Brent has over 15 years’ experience in the construction industry in Western Australia from trade through design consultant, and is a licensed plumber and gas fitter. His professionalism and planning includes a strong approach to providing technical support and creativity to hydraulic services design and quality project delivery, providing clients and his colleagues with a valued and dependable level of experience.
Brent has earned a reputation as one of the most innovative, motivated and resourceful hydraulic services contractors in Western Australia. He holds an extensive knowledge base and high level of expertise in all aspects of hydraulic services engineering. Brent has worked on several projects covering a wide range of industry sectors, delivering each project to the highest standards.
Why hydraulics?
Well, it was never hydraulics to begin with. I left school in year 10 and have worked ever since. Originally I had started working in a printing factory before being attracted by the mining industry and the opportunity to make good money at such a young age. After around 4 years, I travelled America and lived in Canada for 2 years. When I came back to Australia, I returned to mining.
In my early twenties. I’d had enough of the fly in fly out work and wanted to make something of myself. I’d always been attracted to doing something hands on and it was a choice between a plumbing and gas fitting apprenticeship or a heavy duty diesel mechanic apprenticeship.
After some research, I was more attracted to plumbing and gas fitting as there was a sense of accomplishment building something and having pride in what you’ve completed. It’s also a licensed trade.
I haven’t looked back since and wouldn’t change it for the world!
Tell us about your background in plumbing and its impact on your role today?
I’m a licensed plumbing contractor and gas fitter. I’ve been in the construction industry over 15 years, mainly involved in commercial construction. However, I’ve also worked in residential and maintenance.
Prior to completing my plumbing apprenticeship, I was involved in the construction industry for some time concreting, rigging, crane operating and assisting trades from all services. I’ve been involved in all facets of construction.
I’m very passionate about the plumbing industry, where it originated from and where it’s heading. I was also very fortunate to receive runner-up apprentice of the year from the Masters Plumbers Association.
I feel my trade background adds great value in providing real life scenarios that the team is able to leverage. I’m able to help with the constructability and future serviceability of plumbing services and systems.
What’s the trickiest problem you’ve solved?
Ha, that’s a hard one to answer!
The beauty about plumbing is that every day is a new challenge and every project different. So, I would say there isn’t problem that has been tricker than the others. They all have their challenges and that’s what makes the trade so fulfilling – the ability to think and troubleshoot on the spot!
What’s a hydraulics myth you’d like to debunk?
That ‘smoko isn’t at 10am and wastewater doesn’t just flow downhill’, ha ha! I’m kidding!
The main one is that there’s more to plumbing than meets the eye. Below ground, behind those concealed spaces, walls and ceilings there’s an infrastructure city that provides clean drinking water and sanitation and it’s just as important to maintain as everything else. Without plumbers, we wouldn’t have access to drinking water and safe wastewater disposal.
What do you do outside of work that helps fuel your creativity and commitment to hydraulics?
My passion for the industry fuels the constant curiosity to research other buildings and facilities, across the globe, that are doing things differently than Australia. Perhaps they’re designing a facility that’s outside the norm while always considering the end user and maintenance team that looks after these facilities.
There are some very interesting facilities with a different approach to design out there!
Which engineer has taught you the most?
A few actually, I’m a firm believer in learning everyday, however, if I had to choose one engineer who I have bounced off the most it would be Alex Roger, our Chief Engineer. I feel as though we’re very similar.
Gavin Edmonson would be another, his industry knowledge and understanding of digital engineering has helped immensely.
And, let’s also not forget the tradesmen who got me where I am today. Never forget where you came from!
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned at NDY?
A lot, actually, as coming from the construction side to the design side has its different challenges. But, I would say the biggest thing I’ve learned is design collaboration and adaptability.
What professional relationships do you value the most?
All of them, that’s what is so great about this industry. Cities are so small and you always know someone who knows someone. I value all my professional relationships as I do friendships. Some of my closest friends are from this very industry.
What does Making Spaces Work mean to you?
For me, it’s design collaboration – working with architects, sub consultants and facilities maintenance teams. Working together means we facilitate future serviceability so it doesn’t ruin the architectural intent and we deliver engineering services design that’s outside the norm, ticks all the boxes and captures all client requirements.
If you can do all of that then it’s an architectural and engineering masterpiece in built form.
Tell us something that not many people know about you.
For those who don’t know me, it’s art and by art. I mean body art, I have a couple of tattoos… haha.
