Canberra s best of the best awarded for building

Canberra’s ‘best of the best’ awarded for buildingA retirement living development that proves downsizing can mean upsizing, a Canberra construction company with an innovative approach to hotel design, and a precinct that represents a ‘paradigm shift’ in public service accommodation have taken out awards at the annual Property Council ACT Awards Night and Gala Ball.The awards, presented by Hindmarsh and held in the Great Hall of Parliament House, applaud the outstanding achievements of the ACT property and construction sector.Canberra’s largest aged care provider, Goodwin Aged Care Services Limited, took out the ACT Development of the Year Award for its innovative approach to the Monash Green retirement living village in Tuggeranong.According to the Property Council’s ACT Executive Director, Catherine Carter, Monash Green shows why downsizing to a retirement living village can mean upsizing in terms of amenity and quality of life.Mark Chappe, Managing Director of award sponsor, Rider Levett Bucknall ACT, says that Monash Green sets a new benchmark for retirement living developments.”Monash Green combines smart technology and state-of-the-art design with a high level of service to help residents maintain their independence and get on with enjoying life,” Mr Chappe says.Doma Group, led by Managing Director Jure Domazet, was presented with the hotly-contested ACT Business of the Year. Best known for creating the exciting Realm precinct in Barton, Doma Group has delivered an impressive array of building projects both in Canberra and interstate, and has developed a ground-breaking approach to hotel design that is capturing international attention.”The judges felt Doma Group deserved public recognition for being an inspiring example of Canberra’s entrepreneurial spirit,” Ms Carter says.ISPT Pty Ltd’s National Circuit development in Barton took out the inaugural ACT Innovation Award sponsored by Haus Holdings.”ISPT was recognised for changing the way we think about public service office accommodation. National Circuit is more than a collection of buildings – it’s an urban village with facilities more often found in a high-end hotel than a public service office,” Ms Carter explains.Jo Metcalfe, Operating Centre Manager of ACT/NSW with professional services firm GHD, was presented with the 2015 Allan Wylucki ACT Property Professional of the Year Award. Metcalfe was chosen in recognition of her work to champion the diversity agenda in Canberra’s property industry.”Jo has inspired, motivated and challenged the industry to embrace diversity to improve business performance and attract talented employees,” Ms Carter says.Another GHD employee, senior design consultant Katrina Povey, was named ACT Future Leader of the Year.”The award judges were impressed with the outstanding projects on Katrina’s CV, including the Australian Consul General office in Noumea, the Etihad First Class Lounge in Abu Dhabi and the refurbishment of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation office right here in Woden,” Ms Carter says.George Katheklakis was presented with the 2015 Executive Director’s Award. Principal of property development company KDN Group, Katheklakis was appointed President of the Property Council’s ACT Division Council in February 2015.”This award recognises a property professional who makes a contribution above and beyond the call of duty. George is committed to building a capital city that supports great quality of life for today’s Canberrans and that will be the pride of future generations of Australians,” Ms Carter says.”The 2015 award judges applaud the outstanding projects, companies and individuals that are making a positive difference to the local industry and helping us build jobs, prosperity and strong communities for the people of Canberra,” Ms Carter concludes.Media contact: Catherine Carter| M 0412 330 079| P 02 6248 6902