A new fitout to connect the community

The new NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) office at Level 10, 179 Queen Street Melbourne has completed the construction stage. The NAATI is a not for profit company that specialises in the national standards and certification of translators and interpreters in Australia. As the NAATI vision is to connect the community without language barriers, BSE Victorian team, Hannemann Building Group, CRCPG Pty Ltd and Tall Architects ensured that this vision was incorporated in the design of the project.

This new 800m2 fitout has a corporate area for the NAATI staff and also approximately 10 testing rooms where candidates are tested to become accredited interpreters or translators. A sophisticated audio visual system was implemented to the testing rooms with separate audio and video capabilities including back up storage.

BSE were the design engineers for mechanical, electrical, hydraulics, fire, audio visual and security services.

Photography Credit: YQ photography

Seasons Greetings from BSE

360 Collins Street Melbourne opens the contemporary corporate lounge

360 Collins Street in Melbourne is one of the city’s best locations for contemporary businesses to operate and flourish. With customer amenities incorporated in the building’s offering, the concept of connectedness is a driver for shared spaces in the building.

BSE collaborated with the building’s manager, Dexus, to enhance the Level 1 corporate seating lounge by creating a new meeting space for customers and visitors. The space incorporated fresh air, new pendant lighting above tables and charging stations. The engineering design and documentation was completed by BSE for the electrical, mechanical and fire protection services. Dexus is focused on driving energy efficiency at 360 Collins Street, and BSE was able to incorporate sustainable concepts and design approaches to meet this requirement throughout the communal space.

Read More of this Dexus project here: https://www.dexus.com/welcome-360collins

BSE QLD EOY Celebration

BSE’s Queensland office recently welcomed our loyal clients, project partners and team members to an event to celebrate the start of the festive season and success of the Brisbane team and our projects.

Held at the picturesque Mr & Mrs G, Riverbar venue, overlooking the Story Bridge at sunset, guests were treated to great food and drinks and an opportunity to reflect on a hugely successful 2019!

BSE QLD Director, Cameron Webb shared a meaningful few words as he reflected on the success of our Brisbane office and thanked business partners, Andrew & Nicki Fraser for their enthusiasm and support, the BSE team, loyal clients and project partners.

Sweeping views for new townhouses at Denman Prospect, ACT

Overlooking Molonglo Valley and a short distance away from Canberra City centre, the new residential project at Denman Prospect is the idyllic location for families and couples. The Polo project aims for high quality standards for design materials to maintain the suburbs high profile. The landscape also contains parks and tracks for locals to enjoy sports and social activities.

This apartment and townhouse project was led by Millin Builders and designed by Kasparek Architects.

BSE’s ACT Regional Manager, Brendon Newham said “BSE have worked with this amazing design and construction team for the last year. Special thanks go out to Milin Builders & Kasparek Architects for engaging us to be project partners on such and exciting project. The design team had their fair share of challenges to overcome especially the slope in which the proposed development was to be installed. Due to the effective communication and a solution driven work ethic of the entire project team - Builders, Architect, other team members & BSE - the hurdles were overcome and the construction program is full steam ahead.”

BSE provided professional design and tender documentation engineering services for electrical and mechanical services across this multi-storey residential development with approximately 77-80 units.

Imagery Credit DC3 Creative Imagery/Kasparek Architects

Value Add through Audio Visual

Looking for the next value-add in your project? BSE is excited to share the news that our team of experienced and talented engineers and designers has expanded to include audio visual design!  

Audio and Visual (AV) services play an important role in today's business and education environments. Wherever people need to communicate, collaborate or learn you'll find AV systems. We expect more from our systems than ever before. They are a mission-critical part of business integrated into our everyday work.

Effective AV positively impacts on communication, collaboration and ultimately, the business bottom line!

The technology and product landscape changes fast. As these systems become more complex, it's no longer reasonable to expect an IT generalist, an architect or electrical engineer to understand the intricacy of AV technology.  You need a specialist AV consultant to design and specify these systems.  This is where BSE AV steps in to bridge the gap between the client’s requirements and the latest technological advancements.

BSE understand the complexities and challenges of the modern workplace and utilises this knowledge to achieve cost effective, client focussed solutions.  From initial concept through to completion, our experienced AV team works in partnership with the client to undertake successful projects minimising risks and hurdles usually associated with AV deployments.

Mark Daniels is our Associate, Team Leader – Audio Visual and is eager to discuss how BSE can simplify your AV pain-points.

Welcome Mark Daniels!

BSE is delighted to welcome Mark Daniels to Team BSE!

Mark joins us in a National capacity as Associate and Team Leader – Audio Visual. For more information about this new service offering, see our recent post here & AV services page.

With over 13 years of Asia-Pacific experience, Mark is a significant addition to Team BSE and our service offering to our project partners and clients.

Mark’s expertise ranges across the AV lifecycle and he is able to leverage industry relationships and knowledge to provides our clients and project partners with high quality, efficient solutions that are user friendly, meet needs, expectations and design intent on our projects. 

Mark specialises in corporate AV systems including full tenancy fit-outs, high-end boardrooms, meeting/training rooms and interactive multi-function spaces for a broad range of local and international clients including several Fortune 500 and AFR Top 500 clients.

Jordan Springs Community Centre: Render vs Reality

Jordan Springs Community Centre opened in April 2018 and the architectural render image, initially crafted for the public,  highlights the success of the completed project through the similarity of the images.  The greenery and the cross laminated timber construction are standouts as sustainable design features, and as functional elements were used in this multi-functional centre to provide a sustainable design approach and delivery efficiency during the construction phase.

This 4,000sqm neighbourhood venue was a collaboration between Lendlease and Penrith City Council with BSE providing the engineering services including electrical, hydraulic, fire, mechanical and sustainability services for design, documentation and construction services. The centre comprises a hall/ function room, multi-purpose activity room, meeting and IT rooms, kitchen facilities, parent’s room, accessible change rooms, covered and open outdoor spaces, car and bicycle parking, barbecue facilities and amenities.

Our Senior Electrical Engineer and Project Leader, Maggie Xia summed up the project by saying, “BSE are really proud to have been involved on this landmark project for the community and being able to deliver such an innovative design with the CLT process, and we understand it to be the first of it’s kind in Australia”.

BSE celebrates 5 successful years in Victoria!

Coming off the back of a huge celebration of 25 Years of BSE. BSE Victoria celebrated 5 successful years in business!

To commemorate this success, we held an event with a collection of our closest clients, project partners, and  local and national BSE team members. A brilliant night was enjoyed by all attendees.

Held at the Stolen Gem, overlooking the breathtaking architecture of Melbourne’s CBD, delectable food, tasty drinks and laughter were appreciated by guests as the sun set over Melbourne.

BSE’s CEO Andrew Fraser shared a few words on the growth and success that the Victorian office and team have observed over the past 5 years , while also extending a heartfelt thanks to all clients and project partners who have supported and collaborated with the Vic team to date.

Over the past 5 years, BSE Vic has been involved in a range of projects across different sectors including commercial, education, medical/laboratory, industrial, residential, retail and government. The team brings a significant collection of experience, knowledge and unique design approaches to deliver the varied projects to meet customer expectations and design intent. The assortment of guests on the evening proved a reflection of the variety of projects that Team Vic have delivered over the past 5 years.

BSE would like to extend a thank you to all clients and partners past, present and future who not only attended the festivities but also support BSE and have been part of the journey to a successful 5 years.

See all the event photos HERE

Friendly competition with Growthbuilt!

BSE welcomed the team from Growthbuilt in our Sydney office recently to connect socially and challenge our Table Tennis champions.  Building strong relationships with our clients and project partners is pivotal for BSE to deliver amazing projects. Stellar games and strong skills ensured that there were winners on both sides! Recent project collaborations between BSE and Growthbuilt include Estia Blakehurst and Anglicare Woolooware. 

Thanks to those from Growthbuilt who were able to join us.  

Melanie Kurzydlo, Nick Blom, Matthew Davies, Naim El-Kaderi, Usman Farooq, Jonathon Perdis and Glenn Mott.

MAB continues to expand in Melbourne with expansion

MAB is a Melbourne based developer targeting a range of projects from grass roots communities to skyline changing developments while establishing a legacy of originality, quality and excellence. Their Melbourne office has continued to grow, driving the need for refurbishment and expansion of their space.

Partnering with MAB Corporation, BSE has developed a services strategy to allow the St Kilda Road team to continue using the space while staged construction works are undertaken, to minimise disruption and ensure the capacity of MAB. An initial investigation was completed before design commenced to allow BSE’s design and engineering team to adequately understand the existing services approach. Our engineering solution for mechanical, electrical (power, data, comms), security and hydraulic services are an integration of new and existing tenancy, by adding in an AV brief to BSE’s scope MAB is provided with a consistent and buildable solution. The important requirement of maintaining operability of the space for MAB’s team was achieved through creation of temporary work zones, maintaining network connectivity and operational service systems such as power, fire protection and HVAC.

Stage one of the refurbishment, which prioritised reception, staff breakout, board and meeting rooms has been completed, with stage two (executive offices and workstations and utility spaces) and stage three (breakout workspaces, utility spaces and workstations) to be completed per schedule, providing 1,870m2.

BSE 25 Year Celebration

2019 is our 25th year of operation!

 To observe this milestone, we gathered team members from our four offices across Australia, project and business partners, with past and present clients to commemorate the outstanding achievement of 25 years in business.

When addressing gathered guests, Andrew Fraser, CEO, championed the vision of the celebration, to recognise and appreciate the people and organisations who have shaped BSE on our journey, to date. Describing the infectious enthusiasm and passion of our design and engineering teams, the stimulating and supportive management team, with ever reliable sub-consultants, contractors and service providers. The significance of loyal and dependable clients, friends and industry colleagues are the final pieces of the puzzle that made our consultancy successful.

Special word of thanks from Andrew to our Board Directors, Cameron Webb and Nicki Fraser.

 Considering BSE’s loyal clients, Andrew discussed the unwavering support making the 25 years an experience he has both enjoyed and is proud of. Andrew continued:

“Whilst the construction industry has gone through its typical cycles, its challenging and growth periods, its flips between full-design and D&C methodologies, BSE has steadily adapted to the market conditions and grown with its approach of ‘engineering service above all else’, an approach which we recently branded as our ‘true partners’ policy”.

 BSE’s team continue to promote this vision of True Partnership through all aspects of design, engineering and project delivery. Our 25 years of success is a result of the efforts of many talented and passionate team members, past and present.

 All event photos can be seen here: https://www.bse.com.au/25-year-celebration

New $34 million dollar aged care facility set to open in Blakehurst NSW

The new Estia Health in Blakehurst NSW is designed as a 5-storey aged care facility with new capacity for residents.

Located next to Todd Park and Carrs Park, Estia Health Blakehurst will provide 4 floors of residential accommodation, hair salon, therapy and multipurpose room, club lounge, wellness centre, outdoor activities space including rooftop terrace, undercover pergola and BBQ area. Up to 99 residential rooms are provided with intent to provide residents an above standard living space and greater independence.

Including a basement carpark, this $34 million project is currently in construction with completion expected in 2020. Collaborating with Growthbuilt and Integrated Design, BSE has delivered engineering design and documentation for electrical, mechanical, fire protection and hydraulic services. Estia Health provides residential homes and aged care solutions nationwide, providing residents with centric services and clinical care.

Sydney RECO August & September Winners!

Congratulations to our recent RECO Award winners!

Stuart Johnson, Director NSW, received the RECO award for August. Stuart has embraced his recent promotion, stepping up his commitment to project delivery and creating a great environment for the Sydney.

Philip Li, Hydraulic & Fire Engineer, received the RECO award for September. Philip is a relatively new addition to our team, but his efforts to ensure successful project delivery and fast-tracked adoption of Revit has already made a positive impression on the rest of the team.

RECO is a team member led group in our Sydney office who focus on giving our teams different ways to engage with each other and provide a platform for positive peer recognition. This year’s committee is organising exciting activities and events throughout the year.

Secure collaborative spaces for Melbourne’s government office

A new government fitout is almost ready! Located at 35 Collins St, Melbourne, once completed this fresh space of 6,500m2 will provide users with quality office areas, collaborative opportunities and functional amenities. The design intent of the project team is to manifest flexible working and promote a digital workplace for the future.

Critical to the success of this digital facility is the integration and simplicity of enhanced video conferencing, unified room booking process and wayfinding to guide users and guests through the new physical environment, while improving their understanding and experience. Our designers and engineers worked with specialists and end users to integrate adequate solutions into the design and fully realise the vision for the fitout.

New internal stairs are an integral axis of the overall functionality and collaborative nature of the space, which require advanced fire protection requirements. BSE’s designers provided solutions to the building code requirements while ensuring the appropriate aesthetic nature of the fitout.

BSE worked with project partners JLL and PTID to deliver this direction though our concept design, detailed documentation and construction assistance for electrical, communications, mechanical, fire protection and audio-visual services.

BSE at PCA Property Congress 2019

BSE will once again be in attendance at the PCA Property Congress. Our attendees on Hamilton Island this year will be Andrew Fraser (CEO), Cameron Webb (Director) and Godfrey Frederick (Director – National Business Development). The team is looking forward to connecting with all of the attendees and participate in the thought leadership, networking opportunities and hearing from the exciting line up speakers at the many sessions over Congress.

If you are there, come and say hi!

BSE Fundraises for PIF

BSE is a passionate corporate donor of the Property Industry Foundation; their National Hard Hat Campaign is our annual (and favourite) way of including all our teams in the important fundraising work PIF do to build homes for homeless youth. Our 2019 target of $2000 which was completely smashed with $3,162 raised!

Our 2019 National Hard Hat Campaign was certainly a campaign! Our fundraising activities included a cupcake decorating competition, trivia night, brownies and PIF cookies, champagne raffle, and sweet guessing jar. The cornerstone of our fundraising each year is team members donating an hour of their pay, which is matched generously by BSE.

Gavin Hanbridge from PIF, attended our Sydney office and undertook the gargantuan task of judging our cupcake decorating competition. Participants donated $5 notes for their cupcake decoration entry, and we were blown away by the creativity and skill of the team. Wade Prendergast (Hydraulic/Fire Team Leader) took top prize with his cupcake creature that seemed to be truly alive. Our guest judge was less impressed with other creations, awarding the wooden spoon to our CEO, Andrew Fraser, for ‘most in need of improvement’ – Andrew was a great sport about it all.

Next up, brownies and PIF cookies kindly crafted by Amelia Fraser for our Melbourne office, the team getting into the giving spirit.

On Hard Hat Day itself, BSE’s Sydney office dug deeper into our pockets for a trivia night (closely won by Stuart Johnson and Godfrey Frederick), bought raffle tickets for a donated magnum of Moet and bottle of Verve champagne, and emptied their spare change for a chance to guess the number of jelly beans in a jar. Adam Kelly (Mechanical Engineer) was spot on for his guess of 750 jelly beans (actual 749), and Siti Mustaffa (Mechanical Engineer) made a clean sweep of the Moet and Verve (which she will enthusiastically share with the whole office!).

The magnum was re-donated to the raffle after Jessica Chesser (National Operations Manager) won it at PIF’s Poker Night, the Verve graciously donated by a special BSE client. BSE donated all other prizes allowing all funds raised be sent directly to PIF.

Congratulations on Promotions!

BSE are delighted to announce the promotion of Stuart Johnson to NSW Director and Chris Moore as Team Leader for our Interiors and Refurbishment team!

 Since joining BSE nearly 3 years ago, Stuart has consistently delivered positive project outcomes and innovative solutions while developing a stellar Building and Infrastructure team and expanding our project partner scope. This promotion gives Stuart the scope to drive NSW growth and continue exceeding expectations of our clients.

 Chris Moore has been part of the BSE team for almost 4 years and utilises his multi-discipline approach to streamline the project delivery process and launch amazing workspaces and refreshed buildings for end users. With this new scope, Chris will lead the Interiors team, partnering with architects, project managers and end users.

 Pictured here with our recently named new National team members - Jessica Chesser, National Operations Manager, Mike Taherian, National BIM Manager and Nicki Fraser, National Finance Manager. In the past few months BSE has seen positive growth with new projects and an increase in project partners. This would have not been possible without a team formed of spectacularly talented and result-driven individuals.

RECO Peer Recognition for June & July [Sydney]

WINNERS! | Congratulations to Jessica Chesser and Maggie Xia for winning the RECO awards for June and July!

Jessica was nominated for outstanding efforts in her QA audits and re-certification and training Maggie also won the award for her bright attitude towards her work and assistance towards others.

 RECO is a team member led group in our Sydney office who focus on giving our teams different ways to engage with each other and provide a platform for positive peer recognition. This year’s committee is organising exciting activities and events throughout the year.