As the recipient of this year’s Master Builders Award for excellence in construction Gavin Construction is in good company, with Multiplex, BGC, and Thiess Contractors among previous winners.
As the recipient of this year’s Master Builders Award for excellence in construction Gavin Construction is in good company, with Multiplex, BGC, and Thiess Contractors among previous winners.
Specialising in commercial construction, Gavin Construction won the award for its work on cleaning product giant Enjo’s business centre in Booragoon.
Managing director Sean Gavin said the company wanted to create landmark signature buildings and eventually be considered a major player in the construction industry.
“We have noticed a real trend towards design and construct, and people who are looking for good commercial buildings with something a bit different about them,” Mr Gavin said.
“Our philosophy is to have the premises we build reflect what our clients’ businesses represent.
“We are in a service business and the client comes first.”
Clients often conceptually separate construction and design, Mr Gavin said, but these facets of the process are intrinsically linked.
To that end, Gavin Construction employs three full-time designers to undertake all design work.
“All our concept work is pro-bono, so we can show people an image of what their building will look like and they are under no obligation to use it,” he said.
On some construction jobs, Gavin uses a webcam linked to its website where clients can log on and see their site in progress.
“It is something a bit different and the clients love it,” Mr Gavin told WA Business News.
He said that, although the construction industry was currently buoyant, in a busy environment there were a number of areas that became riskier, such as labour supply.
“As a builder it is all about risk mitigation, so we try to not only be a builder of choice, but also an employer of choice.”
Gavin Construction is aiming to have a new office completed by the beginning of the next financial year, and has acquired land on Canning Highway across from its current offices in Alfred Cove on which to build.
“We want it to be like a display office demonstrating the design and build concept with an organic theme,” Mr Gavin told WA Business News.
“There is a definite trend towards sustainability, which has filtered through to the commercial sector as a result of residential by-laws.
“Both industry and consAWARD WINNER: Sean Gavin wants to create landmark signature buildings and find a place among the major players in the construction industry. The award-winning Enjo building (right). Photos: TIM VAN BRONSWIJK umers need to drive the need for sustainability.
“In five to 10 years when people are more aware and there is more money being put into the development of the concepts, it will become more accessible and mainstream.
“Ultimately, if it is cost efficient, then industry and consumers will follow.”
