Tag Archives: Sarah Constructions

Community, News, Our Values, Residential

Building a ‘House of Respite’ for Families Affected by Autism and Cerebral Palsy

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Living Without Limits Foundation (LWL) is an incredibly worthy charity with in-depth knowledge of some of  the toughest challenges faced by South Australian families. For those parents or primary caregivers looking after children affected by Autism or Cerebral Palsy, it’s “hard yards – for life,” according to the not-for-profit, which was established in 2012.

For the majority of these families, there is simply no respite. They have little to no break from their 24/7 around-the-clock caring role and limited time (or money) for a holiday. Sarah Constructions wanted to help change that.

Building the ‘House of Respite’ team

Steve Maras, Co-Founder and Vice Chair of LWL, is also President of the Property Council. He said, “We found through our journey that the money people spend on therapy for their children often means there’s little left for anything else, let alone a holiday. 

“It’s so important for families to have a break and re-connect, especially with their other children, and this is exactly what we wanted to offer them in the form of a ‘House of Respite’.” 

As Vice President of the Property Council, Chief Executive Officer Adrian Esplin became aware of the opportunity to offer the company’s services in support of the good cause. “It was an easy decision to make,” he said. “At Sarah Constructions, we live and work by our values, one of which is to put people first. Not only did getting involved in the House of Respite mean we could help South Australian families in need, but it also gave us an opportunity to give our graduates valuable hands-on construction experience working for a valuable cause.”

With Adrian Esplin on board, it was time to assemble the team that was going to bring the ‘House of Respite’ to fruition. Operations Manager, Terry Tsapaliaris, followed by Construction Manager Salem Tredrea, who manages the Graduate Program at Sarah Constructions, saw the project as the ideal opportunity for graduate involvement. Michael Kilmartin, Design Manager at Sarah, said, “It’s been a great opportunity for our graduates, not only to give back but also to be involved in a front-line, hands-on, construction project. They have all thrived throughout the process. It’s given them greater autonomy and exposure to the entire build process.”

Donations of time, expertise and goodwill

From May of this year, Michael Kilmartin has been heavily involved. The House of Respite will be professionally serviced, managed and maintained by Novita, one of the State’s leading providers of disability services; they provided the project brief. 

“Novita provided us with a brief around what they thought would be the ideal result. I then went through Sarah’s detailed design review process, as I would for any client. The graduates got involved in the procurement process, engaging the trades and negotiating what could be donated,” he said.

“Some materials had to be bought but a lot of the trades’ time and all of Sarah’s time was donated.”  

Nick Palmato is one of the graduates involved in the project. He said, “It feels great to be able to give back to the community and support such a fantastic and worthy cause – not only through the donation of Sarah’s time but also by leveraging the strong relationships we have within the construction industry to ensure we can add as much value to this project as possible, ensuring Living Without Limits gets the best result.

“Since our initial visit, Sarah has taken on the role of driving the conceptual design process, acquiring development approvals, actively seeking out further support and donations from the industry and coordination of the building process through to handover.” The house, which is being built on a block of land in Goolwa, is set to open in December in time for the Christmas break.

To ensure the house provides a safe, relaxing space for children with physical access needs, specific and detailed plans were developed. Chydem Ayik, an integral part of the Sarah team, was tasked with the responsibility of developing the house plans, in consultation with LWL. “Extensive documentation that included drawings of every component, detail and selection was developed in order to meet the significant compliance requirements for the house. This allowed the graduates on the job to have a very clear understanding of the compliance requirements for the build.”

Investing in the community and in Sarah’s people

By supporting LWL and its service users, Sarah Constructions is also developing community-minded, solutions-focused construction professionals of the future with invaluable, hands-on experience.

Graduate Nick Palmato explained that, by being given responsibility to drive the project and make it their own, the graduates have been able to learn valuable lessons. Graduates have learned first hand the importance of the design phase, cost management and procurement, through to onsite collaboration with subcontractors and consultants to identify and implement creative solutions to the challenges they have faced. “This process has driven my own professional development,” he said, “and prepared me well for the next step in my career.”

For LWL and the hundreds of South Australian families that will benefit from the House of Respite every year, the support of Sarah Constructions and all of the involved trades has been gratefully received. “If it wasn’t for the support of Sarah, and all the superb trades and suppliers, this project would still be sitting on the drawing board,” said Steve Maras.  

“We are absolutely thrilled with the support of Sarah. They have been truly magnificent and it’s been a pleasure to work with their passionate and dedicated team to get this all-important project off the ground.”

To find out more about the House of Respite, follow Living Without Limits Foundation on Facebook. 

 We would like to expressly thank the following wonderful contributors to this project: Revolution Roofing/ Nexteel, International Ceramics, Maka Plasterboard, Supaloc, Proform, Glow Heating and Cooling, Chris Henderson Electrical, LA Concrete, Drew Rudd Engineering, Bluescope, Next Gen Flooring, Advanced All Energy, SA Commercial Blinds, Hindmarsh Plumbing, Filips Roller Doors, Bianco Reinforcing, Aluco, USG Boral, ADX, PGH Bricks and Pavers, Spence Doors, Fletcher Insulation, G and G Tiling, Astec Paints, Harvey Norman Commercial, Adelaide Marble Specialists, Direct Mix, Chris Hart Earthworks, Roofmax, Dulux, Katnich Dodd, Priority Earthworks, South Coast Excavations, Ranieri Bricklaying and Developer Direct Online.

Sarah Contributors:

  • Sarah Graduates (Nick Palmato, Elvio Sinopoli, Paul Schultz, Matt Grimwade, Tyson Rogers, Luke Barbon, Paul Constantine)
  • Salem Tredrea/Terry Tsapaliaris (Project Management)
  • Steve Blackmore (Site supervision/Management)
  • Ian McKnight (Site supervision/ Management)
  • Bill Stevenson (Site Assistance – Services)
  • Dave Hiley (Site supervision/ civil works management)
  • Dena Van Zyl  (Safety/QHSE)
  • Emily Lawson  (Safety/QHSE)
  • Chydem Ayik (Design and Project Development)
  • Michael Kilmartin (Design and Project Development)
Education, News

UniSA Grants Program: Supporting The Future Of Construction

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By Jon Anderson

During my time at University, work placement was not included as a course component, so it wasn’t until I entered the workforce that I was able to gain practical site experience. For today’s students, the UniSA Grants Program provides a hands-on opportunity to work with Sarah Constructions and gain practical experience, working in construction as a unit of their studies. 

Over the 12 week program, we involve students on a number of different commercial construction projects, providing exposure to multiple departments and experiences; giving them a head-start in their career by getting them out of the classroom and into real-life job scenarios. For the students that have potential and are a good cultural fit, the grants program can extend into longer term career progression for them, through transition into our Graduate program. A pathway that we are very proud to offer at Sarah, to help foster and develop the next generation of construction professionals.

Applying For The UniSA Grants Program

When you apply for a job later in life, it’s common that you have a network of people who know you and you’re work history. Through previous work experience, you have developed referees and people who can provide a more complete overview of who you are and what you can offer. Where as students are brand new to the industry and don’t have that network, so our collaboration with UniSA helps make sure we get a complete picture of who they are, when they’re applying for the grant positions.

We achieve this additional insight that might traditionally come from an applicants referees, by including a UniSA representative on our interview panel. The UniSA faculty staff knows the student candidates, can act as their referee and provide a greater depth of knowledge on the students potential. This collaboration provides beneficial insight, as often interviews don’t give us a complete understanding of a person. Having someone who can vouch for them and tell us what they’re like away from the interview environment, help us make informed choices, and we’ve made strong selections as a result.

Benefits Of Participating In The UniSA Grants Program

All students eligible for the grant have to complete 12 weeks of work experience as part of their degree. One of the real benefits of our program is that we support our students by making sure they’re paid for the time they spend with us. This also demonstrates to the students that we value their time and input. They’re not just someone doing work experience – we are genuinely invested in their contribution and we value the opportunity to work with them, as much as they do us.

While they’re at Sarah, we make sure participating students get a broad range of experience. They’ll be guided through the tender process, learn first-hand from our expert design team, and spend time on a variety of different sites, working on a range of different projects. Building is a very tangible process, and we like to deliver solid practical experience that will provide genuine benefits to the students in their final year of study. I know from first-hand experience that there’s only so much you can learn through study. Hands-on experience makes for a much stronger graduate, which not only benefits the individuals, but also the industry as a whole.

Paul Schultz was one of our successful grant recipients in 2018, and who is still with Sarah, participating in our Graduate Program. A great piece of feedback I had from him was around the assignment of his mentor, Evan Kellaris, with whom he ‘felt like he won the jackpot’. After his 12-weeks with us he said he had a much better understanding of the industry and because of that, he was able to better grasp the principles he is studying at university.

“Even though the Senior Managers at Sarah are incredibly busy, they always take the time to answer my questions and give me the help I need. Within industry, sub contractors for example, love working for Sarah and I think this comes down to the values and Sarah culture. Everyone helps everyone, it is absolutely a collaborative team environment. At Sarah it’s about building positive relationships and this approach trickles down from the very top. The experience has been amazing and I would 100% recommend it.” Paul Schultz

Career Progression After UniSA Grants Program

When we bring someone onboard with this program, we’re not just thinking about the next 12-weeks. We’re looking to invest in someone and to build a long-term relationship. So, if a student shows the right attitude, there’s a real opportunity for longer term career progression, which benefits everyone involved. It’s great for the student because they have a job lined up before they’ve even finished their degree, and we see ourselves getting the best the market has to offer.

Since we started the program, we’ve seen most of our students take those extra steps. More often than not the paid grant program has turned into a cadetship, which has then turned into a full-time position with us in our graduate program. 

I think the success of the UniSA grants program really shows how much we can all benefit by investing our time and energy into the next generation. The students, and therefore our industry as a whole, will all be that much stronger, for the time and commitment we put into our students of today.

Information on eligibility for the program and application requirements can be found on UniSA’s scholarship page for the Division of Information Technology, Engineering, and the Environment.

Recreation

Construction And Architecture Deliver Excellence at Campbelltown Memorial Oval

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The relationship between construction and architecture is intertwined, yet requires give and take, to bring a client’s vision to life. The architect draws the vision. The builder then constructs the physical version of the vision, on time and within budget.

Along the way, there are often “buildability” issues, where the design as it’s documented isn’t feasible in reality. Or the materials and methods required to construct the design, fall outside of the client’s budget.

This is part and parcel of the construction process; it’s rare to have a project where there are no design changes. That’s why at Sarah Constructions, we actively encourage early collaboration with architects on a job. Together, we can approach these issues on the front foot.

Our approach is to pool our expertise and collaborate to come up with the best possible solutions for our client’s.

Teamwork makes the dream work

For us, the architect is part of the project team. We welcome them on site and look forward to working together. A harmonious joint partnership culminates in a better end result for the client, every time.

The same goes for subcontractors and consultants too. We believe that when you’re part of the project, you’re part of the team. Your expertise is valued and welcomed. The Campbelltown Memorial Oval Sports Hub project was the perfect example of this.

A joint venture between Campbelltown Council and the Australian Government, the Campbelltown Memorial Oval was transformed into a modern sporting and community hub. Designed by Hames Sharley, the Memorial Oval Sports Hub was built by Sarah Constructions and our subcontractors.

From the outset, the approach on site was one of genuine teamwork and joint responsibility.

Hames Sharley and Sarah Construction worked well together due to our shared professional and collaborative spirit, we both promote the idea that we’re all on the same team and able to just get on with the project.

The key to collaboration is communication

A critical part of any relationship is communication. The Sarah team used the Aconex system to manage documents and communications. This proved to be highly effective in tracking the history of decision making and cost management. Being centrally located, the system was transparent and inclusive.

Anthony Rigon, Project Administrator at Sarah Constructions, said that open and regular communication is really important to a smooth running project. “We always try to create a ‘how can I help you’ approach to working with others on site. At the end of the day, we want to produce a fantastic outcome for the client. That’s easier to achieve if we all work together.”

“If everybody feels responsible for the project, they make it a priority. The client comes first, always.”

Bringing solutions not problems

Of course, this doesn’t mean the project was all plain sailing. Construction management is all about problem solving; there are always issues to resolve. But when those issues inevitably arise on site, the Sarah team adopts a solution first focus.

To manage any buildability issues, the Sarah team approached the architect with a plan in mind. Instead of just discussing problems, Sarah addressed the issues with potential solutions instead. There was always an attempt to resolve the issue, matched with a willingness to work together to ensure that the build balanced with the architect’s opinion.

There was always a harmonious balance between respecting the design intent and making sure it could work in terms of constructability.

Collaboration creates better client outcomes

The Memorial Oval Sports Hub is a safe, accessible and highly functioning destination, providing quality sporting and recreational facilities for local sports clubs and the wider community. It’s also an example of how the community can come together to create something of incredible value for everyone.

The Sarah team’s collaborative approach extended beyond the project team and consultants to the end user sports clubs, who were given site access during the build, to ensure end requirements for community use were met.

Sarah Constructions, Hames Sharley, Campbelltown Council and the community have created something special, that will live on and add value to the lives of its users for years to come. It’s a powerful example of the excellence that can be achieved when construction and architecture align. Where there’s a willingness to work together, there’s a way to deliver extraordinary construction outcomes and lasting legacies.

Sarah-Values-Collaboration
Our Values

Collaboration To Grow Our People & Deliver Better Construction Outcomes

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With Steve Blackmore, Senior Site Manager

Potential employees and clients frequently want to know, what’s the culture like at Sarah Constructions? “Honestly, when I first joined,” says Steve Blackmore, Senior Site Manager at Sarah Constructions “I thought it would be the same as at any other construction firm — where there is talk about a culture that didn’t always match the daily reality.” At Sarah, he insists, it’s different.

Our people pride themselves on working together collaboratively; with our colleagues, clients and contractors. It should come as no surprise that we believe collaboration drives success is one of our core business values. But what is surprising, says Steve, is how deeply that value runs throughout the whole company culture.

“It’s much more team orientated here than at other construction companies. There’s lots of support and everyone works together; there’s never too much of a burden on one person’s shoulders.”

Collaborating Internally To Nurture Staff And Develop Skills

Most companies promote the idea that they have an “open door” policy. But at Sarah, management delivers on this promise. And it starts at the top. Adrian Esplin, Chief Executive Officer, is a driving force behind the open, collaborative approach that permeates throughout Sarah Constructions.

“When you have an infectious leader like Adrian, it filters down,” explains Steve. “I feel totally comfortable to talk to management about anything here. That’s different to other places I’ve worked. No matter what your title, everyone at Sarah is treated as an equal. We all matter. And everyone is willing to share their knowledge to help others.”

This knowledge sharing is a core component of Sarah’s collaborative approach. Staff members, subcontractors, consultants and clients are all encouraged to share their expertise, so that there’s greater success for everyone. However, it’s not just about creating an environment that’s conducive to sharing. For those with less experience, it’s also important they feel able to ask when they don’t know the answer. “At Sarah, there are no stupid questions”, says Steve.

“If someone doesn’t know something, they ask someone else. It’s about the team putting their heads together to come up with a solution.” In fact, at Sarah, learning is part of daily life. With a workforce of over 150 people, with an average age of 38, this focus on collaboration has created a thriving company culture of continuous professional development, career growth and opportunity.

“There’s been massive growth at Sarah since I started,” says Steve, “but the culture is strong because we’re hiring the right people. Then we invest in our people, so they’re taught the way we do things. The ones that are willing to learn thrive in this environment.”

Collaboration On Site To Deliver The Best Outcomes For Clients

Steve was a senior member of the team of 11 that worked on the Sarah Constructions $52 million Carmelite project. Of course, such a high profile job with 210 on-site workers presented various complex challenges. Through a focused team effort, the high quality project was completed ahead of schedule. It stands out to Steve as a perfect example of we believe collaboration drives success — in action.

“Carmelite was a daunting job for many. As the most experienced person on the team, I spent a lot of my time mentoring others. So in effect, instead of just one person on the project with my knowledge and experience, there were many.

“It was a long project with a lot of collaboration internally and externally, plus considerable input and problem-solving with the architects. What was really satisfying for me was seeing the younger members of the team grow and develop throughout the program. By the end of the job these guys were confidently running their own site meetings.”

It’s not only Sarah employees and clients that benefit from this collaborative approach. Everybody involved in a project gets the chance to learn and improve as a result. For example, subcontractors on the Carmelite project were upskilled by working through the detailed problem-solving approach with Sarah.

Personal Reflection On Collaboration

For Steve, collaboration isn’t just a buzzword. It’s something tangible that improves his work environment and facilitates his career success.

“I couldn’t do this job without collaboration. Sharing knowledge and experience is more rewarding for me now than the construction process alone. It’s about recognising and celebrating the team effort, and watching the younger generation develop into fantastically talented, skilled professionals.”

At the end of the day, collaboration is a business necessity, not a nice-to-have. It’s not just about making everyone feel good and growing their skillsets, it’s about open communication in order to get the job done.

“Unless you have open communications with all players on the job, you can’t build,” states Steve. “You’re always going to get road blocks, so you need to work through them constructively as a team to find solutions so you can keep building. If you don’t resolve issues and avoid work stoppages, everyone loses money and nobody wins. Collaboration really is the smartest approach for everyone.”

At Sarah, collaboration means open communication and teamwork to deliver the best construction outcomes. We share our knowledge and experience, nurturing talent to improve our people — our most precious resource.