Construction Project of the Future (from Day One!)

AIQS and MBM are excited to bring you a panel discussion exploring the Construction Project of the Future (from Day One!).

The moderator of this discussion, Bob Richardson, is the hypothetical asset owner, laying down a number of future-focussed requirements for the project that our panel of experts will advise upon.

This future-focussed commercial building project will:

• utilise best practice whole-of-life costings
• minimise environmental impact (upfront carbon and whole-of-life carbon emissions)
• feature best practice use of technology and AI throughout design, construction and operation
• encapsulate best practice Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I).

How the event will work:

The moderator (acting as the asset owner) has a brief that includes details of the following criteria and will call upon each panelist to provide their advice and insights.

• purpose of the building
• quality of build
• environmental impact
• DE&I
• budget
• timeframe
• whole of life approach
• waste.

About the moderator:

Bob Richardson FAIQS, CQS, FRICS - Managing Director XMIRUS (Moderator)

Bob has been an influential figure in the property and construction industry for 50 years. His expertise providing effective strategic business management advice to the government and the private sector, particularly in financial engineering, innovative procurement methods, cost management, and pathways to success has been invaluable.

Bob has in recent years undertaken Expert and Independent Certifier roles on major projects. In 2019, he received the prestigious RICS Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of  his significant impact and excellence in the built environment.

About the panelists:

The Quantity Surveyor - Autumn Lu MAIQS, CQS - Director mbmpl

Autumn delivers high-profile capital projects for multinational and government clients. With a 15-year career in the built environment, Autumn has cemented her position as an expert in construction. She partners with clients to deliver complex commercial, residential, and industrial developments, alongside national health, education, and recreational social infrastructure projects.

Autumn steers tight budgets by adeptly managing clients’ risk profiles and goals. She guides a team of quantity surveyors to transform spaces that achieve project requirements, budget objectives, and design excellence.

The Builder - George Bardas - CEO Taylor Construction

George Bardas, an industry leader with over 35 years of experience, has held senior executive roles since 2003, overseeing award-winning projects across various sectors. As CEO, George drives company culture, innovation, and client satisfaction through sustainable practices and a relationship-centric model.

George prioritises safety, wellbeing, and mental health on construction sites, fostering transparency and respect. He leads ESG initiatives, promoting environmental sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and diversity. George champions workplace diversity and gender equity, believing they enhance performance and wellbeing.

The Arcitect - Dr Donna Wheatley - Partner at Gray Puksand

Donna is a nationally recognised workspace and education expert. She utilises her skills in strategy, concept design, stakeholder engagement and change management to deliver world class spaces over a variety of sectors. At Gray Puksand, Donna builds the capability and proficiency of the commercial, education and workspace sectors and through her proven methods of strategy and research.

Donna draws upon her innovative and logical thinking to apply research and data to drive the strategy. Donna has delivered designs and strategies for major workspaces including Perpetual, Allen and Overy, Blackmores, PwC, Air New Zealand, TAFE, Federal and State agencies.

The Lawyer - Jim Doyle - Principal Lawyer, Doyles Construction Lawyers

Jim Doyle is a principal Lawyer at Doyles Construction Lawyers. Doyles Construction Lawyers acts for all construction industry participants and represents parties at all stages of project development, from planning, tendering, design and construction to project delivery and dispute resolution.

Jim’s commercial multi-disciplinary approach to resolving challenges and delivering viable projects, is a result of his qualifications and experience in Economics (Econometrics and Urban Economics), Engineering (he is a Chartered Professional Engineer with The Institution of Engineers Australia) and Law. Jim is admitted to the State Supreme Courts and the High Court and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

About the event:

Date: Tuesday, 18 February 2025
Time: 5:15pm arrival for 5:30pm start - 7:30pm conclusion (AEDT)
Location: MBM, Level 6, 1 Chifley Square, Sydney, 2000
Price: $48.00 (incl. GST) AIQS Members // $60.00 (incl. GST) Non-Members
CPD: 1.5 points

The views and opinions expressed at this event are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of AIQS.