated Oktoberfest with German beer and delicacies! 🍻 🍻 🍻

📍 BSE got all dressed to take headshots! 📸🕴️

📍 Canberra, Melbourne, and Sydney were treated with sweets for Halloween! 🧁 🍬 🍫 🍭

📍 Sydney held sweeps, a Calcutta auction, and a sock and hat competition for the Melbourne Cup! 🏇 🏇 🏇

Want to join Team BSE? 🙋 Check out our openings here.

The Property Congress 2024

That’s a wrap for this year’s Property Council of Australia’s The Property Congress! It was a fun-filled three days in Townsville for #TeamBSE, mingling with the who’s who of the Australian property industry in between presentations, speeches, and panel discussions.

 

BSE’s Godfrey Frederick, Director – National Strategic Partnerships, and Amelia Fraser, Manager - National Strategic Partnerships, graciously shared their insights from the event.

 

Godfrey says, “A sincere thank you to the Property Council of Australia for organizing the 2024 PCA Congress in Townsville. Opting for a regional location was a bold and refreshing choice, underscoring the importance of showcasing regional Australia. The city proved to be an excellent host, delivering an impressive experience that highlighted its potential to the Australian property industry.

 

The Congress featured numerous highlights, from Peter Costello’s insightful opening address to the inspiring closing session with Cathy Freeman and Bruce Djite. The sessions were thoughtfully curated, well-attended, and covered a broad range of timely and relevant topics. Although the weather was hot and humid, the air conditioning at the convention centre comfortably met the challenge!

 

It was great to represent BSE alongside my colleagues Amelia Fraser, Brendon Newham, and Andrew Sayer. Overall, the event provided abundant opportunities for professional development, networking, and meaningful connections, making it a valuable experience for all participants. Roll on 2025!”

 

Amelia shared, “We had a fantastic few days enjoying sunny (hot!!) Townsville for the 2024 Property Congress. BSE had a contingent of four team members attend, connecting with industry friends, both old and new, from around the country.

 

The line-up of presenters and speakers this year was outstanding, featuring returning favourites like Simon Kuestenmacher, engaging as always, along with insights from politicians and industry leaders on the evolving property landscape. A personal favourite session of mine was the chat with Australian legend Cathy Freeman, who delivered a frank, raw, and honest discussion, evoking both emotion and laughter – the perfect way to end a great few days.

 

The networking events were a hit, with more than one of our BSE team members hitting the dance floor, and all of us walking away with exciting new connections and industry friends from across the country. Bring on Perth 2025!”

 

Sounds like they had a fantastic time in Townsville! BSE can’t wait for next year’s Property Congress in Perth.

 

Thank you for representing #TeamBSE, Godrey Frederick, Brendon Newham, Andrew Sayer, and Amelia Fraser.

LaSalle Investment Management Office at 180 George Street

Our NSW team was entrusted by JLL to provide comprehensive engineering design services tailored to the needs of LaSalle Investment Management for their new office at 180 George Street. The scope included the design of the electrical, mechanical, fire protection, and hydraulics systems. Acoustic services were also provided by BSE.

BSE's project lead reflected on one challenging aspect of the project which was a ceiling slab opening at the receptionist’s area. He said, "We worked closely with architects, structural engineers, and lighting designers to navigate this challenge. In the end, we crafted a unique feature that makes LaSalle's workspace stand out from typical offices in Australia."

Encompassing half a floor and spanning 470 square metres, the new fit-out was meticulously designed to enhance productivity, collaboration, and overall well-being. Highlights include collaboration spaces, wellness rooms, an open workplan, and a kitchen which also serves as breakout space.

Congratulations to LaSalle Investment Management on their new office with stunning Sydney Harbour views! A job well done to JLL and all other contributors for realizing the vision for this project. We at BSE continue our pursuit of excellence and innovation in building services engineering.

Images courtesy of Darren Battle (JLL)

Touch Base with TeamBSE – Tim O’Regan

Speaking to Tim O’Regan today. Tim has been a stalwart of our Brisbane team for 10years; he leads the Interiors team and brings a passion for sustainable, creative and effective design. With experience across a range of sectors, and strong communication skills, Tim provides BSE’s clients with an authentic and talented partner for project delivery.

What is your background story?
I took a round-about way to building services. Started with creative lighting for film and TV and applied this interest practically when leaning drafting and design. Lucky enough to be involved in energy network projects and Homebush for Sydney Olympics. Early experience provided a full picture of building services across buildings and infrastructure, when I was ready for further development my enthusiasm for creative lighting directed towards electrical engineering and I followed that. Opportunities followed for full buildings, complex residential projects and with outstanding mentors, I learnt and grew and took on responsibilities above and beyond design. And when the opportunity to join BSE, to be part of a growing consultancy brought new challenges and scope for growth, I jumped at it.

Followed this with lots of hard work, dedication and working with Cameron and other BSE leaders to grow the local team and service offering in Queensland. It’s been a great 10 years!

Did you choose engineering, or did it choose you?

It chose me, I’m glad it did!

How do you feel services engineers add value to projects?

A good services engineer will create spaces that people can enjoy, live in and work in. Involvement from beginning to end allows us to add the most value. Early engagement (during concept design) gives us opportunity to identify efficiencies which save time and money during construction and operation of the space. The earlier our involvement, the more value from our involvement. A good engineer, engaged at the right time, considers flexibility, usability, and longevity to provide the best possible solution for the budget, save time and make sure services are fully integrated into the architectural design.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

A loud alarm clock!

And being part of a team who come together with energy to create incredible and purposeful spaces for people to live, work and play in. Helping to create a space, see it being used is an incredible part of our work.

Our industry always has something to learn, adapt new technology and equipment, and apply innovative solutions to projects. It’s never boring, each project has different challenges and experiences!

Pineapple on pizza: yes or no?

No. Not a fan of pineapple.

Instead – is breakfast cereal a soup?

The Property Congress 2024 – BSE’s Attendees

BSE is excited to announce that we will be attending this year’s Property Council of Australia’s The Property Congress. The congress takes place in Townsville and kicks off on October 23, 2024.

If you’re going to be there, reach out and meet our team. Representing TeamBSE are Godrey Frederick (Director – National Strategic Partnerships), Brendon Newham (Director – ACT), Andrew Sayer (Associate Director, VIC Interiors Team Manager), and Amelia Fraser (Manager – National Strategic Partnerships).

We look forward to connecting with industry professionals and discussing innovative engineering solutions.

See you at the event and don’t forget to say hi!

Elevating Excellence at BSE!

Congratulations are in order for these newly promoted members of TeamBSE!

To get to know them better, we asked each of them, “what do you enjoy doing in your free time away from BSE?”

Thank you for all your contributions and for continuously championing BSE’s Values and Vision.

Hats off to Tim O'Regan, Andrew Sayer, Luc Su, and Peter D'Astuto for the well-deserved promotion!

Powerhouse Precinct at Mildura Riverfront

BSE’s VIC team worked on stage 2 of the Mildura Riverfront Redevelopment with a construction value above $10 million. This transformation brought the 1920s Powerhouse building back to life along with the surrounding area.

Project Director: Terrence Hing

BSE partnered with the Mildura Rural City Council, Public Realm Lab, Rork Projects, and Bridge42 for this project. BSE provided design, documentation, and construction support for the electrical, mechanical, fire protection, and hydraulics services of this project. This required close collaboration with the design team in coordinating services reticulation, navigating the challenges and restrictions of the existing Powerhouse structure, whilst delivering the architectural outcomes.

Stage 2 involved the adaptive re-use of the Powerhouse building into a versatile events space. The spacious Powerhouse Hall can cater to sit-down dinners, theatre-style presentations, and standing-only events. Other smaller spaces within the building can be used for more intimate gatherings. An on-site kitchen is also available to make catering for events easier.

The project paved the way for a more permanent home for an existing café which was initially a shipping container. There’s also a kiosk which showcases social enterprises.

The Powerhouse Place Precinct serves as a hub for the community; it’s able to host a variety of events which brings people together, it has created jobs for the community, supported local businesses, and is just a great place to enjoy the Murray River.

The project received the the Victorian Architecture Medal, the Joseph Reed Award for Urban Design (VIC), the Allan and Beth Coldicutt Award for Sustainable Architecture (VIC), and the Regional Prize (VIC) at the 2024 Victorian Architecture Awards.

Images courtesy of Mildura Rural City Council

Homes for the Future

Increasing the housing supply in NSW is on the government policy agenda. The role of Homes NSW (formerly NSW Land and Housing Corporation) is to actively manage the stock of housing for people in need in our communities. Homes NSW oversees the largest portfolio in Australia, with over 125,000 properties.

Over numerous years, BSE has delivered a range of engineering services design and documentation for social and affordable housing development projects in NSW. Working directly for Homes NSW and partnering with principal designers, our services include Mechanical, Electrical, Hydraulic, Fire, Vertical Transport, Sustainability (ESD), and Acoustic engineering services.

Stuart Johnson, BSE’s NSW Director, commented, “I am thrilled that BSE is providing services for the NSW housing development program contributing to positive community development and, it's a privilege to collaborate and make a meaningful impact together with all of the project stakeholders.”

Some of our typical projects to date include:

  • Riverside Drive, Airds - 32 seniors housing units

  • Prout Way, Claymore - 45 seniors housing units

  • Dobell Road, Claymore - 20 seniors housing units

  • Cammarlie Street, Panania - 22 housing units and 6 2-storey townhouses

  • Mcllvenie and Byrd Street, Canley Heights - 17 townhouses

  • Banksia Street, Pagewood - 27 housing units

  • Evans Road, Telopea - 25 housing units

  • Sophie Street, Telopea - 29 housing units

  • Cutler Avenue and Bent Street, Griffith - 14 seniors housing units

  • Combermere Street and 8-10 Rhoda Street, Goulburn - 16 seniors housing units

  • Sunnyside Crescent, North Richmond - 16 seniors housing units

  • Irving Street, Parramatta - 20 housing units

  • Stoney Creek Road, Kingsgrove - 16 housing units

  • Fergerson Avenue, Fairfield - 16 housing units

18-20 Irving Street, Parramatta

6–12 Sunnyside Crescent, North Richmond

330–332 Stoney Creek Road, Kingsgrove

1-3 Cutler Ave, Griffith

Prout Way, Claymore

In 1942, the NSW Housing Commission was established to provide a pathway to home ownership for working class families and returned services personnel. Today, the high demand for social, crisis, transitional, and affordable housing continues to outstrip supply.

Learn more about how Homes NSW is innovating housing to deliver more keys in doors by watching the video below.

Images courtesy of Land and Housing Corporation

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

BSE Team For Strategy & Leadership

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.

Acoustic Engineer Canberra

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.

Consulting Engineer Canberra
Building Services Engineers Team

EOFY (or SOFY – start of financial year)

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

BSE EOFY

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.

BSE’s QLD Team

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.

 
BSE Team Member

David O’Connell, Associate & Mechanical Team Lead NSW

 
Electrical Team Lead

Geoff Taylor, Associate Director & Electrical Team Lead NSW

 
Team Lead – Building Technologies

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.

Building Services Engineers

Sydney | Brisbane | Melbourne | Canberra | Adelaide