Yelena Smetannikov speaks to Mark Sheldon of Group GSA about his practice, projects and future trends for a post-GFC market.
January 20th, 2011
With a variety of projects going on internationally and domestically, GroupGSA has a firm hold of the market.
Current projects range from the ’new vision for Sydney Harbour Transport’ and the upgrade of up to 12 wharves as part of Package 1 of a harbour-wide project, a luxury apartment building in the eastern suburbs (pictured below), Queens Square Law Courts upgrade, as well as a roll out of Costco outlets and major Defence and hospitality projects.
Dominion Luxury Apartments, Darlinghurst. Image courtesy of GroupGSA.
Sheldon states that approximately 50% of GroupGSA’s work comes from repeat clients.
He believes it is important to create solid relationships from the start to ensure more work comes in.
He has already made numerous trips to Rio de Janeiro to establish contacts with key authorities for the building of new facilities for the 2016 Olympic Games.
“Working internationally broadens our markets and provides us with opportunities that aren’t always available at home,” says Sheldon.
“Clients are the same all over the world. They want innovation, low-cost, creativity – all of the same things we do here. A lot depends also on funding and political will.”
Post-GFC, Sheldon believes the market will respond to the need to improve infrastructure and address residential and commercial markets.
Communities, he argues, are demanding the government to build better roads and improve public transport, especially rail, which the firm is also working on.
“I think we are well overdue for the housing market to start to boom again. At the moment, there’s still uncertainty globally with regards to the financial markets, with banks tightening up lending and financial criteria, particularly for development,” he says.
An underlying trend, notes Sheldon, is building refurbishment, as tenants, building owners and the goverment demand more sustainable buildings and push developers to think green.
“They will therefore be more inclined to recycle old buildings and to prolong their life-span,” says Sheldon.
GroupGSA
groupgsa.com
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
As well as considering the materials and processes used to manufacture furniture solutions, companies like Workspace are shifting their focus to the entire lifespan of products.
Journey alongside Australian designer Ross Didier as he introduces a new chapter in the magical folklore of his iconic FABLE Collection.
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
These are the top brands, all with new and innovative product to showcase as FRONT exhibitors. And they have worked with the full gamut of desirable, elite companies worldwide, guess who’s next… you.
The results are out! We’re excited to introduce you to your INDE.Awards 2019 Official Shortlist. Read on to find out which entries made the final cut.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
We spoke with three architects currently practising in Canberra to investigate the city’s planned history and what it means to work in that shadow.
As a program between Powerhouse Parramatta and Cité Internationale des Arts, the galang residency supports Indigenous creativity and dialogue around cultural heritage and representation.