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
Robert Alvarez
GroundUp Studio Expands to NSW!
GroundUp Studio Expands to NSW!

Revisiting Infinity at Green Square

Godfrey Frederick, Director - National Strategic Partnerships, recently revisited Infinity by Crown at Green Square in Sydney—a landmark development well known to many Australians. Most recently, it was featured in the latest season of Married at First Sight Australia, serving as the first home for the newlywed couples on the show.

BSE provided mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, fire protection, vertical transportation, and ESD engineering services for Infinity, a 20-storey mixed-use development completed in 2019. Located above Green Square Station, it spans 39,000 sqm with 325 apartments, 75 hotel rooms, a 450-seat conference centre, and over 30 retail and dining spaces. Its striking central void enhances natural ventilation, while resort-style amenities include a heated infinity pool, spa, sauna, rooftop gardens, and a cinema. Infinity exemplifies transit-oriented development, blending urban convenience with sustainability.

Infinity was recognised at the 2021 CTBUH Annual Awards as one of the Best Tall Buildings Under 100 Meters in the world.

 

BSE is proud to be part of Green Square’s urban renewal, a project that, according to the City of Sydney, will house 63,000 people in 33,000 homes and provide approximately 21,000 permanent jobs.

Costa Group’s Office at 818 Bourke Street

BSE’s VIC team recently collaborated with Geyer Valmont, to deliver a fresh and dynamic fit-out for the Costa Group. The Costa Group is Australia’s leading horticultural company and supplies fresh produce to major food retailers. The space was designed with consideration of the open plan working evolution with the 3,500 sqm area incorporating collaborative spaces including an expansive breakout area overlooking Victoria Harbour.

Project Lead: Andrew Sayer

Challenging aspects of this project included the multiple large and small meeting rooms in the design which required careful consideration with regards to the layout of the mechanical systems. The BSE team also overcame the hurdle of generating accurate documentation as there were some inaccuracies with the existing “as-built” designs.

 

BSE delivered engineering services throughout the project and designed electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and fire protection services. Part of the scope of the electrical services were that of the security system.

 

Congratulations to the Costa Group for their stunning new office! It was a pleasure working with Geyer Valmont along with other collaborators for this project.

Images courtesy of Geyer Valmont

Another Look at BSE’s New QLD Office

It has been six months since our Brisbane team settled into our new bespoke office at ANZAC Square, and we are excited to share some captivating images of the space.

Designed in collaboration with Base Design and Construct Group, the fit out seamlessly blends heritage charm with modern innovation. Together, we ensured that the space is equipped with state-of-the-art lighting, AV technology, and all the premium comforts expected in a high-quality workplace within a heritage-listed building.

 

As our talented Brisbane team continues to grow, this strategic relocation provides an exceptional space for our BSE team members and supports the expansion of our service offerings to local, regional, and interstate clients.

 

This milestone also coincides with our 10th anniversary in the Brisbane market, underscoring our commitment to delivering locally inspired design, innovative problem-solving, and exceptional engineering within our National Group.

 

Our Queensland team is now established on Level 3, 232 Adelaide Street, No. 1 ANZAC Square, Brisbane.

 

A huge thank you to all collaborators, including AsheMorgan, Videopro, Light and Design Group, Siemon, Bosch Security and Safety Systems, Big Ass Fans Australia, and Base Design and Construct Group for making our office fit out such a success.

Images courtesy of Base Design and Construct

Welcome | Jacob McGrath Joins Our Acoustics Team

BSE is excited to welcome Jacob McGrath as the newest member of our growing National Acoustics Team.

 

Jacob is a Chartered Professional Engineer with a strong background in acoustic engineering. Over the past ten years, he has had experience in building & architectural acoustics, noise impact assessments, town planning & development application acoustics, building services & plant/equipment noise, as well as structure-borne noise and vibration. This experience spans a broad range of sectors, including commercial, education, hospitality, mixed-use developments, residential, retail, and more.

 

His experience in providing tailored and effective acoustic solutions to enhance the functionality and comfort of spaces makes him a valuable addition to the team.

 

Jacob will play a key role in delivering well-researched, practical recommendations and solutions to our clients.

 

David Luck, Associate Director – Acoustics, shared his thoughts on the appointment: "We are delighted to have Jacob on board with BSE (Acoustics). Continued opportunities in the QLD market are very exciting and we look forward to Jacob making a valuable contribution to our national offering."

Oaks Canopy: Built-To-Rent in Canberra

BSE was engaged by the developer, Amalgamated Property Group, and then novated to Allstar Electrical to provide electrical design services for the Oaks Canopy project in Canberra, the first standalone build-to-rent (BTR) project in the state. The 14-storey building with 156-units has a project budget of over $40 million.

Project Director: Brendon Newham

BTR addresses the growing demand for quality rental housing while offering stability and security through long-term rental contracts. This provides tenants with the assurance that traditional rentals often lack which is particularly appealing to those who may be relocating for work in Australia’s capital.

Daniel Potts, Development Manager at Amalgamated Property Group said in an article from Riotact that “the success of our business will be in long-term tenant retention and our objective is to demonstrate how good BTR can be and have tenants stay with us for a long period of time.”

 

One of the first tenants, Georgie, mentioned in a separate article from Riotact that the reason that the Oaks Canopy stood out to her was “the whole build-to-rent community, and there’s that extra security, the comfort, the benefit of the incredible amenities, with all of these extra things that I don’t have to worry about, it’s what I was looking for.”

Through the shared amenities such as recreational spaces, gyms, and common areas, residents are encouraged to engage with one another, creating a vibrant neighbourhood atmosphere.

Amalgamated has gone one step further and will remain a hands-on building owner to deliver personalised property and building management experiences. This means that from day one, you know exactly who you’re dealing with.

BSE is proud to be a part of this BTR project which helps alleviate the housing crisis by boosting supply.

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

Building Services Engineers

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