Client Profile: Rob Murray, AAA Building Consultants

In this first interview for our Client Profile Series for 2024, we are thrilled to introduce Rob Murray, a Building Certifier and Director of AAA Building Consultants whom we interviewed towards the end of last year.

Rob lives in Mt Beauty, a town at the base of the Victorian ski fields. In this article, he shares his experience managing a geographically diverse team and explains how technology plays a crucial role in their daily operations.

Could you provide the background story about your company?

I am a third-generation building surveyor, and It all began with my grandfather, who worked as a District Health and Building Inspector in Newcastle, NSW. My father, Ken, played a crucial role in developing the legislation for private building certifiers under the Building Act in 1998. After the government passed the law, he went on to become a private certifier and established his own company, AAA Building Consultants, in Clermont. I also pursued a career in building surveying, starting with an apprenticeship in Carpentry. This experience has been incredibly valuable for my work, as it has given me practical knowledge of building and allowed me to better connect with builders on site. In 2009, I began my building surveying career and completed the Advanced Diploma in Building Surveying through TasTAFE. Just over a year ago, I took over AAA Building Consultants from my father, continuing the legacy of our family business.

Do you work from the Clermont office?

No, I reside in Mount Beauty, located at the base of the ski fields in Victoria. I have Inspectors in Clermont, Mackay and South East QLD who carry out the inspections, while I personally handle all assessment work from my office in Victoria.

So, technology must be an integral part of your business.

Yes, Visual Approvals plays a critical role in our operations, particularly in connecting our remote offices in Queensland to me here in Victoria. As such, everyone working from one platform is crucial, and VA has proven to be an excellent solution. We utilise Zoom and Teams to aid in our internal communication needs.

How would you describe your typical day as a building certifier?

My day usually involves evaluating plans and reviewing files while also managing relationships with clients and issuing building permits. I often receive phone calls that interrupt my work, but I find that educating builders on meeting standards and codes is a crucial aspect of my job. There is currently a lot of confusion in the industry, particularly with regard to waterproofing and the new liveable housing design standards. Therefore, I spend a significant portion of my time educating builders on these topics and ensuring they understand the requirements.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

I find the educational aspect of my job to be extremely fulfilling, especially in terms of building relationships with our clients. While it is very important to ensure compliance with the building code, and adhere to the code of conduct in performing the statutory functions as a building surveyor. I believe it is equally important to maintain a positive, proactive attitude when working with clients. Instead of simply expecting them to comply, I try to take a more proactive approach by educating and guiding them on what is required. This helps to prevent any last-minute surprises or the need to redo work.

What are some of the challenges you face in your role?

There are several challenges, including keeping up with changes in the building code and standards, interpreting and understanding these changes, and staying informed about compliance issues. Obtaining information from government departments can also be difficult at times, and we must often investigate and search for the requirements ourselves. Additionally, living and working in different states can pose challenges in staying up-to-date with legislation. I try to overcome these challenges by connecting with peers through industry bodies such as AIBS, ABCB, RICS and various forums to question and share information. However, there is still not enough consultation between the government and building surveyors regarding changes that are implemented, such as making changes to forms without prior warning.

What are your thoughts on recommending building surveying as a career for young people interested in a career in the building and construction industry?

I would highly recommend building surveying as a career for young people. It is a fascinating profession that involves understanding the building codes and regulations. As a building surveyor, I take pride in ensuring the safety of the public by making sure that structures are safe and functional. It is a very important role that requires a lot of responsibility and attention to detail. Although the general public does not always understand it, it is a satisfying job knowing that the projects I work on will benefit communities for years to come.

How could the general public be better educated about the role building surveyors play during a build?

AIBS is currently promoting building surveying careers; however, the government's support and understanding of our profession could be improved. The public has certain expectations of building surveyors that are not entirely accurate, and it would be helpful to have more communication between government bodies and professional organisations like AIBS and RICS to clarify and define the role of building surveyors.

Are the industry bodies doing enough to encourage women to pursue certification as a career?

Despite the industry being predominantly male, more and more women are pursuing careers as surveyors. I have a personal connection to this, as my sister is among the many women who have entered the field. The unique perspective and valuable input that women bring to the profession make them excellent building surveyors.

In your opinion, what are the primary challenges facing the construction industry over the next 12 to 24 months?

I believe resourcing will prove to be a major challenge. It is not just about having enough tradespeople but also about providing adequate training for them. For example, waterproofing is a frequent problem due to the lack of proper understanding of what is required. Cladding is another issue that needs attention. Therefore, just addressing the resourcing is not enough, as we need to ensure the workforce is well-educated and trained. Otherwise, we may face more building issues in the future.

If you were not a building certifier, what alternative career would you consider?

I have always enjoyed working with my hands and being outdoors, so I would likely return to a hands-on role in the building industry. Although I enjoy my work as a building certifier, one of the drawbacks is spending most of my time indoors. That's why I make sure to take breaks and go for runs outside whenever possible. Regardless of what path I choose, I know that it will involve my passion for the building industry.

On a more personal note, tell us about your participation in the Lifeline Ultra Trail run last December.

I have been pursuing the sport of mountain ultra running for a few years now. Mountain running provides a great outlet for me to not only challenge myself physically, keeping myself fit and healthy, but is also great mentally to help deal with the stresses and complex situations that being a building surveyor and running a business throws at you day to day. Getting out in the mountains and enjoying the peace and quiet of the bush around my hometown provides the space and time to help process and clear my mind and prepare myself for the day ahead. I have been dedicating a lot of time to training and waking up early to run for a couple of hours each morning to prepare for the upcoming race. I am fundraising for Life Line through this event. Life Line does great work in our communities and is a great way to support those who are going through crises in their lives.

Lastly, would you be willing to share a few words about your experience with Visual Approvals software and how it has contributed to the growth and success of AAA Building Consultants?

We use Visual Approvals every day, and it is fundamental to our daily operations. With a geographically dispersed team, VA makes it extremely convenient for us to share files and keep track of all our jobs on a single platform. The ease of use and efficiency of the software has played a significant role in our growth and success.