The Manapan Story

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Lightbulb moments can happen at any time and for Ramvek owner, Mark White, it was flying over Arnhem Land in the far north of Australia on his way to Europe with his wife, when he decided it was time to give back after a successful career in shopfitting for more than 30 years.

“There are a lot of things that can be done within Australia and especially when it comes to Indigenous people and unemployment,” White explains.

“I had a contact within the Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation (ALPA), a non-for-profit Aboriginal-owned corporation which runs a number of community stores throughout Arnhem Land and I got involved with them in an advisory role.”

However, he wanted to do more and get his hands dirty so to speak and use his skills to create some employment in the area. When he put this to the ALPA board, which consists of all Aboriginal people, they liked the idea and so Manapan was born.

Manapan is located 500kms East of Darwin on Milingimbi Island in Arnhem Land, which is one of six islands that form an archipelago known as the Crocodile Islands.

It is a self-sufficient, self-funded enterprise owned and operated by the Yolngu people and backed by ALPA. It was launched to create industry and training pathways for the Yolngu people of Milingimbi Island and Arnhem Land and produce high-end furniture and office furnishings.

‘‘In my mind was a vision of beautiful, handmade Australian timber furniture, which could sit comfortably in the foyer of a corporate office or in the sitting room of a luxury apartment. I also wanted the furniture to incorporate Indigenous Australian art and showcase the local skills and beautiful materials found in Arnhem Land,” he says.

“We found this old shed in the middle of the island and refurbished it. We got some old machinery, etc. and set up a little workshop. Getting all our materials and machinery there was quite the challenge as we had to barge it all in and out.”

While the aim was to provide employment, because many in the community were reliant on social welfare and there was so much social pressure on people not to work, White says they had to work really hard to convince people this was a good thing.

“Today we have people working at Manapan who will stay back if needed because they love working there so much, which is fantastic, but it has taken many years to get to that stage.”

In the last couple of years, Aboriginal art and design has widely gained more traction with companies collaborating with various Indigenous artists to create unique ranges and at the same time create opportunities for the artists and their communities.

Manapan has established itself as one of the only Indigenous companies that produces high-end furniture for both private and corporate clientele. It has undertaken projects for the Australian Government, Australia Pacific Airports Melbourne, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Monash University, and one of the big four banks. Manapan’s next project is for Medibank, building a community table for each of Medibank’s stores throughout Australia.

For Manapan’s first collection, White travelled around Australia to meet with several architects and get them to design a piece of furniture that was going to be cutting edge but had an influence of Arnhem Land. They all jumped at the opportunity and he ended up with some great designs.

“This range of furniture just kicked it all off for us, everyone wanted it,” White enthuses. “We got the guys at the workshop involved and that’s how they learned their skills. A lot of them didn’t, for example, know how to measure things, so we had to really start with the basics.”

One of the people to teach them was Rob Crisfield, who has been with Manapan from the beginning of its journey, creating premium furniture pieces with his tightly-knit local Milingimbi crew.

“Under his guidance and using the talents of the best Australian designers and creatives, we believe we have the formula right. This furniture showcases the talents of some of our great Australian designers along with the skills of the Arnhem Land people.”

The timbers used to create the pieces are a mixture of locally sourced timbers that fell over during cyclone Lam in 2015, timber from Gumaj Aboriginal Corporation in Nhulunbuy and complemented with a mixture of sustainably harvested Australian timbers, creating unique pieces that are in high demand with appearances on the Block and a visit to the Milan furniture fair.

To keep the momentum going, the Manapan Academy was established to train people in the art of furniture making. This is not just for kids coming through the school and providing work experience but also people that have been unemployed for a long time.

Indeed, Manapan endeavours to empower local people with full-time employment. It is also building relationships between Indigenous and non-indigenous people by working together. It is the Yolngu people’s dream to see their children and grandchildren working here and gaining the skills and qualifications that will sustain their community for many future generations.

“My main reason for starting Manapan was to create employment, for young and old, and we’ve accomplished that and at the same time we have been able to create some beautiful furniture and get the word out about Aboriginal art and the stories behind it.

“But during this process we learned a lot of things too. They provided some beautiful carvings and the stories behind a lot of the furniture, so it really developed all from there.”

For White, now is the time to take a step back after 10 years with Manapan. While he will still be involved, he needed to get the business to a point where it could run by itself with the backing of ALPA and the guys at the workshop doing things on their own.

“The only way this was going to work was it had to be done in a commercial way. We build a bit of furniture, we make some money, we make enough and we buy another machine. This is a really important way to run the business if we want to be around for a while. We have been around for 10 years, we want to be around for many more years.”

Manapan is a 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned enterprise with all surpluses invested back into Indigenous communities and is proud of the fact it is not reliant on government money. In fact, when a government agency asks ‘how much money the business wants’, White always replies with ‘we don’t want your money, just give us some orders’.

“A lot of companies come into these places with a heap of money and when the money runs out the business goes. We don’t want to do that. We now have the community support as well, because they know we are here for the long run.”

So where does White see Manapan in 10 years? “I’d like to think by then we are self-sufficient. I’d like to think that the kids from the original teams are working there, I’d like to think we have some Indigenous designers doing their own stuff. And I’d like to think that what we have created can be replicated in other Aboriginal communities.

“It will take some time and effort but it is very fulfilling and it is a great way to create employment and a purpose for everyone.”

Revolutionising tech repairs & refurb devices with an eco-friendly twist

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In a bustling city like Melbourne, where technology plays a crucial role in our daily lives, there is one phone repair business that stands out from the rest.

Refurbished phone and Apple Independent Repairer ecoR Tech provides sustainable and environmentally-friendly alternatives to the purchase of phones, tablets and other tech products to help reduce tech waste.

But it’s the company’s opening of its flagship store which has reimagined the customer experience by using an unconventional design – a shop made from recycled cardboard.

CEO and Co-founder of ecoR Tech Brent Bryce is the man behind the vision and his innovative idea was sparked from a cause close to his heart.

“I’ve spent more than 25 years in telecommunications and have observed the remarkable proliferation of technology, particularly in the form of phones, tablets and laptops, and unfortunately this has also contributed to the culture of disposability,” Brent says.

“There is a need for change. The global generation of e-waste is more than 54 million metric tons each year signalling future environmental concerns about the impact this will have on our society.

“That’s why it’s crucial to educate and advocate for alternative practices, such as opting to reduce, reuse and recycle instead of consistently purchasing new products.”

With his strong focus on sustainability and the environment, Brent set out to create a space that embodied these principles.

“Collaborating with our interior designer, we outlined our vision for a sustainable and eco-friendly fitout.”

To truly convey ecoR Tech’s commitment to sustainability, Brent says something impactful was needed.

“…That’s when I proposed the idea of making the store out of cardboard.”

Brent admits the unusual proposal of using cardboard as the primary interior material was met with scepticism and regarded as a joke among the company’s leadership team and board, but he was determined for the idea to work.

Playing a pivotal role in transforming the vision was local Melbourne-based event and prop company The Cardboard Mill who joined forces with ecoR Tech’s interior designer, Corso Interior Architecture, shopfitter Q1Built, and joiner Atco Interiors.

“Together, we set out to design, manufacture, and install a store predominantly constructed from cardboard – a first-of-its-kind venture for all involved.

“Throughout the process, we encountered numerous valuable lessons, particularly in navigating the complexities of obtaining support and approvals from the design team at Vicinity Centres.

“However, the ultimate sense of achievement and satisfaction when it was completed was truly remarkable, and all those who contributed should take great pride in their involvement.”

Following a 10-week fitout, the walls, furniture, and even the shelves that display a range of refurbished smartphones are all constructed from sturdy, recycled cardboard.

“Thousands of sheets of cardboard were meticulously cut and bonded together to form the amazing contours, allowing for captivating interplays of light and shadow throughout the store,” Brent points out.

On June 27, 2023, the store was officially opened by Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp in front of the team who contributed to the collaborative project.

When asked if he’d alter any aspects of the design since doors opened at the store, Brent says there is always bound to be improvements.

“Like with any first-time builds and leading-edge designs, there are always learnings and things you could do differently or change to improve the look and more importantly the process to be more efficient and impactful.

“But overall, we are very happy with how the store presents and how our customers can feel and see a distinct difference to how we present in the market compared to our competitors.”

The store serves as a reminder that innovation and eco-friendly choices can be both bold and beautiful.

How it all came together

THE INTERIOR DESIGNER – Corso Interior Architecture – Director Joey Corso

When presented with the idea of designing a ‘cardboard store’, Corso Interior Architecture Director Joey says he was proud to take on the challenge.

“It was such an amazing idea. We began brainstorming ways in which we could use the product in a creative way to make the material shine,” Joey remembers.

“I did have concerns about its strength, however the way in which we ended up using it – gluing each piece together so that the edge was exposed – proved to be both creative and strong enough to withstand traffic.”

The interior design involved testing the capabilities of the product and the team set about designing curved walls and sculpture-like surfaces.

“The cardboard was made off-site in modules, then brought in and erected in place.

“During the production process, The Cardboard Mill was required to modify some of the finer details in order for the design to be possible.”

But overall, the end product was very close to Joey’s design vision.

THE CARDBOARD EXPERTS – The Cardboard Mill – Managing Director Ian Douglas

The Cardboard Mill took their combined experience in temporary installations and cardboard to undertake the research and development component of the project to make ecoR Tech’s flagship store come to life as a permanent store made of cardboard.

“This is what we were born for, and what we love,” Ian says.

“It wasn’t our first walk in the park, we’re amazing at temporary – tradeshows and more ephemeral installations being our stock in trade.

“Our first significant project in this direction was the Bridge Road Brewery Site in Brunswick, which was meant to be up for three months, but is still there 18 months later.

“It was very much in consultation with ecoR Tech’s architect, the client, builder, and ourselves about what we could make more recyclable – in fact, the cardboard used has at least 70 percent recycled content in it and is curb side recyclable, or backyard compostable.”

But it wasn’t without a challenge or two.

“Cardboard had not been approved for use in permanent fixture in installations, so we had to work with engineers to manage loads and fixing techniques, plus develop and validate technical documentation to meet both workplace and building requirements.”

THE JOINER – Atco Interiors – Managing Director Adrian Farrugia

“You’ve got to be kidding me”.

That was Adrian Farrugia’s first reaction when he was approached to be part of ecoR Tech’s cardboard store.

“I’d never made joinery from cardboard before,” Adrian says.

“The technical challenges included making
everything work with the different thickness of cardboard, making sure everything lines up at the end of the project.”

But seeing the end project was quite simply “amazing”.

“Stepping back and saying ‘we actually did it’ was a proud moment. It was our first time working with cardboard and hopefully not the last.”

THE SHOPFITTER – Q1Built – Director Ray Borg

A micro cement floor, seamless BOH rendered door, the mounting and commissioning of a cylinder- shaped LCD screen around an existing pillar and extensive prep-work required to cater to the cardboard’s unique engineering and installation requirements – these were all technical challenges faced by the shopfitter, Ray Borg.

When told about the project, Ray remembers thinking: ‘wow this is different’.

He says the result could either be a hit or a risk if not executed properly.

“Ordering the tasks, dependencies and the timing was challenging,” he explains.

“The shop fitout had to keep moving to deliver on time while the cardboard tiles were manufactured and installed.

“An example was the time it took for the curved viewing glass to be fabricated. Even though the feature render had to butt up against the glass we had to proceed with the render without the glass being in place so that the joinery could be put in place to be covered in cardboard.”

Ray says he was proud to see the level of
collaboration between the suppliers and trades on the project, and to see all the hard work come to life at the official opening.

“When the feature lights went on – highlighting sections of the natural concrete floors, rendered wall, cardboard bulkheads and joinery – it gave the shop an earthy and natural feel.”

Josie Harrison from Dynamic Closures

When Josie Harrison embarked on her career as an Office Junior a decade ago, little did she know that her journey would lead her to become a highly-respected National Project Manager for Dynamic Closures, a renowned manufacturer of shopfront security door solutions.

Now 30, Josie reflects on the investment of time and mentorship which has propelled her to new heights in her profession.

“In an age when many of my peers change employers every three years or so seeking career development, I chose to cultivate my opportunities internally, achieving goals during a period of market growth,” Josie says.

“Now I manage projects for financial institutions Australia-wide, acting as a conduit between our sales team, manufacturing division, installers and end user.”

Josie’s responsibilities as a National Project Manager are diverse and demanding. Working with architects, designers, structural engineers, builders and shopfitters, she designs door layouts, approves site drawings and manages budgets – tackling each task with unwavering dedication.

“Relationships in this large market segment have been nourished by time and consistency – I have known many of these contacts since I joined Dynamic.

“We tackled the challenges of managing the on-going building and fitout program for this sector during the COVID lockdowns and complications posed by varying State restrictions throughout the country with honesty and teamwork.”

Dynamic Closures Founder and Director Robert Horner says Josie is an asset to the team.

“Since the day Josie was employed, she has always been a committed employee, willing to learn more and do what she can. This is the sort of attitude that gets noticed,” Robert says.

Recognising the value of personal growth, Josie has found herself increasingly engaged with IFA – attending events such as golf days, conferences, and meetings allows her to expand her professional network and stay updated on the latest developments in her field.

“It’s rewarding to see her confidence grow as she enjoys socialising and participating in IFA activities and events,” Robert adds.

Furthermore, Josie is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Studies to enhance her knowledge and skills, and learning CAD to broaden her expertise in plan and product detailing.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Josie embraces spending time with loved ones. Originally from Albury but having lived most of her life in Sydney, she cherishes visits to her family in Orange and enjoys socialising with friends.

When asked about her source of inspiration, Josie proudly acknowledges her father as her mentor.

He instilled in her the values of excellence and attention to detail, always encouraging her to “measure twice, cut once.” Following in his footsteps, Josie aspires to chart her father’s success as an IFA member and a member of the NSW committee.

As Josie continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, she looks forward to the evolving landscape of Dynamic Closures. The company’s commitment to continuous improvement and teamwork resonates with her own values, and she is excited to contribute to the creation of a stronger, more successful team.

“I take a lot of pride in my work and I believe my passion comes from that. I ensure that each job I do is to the best of my ability.”

As the years unfold, we eagerly anticipate the future accomplishments of this IFA Rising Star in the sector.

John Dalla Via from ForestOne

In the ever-evolving world of interior design and sustainable building solutions, John Dalla Via, the National Business Development Manager (Decorative) of ForestOne, emerges as a trailblazer with over two decades of industry experience.

His journey is marked by dedication and a knack for strategic thinking which has significantly contributed to ForestOne’s rise as a prominent player in the field.

THE JOURNEY TO THE TOP

John’s career took a decisive turn after five years with EGGER Wood Products.

Driven by a desire to expand his work, he found a new home at ForestOne which allowed him to continue selling and promoting EGGER products while adding further brands and products to his portfolio.

“The role itself did not exist within the business, so for me and ForestOne, it embarked on a new chapter in my career, but a new role direction for ForestOne,” he says of the transition.

With a keen eye for industry shifts, John has witnessed significant transformations, especially in timber and decorative materials.

The industry’s shift towards a more globalised market has brought both opportunities and challenges.

“We are living in world where product is being sourced from multiple regions across the world,” he said.

“Seeing all the great things that have come to the market is an opportunity, but there is also a dark side of the industry where some companies take shortcuts.

“This has allowed non-compliant product into the country because of cost-cutting.

“At ForestOne, we have adapted a step-by-step verification process in a bid to combat this, and while no company is perfect, transparency and continual improvement is key.”

As the driving force behind ForestOne’s growth in the decorative side of the business, John has targeted national companies in both the design and trade markets.

This strategic move, particularly in segments like education, healthcare, commercial, and retail, has resulted in substantial growth and exposure.

“Some of the key milestones in the past 20 years for me has been working on some of the early Green Star buildings in Australia, and also working with some of the best people in the industry through the good and hard times when the industry was looking for solutions.”

innovation for a sustainable future

Sustainability is not just a buzzword for ForestOne but a company-wide ethos.

From sourcing responsible forest-managed products to reducing their environmental footprint, the company takes a holistic approach in what it calls ‘doing business responsibly’.

“We try to find a holistic solution rather than one part.

“Whether this is through the many decors and products from EGGER, Meganite Acrylic Solid Surface, or the many decorative and structural plywood elements in a project – we are fortunate to partner with brands dedicated to delivering to the market a more sustainable solution.”

This commitment extends to the validation of supply chains, local supply chain evolution, and embracing eco-friendly practices in day-to-day operations like using hybrid trucks for deliveries, installing solar panels on their warehouses and diving into water usage and lighting efficiencies.

“We always need to look further as we transition to a more sustainable practice.”

Leadership and business aside

In his role as National Business Development Manager, John stands out with a unique position—staff don’t directly report to him but he actively collaborates with internal and external colleagues on a national scale.

“Working with all the different areas, I see how the business works and flows.

“I encourage people to make their own decisions and learnings, and I assist where needed – to learn you must succeed and fail.

“I think that it’s through our failures that we learn the most and nobody can expect to have success all the time.”

Beyond the boardroom, John finds solace in his family – married with two daughters and four grandkids.

He jokingly adds: “The grandkids are what I love the most, but don’t tell my wife that!”

His childhood fascination with Marvel comics has transcended generations, shared with his daughters, even if their enthusiasm varies.

Outside of family life, John partners with his wife and brother-in-law in a Black Angus cattle farm near Tatura in Victoria, finding relaxation in the countryside.

As ForestOne continues its trajectory, driven by leaders like John and his strategic vision, it seems poised to become a go-to company for sustainable building and interior design solutions in Australia.

With a commitment to transparency, sustainability, and a willingness to embrace change, ForestOne is well-positioned to navigate the evolving landscape of the industry.

“One of the challenges we face in the specification, design and joinery industry is that we have to think differently, and we have to be open to all options from the market,” he explains.

“We have some of the best transparent sustainability options in several product categories and market segments, and with the market changes for achieving better embodied carbon construction, I sincerely believe this will be one of our biggest opportunities in the future.”

 

Lauren Hooper from WA Sign & Print Management (WASP)

Perth’s vibrant business scene has produced its fair share of remarkable individuals, and among them shines Lauren Hooper, Operations Manager at WA Sign & Print Management, also known as WASP.

With a diverse range of talents and an unwavering dedication to her craft, Lauren has swiftly risen through the ranks, leaving an indelible mark on the signage industry.

Hailing from the beautiful city of Perth, Lauren’s passions extend far beyond the confines of her office. When she’s not spearheading projects at WASP, she can be found competing on the netball court, sweating it out at the gym, or renovating her first home with her partner.

Lauren’s journey at WASP began humbly in 2011 when she joined the company as a receptionist. Little did she know that this would be the first step on a remarkable path towards professional success.

Through her efforts and commitment, she was soon rewarded with promotions that saw her ascend to the positions of Project Manager and Production Manager before landing the role of Operations Manager at age 25.

Transitioning from Receptionist to Project Manager was a pivotal moment in Lauren’s career, and it came with a baptism by fire. “It was a big step… I got a call on a Saturday night that on Monday, I would be handed three land development accounts,” she says.

“I had no senior to ask questions, I had to learn it all myself and looking back I am so grateful I was thrown in the deep end. I believe this has had a big impact on gaining knowledge.

“The Production Manager position saw me take on scheduling, which then provided me with all aspects of managing the business, and then the promotion to Operations Manager.”

Lauren’s passion for her work is evident when she speaks about the diverse and exciting projects she encounters regularly.

“No signage is the same, and it is so rewarding creating and rolling out a new brand, fitout or land development estate.”

Throughout her journey at WASP, Lauren has been fortunate to have encountered several influential figures.

Both Mark Robertson and Edi Bolzicco, Directors of WASP, have played instrumental roles in her development.

“Mark doesn’t stop, his passion for the signage industry is second to none and watching him succeed is my biggest motivation. Edi can talk to anyone, which is one of the biggest win factors in business.”

Another influential figure in Lauren’s life is Nita Davey, with whom she has worked closely at Trilogy Advertising and Marketing for an impressive eight years. Nita stands as a paragon of success in Lauren’s eyes, a role model who embodies the qualities of a thriving businesswoman.

Lauren aspires to follow in her footsteps, harnessing her experiences, talents, and unwavering determination to carve out her own path to success.

What sets Lauren apart is her belief that every challenge holds a solution, not a problem.

This mindset, coupled with her tireless work ethic, has led to several noteworthy achievements over the past year including the Karrinyup Shopping Centre redevelopment in Perth, and implementing the new Work Health and Safety Act legislation to meet Australian standards and become compliant.

“I worked very closely on all 71 plus projects from start to finish and ensuring all fitouts were completed for handover and the grand opening of Karrinyup Shopping Centre.”

WASP Director Mark Robertson, who has closely witnessed Lauren’s meteoric rise within the company, speaks highly of her exceptional qualities. “It became apparent very early on that Lauren was destined for a far greater role in our company,” Mark says.

“Her can-do positive attitude to everything she does, her attention to detail, fostering of client relationships, team building and love of what she does has seen her grow to become our Operations Manager and be a highly-respected and valued member of our team. “Her future here is sure to be very bright like the star she is.”

Cameron Blacker from Nexvia

In an era driven by digital transformation, industries worldwide are seeking innovative solutions to streamline their operations and enhance productivity.  The construction services industry, often grappling with complexities, project management challenges, and the all-important ‘dollar’ following the Covid boom, is no exception.

Enter Nexvia, a cloud-based platform specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses in the interior fitout and residential construction sector.

We caught up with chief product officer and co-founder of Nexvia, Cameron Blacker to explore how Nexvia is revolutionising the industry by providing a comprehensive suite of tools to optimise project management, collaboration, and efficiency.

For Cameron Blacker, it all started with supporting shopfitters in his 20s.

“I was doing everything from tech support to software and website services – information technology (IT) back then was a very different space,” he begins.

Spearheading his own small business at just 23 and developing a “few apps”, it was when Cameron met his business partner and now-Nexvia co-founder Rob Rower that things started to take off.

At the time, Cameron was supporting and building software solutions for use in Rob’s construction business.

But in 2016, the product grew into what is now known as Nexvia – one centralised platform for interior fitout and construction companies to provide solutions for project management, estimating and tendering, customer management and reporting on financial performance.

“We were born out of the interior fitout space and have since grown into mid-tier residential and speciality contractors,” Cameron says.

One of the core features of Nexvia is its robust project management capabilities.

With the platform’s intuitive interface, construction companies can seamlessly oversee every aspect of a project, from initial planning to completion.

Nexvia gives project managers the tools to track, tasks, variations, defects and live budgets, making it easy to spot cost issues as and when they occur, enabling managers to deal with them before they have the chance to affect project profitability.

“A big thing happened when Covid hit,” Cameron remembers.

“When businesses had to shut down their people, our customers – who already had our platform – were able to work from home on day one.

“While half of the IT community was scrambling to get remote servers going, our Nexvia customers were already online and could work from home and it basically helped their businesses.”

Solving problems: Visibility at every stage

With many contractors relying heavily on Excel spreadsheets, Cameron saw a problem to be solved.

“A lot of people will buy a piece of software in the hope it makes life better – a silver bullet – but it’s just not true,” he explains.

“You have to get in there and ask the business what and how they are doing things – do they make purchase orders for example?

“A lot of people start businesses and they are really good at what they do, then they get a few employees and need processes.

“Often they run into the same problem every business owner falls into – they don’t know where their budgets are at, where their money is at. We try and give them a tool where their project managers and estimators can plug their numbers in and the owners can see what is going on.”

Recognising the dynamic nature of construction projects, Nexvia extends its functionalities beyond the office walls. The platform’s mobile app empowers field workers to access project data, submit reports, and capture site progress directly from their smartphones or tablets.

“When you have hundreds of jobs going on at once, it’s a lot of money and a lot of risk, so we wanted to build a budget-checking culture so project managers aren’t just about the build – they are about safety, project scheduling, the money, and delivering quality on time.

“Construction has its complexities and niches, but when you do find something that is built for the industry to solve your problems – that’s what you want to get onboard for.”

The future: solution-oriented processes

Cameron says there will always be problems to solve and his leadership style is heading up a team that doesn’t shut down ideas.

“A big thing we would hear from clients would be ‘we just lost money on variations – we were making variations, but we weren’t invoicing them’, so we built a variations module.

“Then there was time tracking – it was taking too long to build timesheets and do payroll, so we built a process to do that.

“Then there was a need to communicate with clients and engage with them, so we built client reporting.

“All we kept doing was getting a new problem and finding a new solution.”

Cameron admits there will never be a time where development stops at Nexvia, and a big focus right now for the team is developing innovative tools to ensure safety on job sites and tapping into a shifting market of businesses showing their costings to build transparency and trust with clients.

He is also looking at how Nexvia connects with other third-party systems, and how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to create efficiencies within the industry.

“We are focusing on how we get more data to customers, and how we integrate with third-party software systems,” he says.

“I do a lot of research on AI and automation to figure out how AI right now can help within our industry.

“There is a research team in Brisbane who are looking at how AI can predict if a construction job is at risk. They have worked out an algorithm and are running this on tier 1 and tier 2 sites.

“Then there is optical character recognition (OCR) programs for scanning bills and invoicing – that space is evolving and manual data entry is disappearing.

“Who knows what new technology is just around the corner, but it’s about working out what is noise and what is of value to our customers.

“It’s an interesting landscape and we keep watching it, keep supplying tools and upgrading.”

Business learnings after two decades in the industry

Growing up in Logan, south of Brisbane, Cameron was fortunate that his parents invested in his education.

“Not being well off” and his father having health issues, this was by no means a small thing. Their narrative laid the foundational cornerstone for Cameron’s determination and passion that led him to start his own business at such an early age.

It’s a time Cameron looks back on with mixed feelings.

“When you are young, you don’t know any better. I didn’t know what I was doing and I look back now and think ‘would I make that decision?’.

“Over time, I learned a lot of lessons.

“If you listen to the stories of successful entrepreneurs, they always say there is a lot of hard work, a little bit of luck, and perseverance.

“I love the technical side of software, I love process, but you have to step outside of your comfort zone – and it’s the same for builders or construction – you have to step into the business side, you have to network and find mentors to learn from.”

Cameron says listening to other people, building a good culture, having a great team and employing those who are smarter than you is also his top tip “because they need to know the stuff you don’t know”.

While Nexvia’s powerful platform is addressing clients’ unique challenges head-on, the future is looking even brighter.

As the industry continues to embrace digital transformation, Nexvia stands as a powerful tool for businesses seeking to stay ahead of the curve and achieve success in an increasingly competitive landscape.

A design perspective on signage and wayfinding

When you step into an office, healthspace or retail space, how do you know where you are, how to find what you need, or even to know what you’re meant to feel or do next? The answer is simple. Signage and wayfinding. Signage and wayfinding are sometimes used interchangeably in the world of design and serve the sole purpose of providing visual communication for users to navigate and experience various spaces and environments.

But there is a slight difference. Signage refers to the visual communications that guide users to achieve a particular outcome like locating bathrooms, reading a safety floorplan, branding a business or navigating to exits. Wayfinding is the holistic process of navigating through physical spaces, and it involves both the physical elements like graphics, signs, digital media as well as the cognitive processes individuals use to orient themselves in a particular environment. Whilst there is an overlap, great design understands the nuance.

“Imagine a chess boardgame. The chess pieces are visual markers representing hierarchy of characters while the black and white squares on the board is the navigating system that allows users to play a game of chess. So if signage was the chess pieces, then wayfinding is the board,” explains Ghezal A Jafari, Design & Strategy Lead at Concept, an Australian-owned fitout company designing and delivering people-powered work, health and retail spaces.

The evolution of solutions

Historically, wayfinding refers to the techniques used by travellers over land and sea to find relatively unmarked and often mislabelled routes. Typically in architecture, signage and wayfinding was implemented in the later stages of design, which often resulted in rigid, monotonous and bulky structural solutions that lacked aesthetics and made most signage elements feel like an ‘after thought’. The impact was costly to both design firms and clients with additional expenses for the design and implementation of signage, changes in floor plans, and added timeframes for project delivery.

Fast forward to 2023 and signage and wayfinding design has emerged as a key consideration of successful built environments. It enhances and elevates both brand and user experience while creating a sense of curiosity to navigate through and interact with various spaces.

Finding a place in great design

Effective wayfinding paired with intuitive signage in the workplace, healthspace or retail space ought to be a key consideration of great design and build.

“It can be the creative and competitive edge a business needs to attract the best talent and clients, as well as deliver an optimal user experience” states Ghezal.

“Smart design in signage and wayfinding can also have multiple health, psychological and emotional benefits to users,” she also shares.

“It contributes to a positive work environment, reduces stress, enhances productivity, elevates emotional experience, and fosters a sense of belonging in the workplace community. By creating a sense of familiarity and connection with different spaces users can easily adapt and have a seamless experience.”

Design Considerations

The design aesthetics for intuitive signage and wayfinding, especially in the post-covid era, has changed the way users perceive and utilise certain spaces. For example, signage in shared public places such as end-of-trip facilities, hallways and lobbies have transformed functional spaces to be more interactive, digitally dynamic, and creative, which reflects on the brand personality of both the business and the building.

Creative graphics on surfaces including floors and digital walls elevate the functional with style, informing users as to how to interact with a space. The emerging trend of flexible spaces and creative zoning, often via the use of neon signage or graffiti in an agile and open plan area, inject personality and allow users to transform the space to suit multiple purposes at different points in time.

In other examples in an open plan workplace, lockers are increasingly used to divide and define zones without creating barriers. They are used as soft barriers, which when thoughtfully designed, differentiate different spaces without adding enclosed walls and surfaces. In addition, a touch of playful graphics, planting, and zoning created by the mirroring of pathways through conscious flooring material changes and ceiling lighting effects create enhanced visual cues to allow users to navigate through spaces seamlessly.

Incorporating accessibility points into wayfinding design ensures that everyone, including individuals with disabilities, can have comfort, ease of access and a positive user experience. These include braille tactile signage, clear visual and auditory cues on all surfaces (where practical) and technology points for mobility-impaired users. A compliant workplace environment ensures these elements are incorporated well in all spaces to create an inclusive environment for all users.

A well-executed wayfinding system empowers users to confidently navigate a space. However, too much information can also be overwhelming and can make it difficult for users to process what’s relevant for their needs. For example, multiple signs and complex layouts can create a cognitive overload for users to decipher the information given and navigate around. Simplifying the presentation of information and using clear symbols can help alleviate cognitive overload.

Finding the right balance between providing essential information and information overload is crucial for user confidence and interaction within a space. This confidence contributes to an improved sense of control and mastery over their environment, leading to a positive emotional experience.

Now and into the future

People tend to associate their surroundings with certain feelings and emotions whilst exploring and navigating through spaces. Investing in signage and wayfinding allows businesses to create an environment where users can connect and associate positive emotions, ultimately enabling them to attract top talent, clients and have their brand stand out in a competitive market.

“If there’s anything we learnt from covid, it was the immeasurable value of ‘experience’ we constantly seek in life, whether it’s new places or renewing current ones to gain a fresh perspective”, says Ghezal. “Designers have been facing the challenge of creating fresh new experiences in the post-covid workplace to entice users to return back to the office. The shifted focus on signage and wayfinding to more playful graphics, digital interactive surfaces and flexible space transformations encourage people to come together, celebrate, collaborate and share experiences.”    

By focusing on clear communication, logical layouts, sophisticated design aesthetics and considering users’ emotional responses, designers can create effective signage and wayfinding solutions which elevate brand and spatial perception and enhance user experience.

Country Road is redefining what is possible for retail store fitouts

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Redefining the retail experience through sustainable design is no small feat, but beloved Australian fashion brand, Country Road, is aiming to do exactly that.

The opening of the Chadstone, Melbourne store in 2019 saw not only Country Road’s first, but the first 5 Star Green Star – Interiors rated fashion retail store in the country. Certified by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) and achieving a 5 Star Green Star – Interiors rating, indicating Australian Excellence, saw Country Road move to the forefront of what is possible when ambitious, sustainably minded teams come together.

The Green Building Council of Australia has been steadily working to lead the sustainable revolution of the built environment since its founding in 2002. With a focus on resilience, future readiness, and wellbeing, the holistic and voluntary rating system, Green Star, aims to help clients like Country Road achieve sustainability goals. The interiors rating tool is encouraging a new approach to design and construction of fitouts, one that highlights the selection of low-impact materials, improved indoor air quality, energy and water efficiency, and waste reductions, to name a few.

For Davina Dowle, Country Road Group’s Sustainability Specialist, the GBCA’s solid portfolio, matched with their well-developed system and shared aspirations, led to them turning to Green Star for support on this journey. Moreover, being an Australian rating system made Green Star the obvious choice.

“From the sourcing of fabrics to working with Australian manufacturers, the Country Road brand emphasises the importance of supporting endeavours native to Australia. The brand also always aspires to support local providers in as many aspects as possible. Therefore, while there are many other applicable validation and certification systems available globally, we opted for an Australian rating system.”

The process of targeting best practice in-store design begins with sourcing a team and materials that align with the requirements of achieving a Green Star rating, all while keeping a well-known brand’s aesthetic in the spotlight. For Davina, this meant a systematic approach to give the team every opportunity to succeed from the outset.

“We firstly provided a brief to our architectural team, who helped us align the requirements of Green Star with the aesthetic requirements of our Country Road stores. We then updated our material and finishes selections based on their research findings and worked extensively and directly with our existing local suppliers to secure internationally recognised third-party ratings for the bulk of our fixtures.”

From parquetry flooring rescued from old buildings, wall paneling made from recycled paper, carpet crafted from discarded fishing nets, and benchtops made with damaged Country Road ceramics and marble waste — the team left no stone unturned with what is possible in a sustainable and healthy retail renovation.

Brett Robinson, Senior Project Manager at One68 – the design consultants who worked with Country Road across several of its Green Star stores – said working closely with suppliers was key to meeting Country Road’s desired outcome.

“As a client, Country Road has very clear sustainability outcomes they need to achieve in order to receive the 5 Star Green Star – Interiors accreditation. As an example, for the Bayside project, One68 had to engage suppliers and sub-contractors who could meet these requirements, including:

Electrical – Meet GBCA’s Best Practise Guidelines for PVC

Paint – Paint’s with Low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) were used

Timber – All timber used in the project were responsibly sourced (Chain of Custody certificates) CFC/chain of custody timbers and responsibly sourced materials

Circular – Re-using as much from old store fitouts as possible e.g., plywood, flooring levels, ceilings, walls etc.”

An important factor of the 5 Star Green Star – Interiors rating tool is the human element, something that remains a defining element of the success of any brick-and-mortar.

“The staff are integral to the process of certification as they help us gather store-specific evidence required for our Green Star submissions. They love feeling part of the process while also being in a vibrant space that is both healthier for them and more environmentally friendly,” explained Davina.

“The customers and visitors often compliment the staff on the store’s interior and are curious of the materials and finishes used. They are interested in the stories behind the material choice and frequently ask about the Green Star rating and want to understand the significance of a 5-star rating.”

Now with twelve, 5 Star Green Star – Interiors rated stores across the country and seven more targeting Australian Excellence with a 5 Star rating, it’s no wonder that this year Country Road won the NORA Sustainability award for best in-store sustainability innovation. For Davina and the team, winning the award confirmed to them the value of collaboration and efficiency when working towards a common goal.

“It was exciting to be shortlisted and a very happy moment when we won. It was an award that celebrated the whole team, and all the people who worked with us on our 5-star Green Star store fitouts.”

As for where Country Road is headed, simply put, more certified Green Star rated stores. But this time the team is targeting a 6 Star Green Star rating, which, as Davina agrees, is pushing the team to rethink several aspects of the current design concept.

“We see our achievements as a ‘work in progress’, particularly with the ambitious new Green Star Interiors tool (Green Star Fitouts) expected to be released soon,” said Davina.

“Country Road is currently working on its new standard Green Star approach, which will be key for the next batch of store certifications. This work is guiding our exploration of new initiatives that could be integrated into the design of our future stores. Finally, we are now also looking into the possibility of completing a Life Cycle Assessment of our interior fitout, with the aim to raise the bar of fashion retail fitout even higher.”

 

GBCA congratulates Country Road for its Green Star achievements to date and applauds the retailer for its leadership in creating healthier, more sustainable interiors. In early September, GBCA released a consultation paper on the next version of its tool for interiors – Green Star Fitouts, work made possible thanks to the support of GBCA’s Future Focus partners. Industry is encouraged to read the paper and provide feedback on how the tool could best serve its users into the future, both those who have never used the tool before, and those who are seasoned users. Find out more at www.gbca.org.au.