Up Close + Personal with Troy King of BE Projects

So, how did you get started in the construction industry?

With a passion for tech drawing and maths I started my career in civil engineering, having graduated from Curtin University of Technology. During my time as a civil engineer, some of the projects I worked on included the Jandakot Airport redevelopment and the Glenariff Estate project.

I later moved into construction working as a foreman and consultant and to project management. I really enjoyed seeing projects come to life and transforming concepts into reality for clients. Prior to starting my own business, some of the jobs I handled included project management and site supervision on the Perth Convention Centre Auditorium, Harbour Town and the first roll out of the Department of Building and Works BER packages.

In 2010 you founded your company BE Projects with colleague Dennis Beard. What made you decide to start your own business?

I have a passion for construction and seeing the design develop into reality. I had so many ideas I wanted to implement to add a difference to both the product I delivered as well as to contributing to building industry develop a professional pathway for young people and trades.

Dennis, who is an established builder in Perth, was on board with the idea and over the last five years we have made steady growth to incorporate strong values and I believe we have a great recipe for success in the industry.

In what ways does your company BE Projects stand out from the rest?

We offer a personalised service for each project. Our values include good communication and following up on what we say we will do. We also have a strong teamwork culture, and working in a team means that we challenge each other to come up with the best solutions and outcomes.

We are specialists in a range of projects in various sectors. We have project experience in Commercial construction, primarily educational and municipal buildings, Technical construction, as well as architecturally-designed Residential construction. We can offer all services from the initial concept stage to the final outcome.

Our very talented team enables us to provide this wide range of services, which includes tendering, administration, development and design management, project management and delivery. I believe that these factors give the company a strong ability to adapt to a wide variety of needs and projects.

Some of our commercial projects have included new sports Pavilion and multiple community centres. We have completed many educational projects including new an early childhood centres, multiple administration buildings, as well as remedial projects. In particular and a new teaching area for the Perth Waldorf School – a unique design with large-span curved timber trusses.

Technical projects include working with specialist trades to complete building works for multiple fire main projects, commercial kitchen installations and new science laboratories.

The Architecturally designed residential projects are sophisticated projects both in design and in terms of size and shape of the block. This includes the recent completion of the ‘triangle’ home at Mt Lawley. This one consisted of a tiny 180sqm triangular-shaped block of land, with access issues. Another recent project completed in Gooseberry Hill, involved a challenging site with a steep15m incline over the 35m block. The team accepted the challenge and developed innovate ways to make the construction possible.

What are some of the challenges and achievements of the business?

Starting out was a little daunting at first – especially in terms of securing that first job! But once the moment built, we have not looked back. Many of our projects are from return clients.

With regard to achievements, our goal is client satisfaction – something we have managed to frequently achieve on the projects and services we deliver. Also, while we want the business to grow, it’s important for us to have controlled growth so that we can continue to maintain the same level of quality control in our projects.

What makes you happy in your work?

I have a genuine passion for the projects we do and really enjoy what I do. I enjoy the variety and particularly love finding solutions and I get to do this every day with clients’ – especially when someone says: “You can’t do that!” At BE, we don’t shy away from challenging projects that deviate from standard construction.

How do you envisage the company in 10 years’ time?

BE Projects philosophy is to strive for continual improvement and to maintain our high standards, which means in the future we will be operating in a similar manner to now, but even better.

BE Projects is a company that has a lot to offer in terms of diversity, adaptability, quality and ability to meet client needs. The continual development of staff, trades, our processes and of course the delivered project, I believe will ensure we cement ourselves in the industry.