My experience

Having established budgets for the various elements of this project, comparisons with commercial terms of the three selected competition entrants could be assessed. This provided the State Government with the financial consequences in addition to the design, provisions and contractual considerations of each bid.

We now had a contractor and design team on board to prepare detailed design and procurement strategies. This was closely monitored by my cost planning team to ensure value for money.

Enabling construction works commenced whilst the design was being developed and we prepared recommendations for progress payments and the assessment of variations. This advice progressed through to construction and refurbishment of the buildings.

A competition was held for the gallery fitouts, displays and content design. We carried out a similar role to that of the construction works.

I know it’s a cliché, however, it is a fact that the project was completed on time and on budget. I am proud to have been a part of this fantastic development and work alongside a gifted team of designers, engineers, contractors, sub-contractors and client agencies.

Progress payment claims and variation assessments were straight forward.

The works were delayed due to supply chain issues with the façade. Leading up to and during this delay period, I monitored the program almost daily to ensure that each task of the updated program of works was achieved, knowing that this would be valuable information in the event of a delay.

In anticipation of Practical Completion, I prepared a matrix of the definition within the contract and the broader contract documentation. This was given to the contractor early on in the program to provide him with sufficient notice of my requirements prior to issuing the certificate. Items on the matrix were progressively ticked off once completed.

Subsequent to Practical Completion, I was required to adjudicate on a dispute between the user and the developer. It entailed a design issue that was ultimately rectified.

This was a challenging project that required diligence and tact to draw the contract to a successful conclusion where all parties were satisfied.

This was more of a traditional quantity surveying commision providing cost plans at each stage of the design. Preparing bills of quantities, tender assessments and recommendation, cashflow forecasts and then post contract cost management including progress claim and variation assessments, financial status reports and ultimately agreeing the final account. My presence was requested at PCG, design and site meetings.

The project was hugely successful for all involved, the client was delighted and it was widely applauded by the wider community. I myself am a regular swimmer there, trying to work off some of those pounds.