What You Do:
I am the Owner and Director alongside my Brother James. My Role is working closely with our design team to deliver projects to their highest quality in design and documentation.
Years in the Biz:
From the very beginning, back in 2003.
What you love about CWC:
I love being able to work alongside our designers and staff in all aspects of the business. Its great to see everyone bring their own personal touch and qualities to enable CWC to offer the service we do as well as have a bit of fun along the way.
What do you love outside work:
I Love being on the Farm away from the hustle of the work week to rejuvenate and enjoy life. Camping I think is a lot of Aussies escape as well, so how could I not enjoy that.
NAME ONE THING ON YOUR BUCKET LIST:
Build an underground earth home
What You Do:
DESIGN! I love design... especially those that are challenging. Oh, and I'm also the boss!
Years in the Biz:
From the very start.
What you love about CWC:
Other than having great staff, I love the people you meet on each project.
What do you love outside work:
I love my fishing and camping with my family. After all, we do live in paradise.
What You Do:
A little of this and a lot of that! In a nutshell, I'm an accredited NatHERS Assessor and primarily my role is to complete Thermal Performance Simulations/NatHERS Certificates and BASIX Certificates. Additionally, I write reports for Council applications and assist with accounts and administration.
Years in the Biz:
Since day 1!
What you love about CWC:
Our team! We have got a great bunch of people who are like-minded in delivering high quality service and products to our clients. Both in and out of the office, our team are always up for a good time - some even like to play practical jokes on the bosses, especially around State of Origin time!
What do you love outside work:
Farm life and family! I live on 200 acres and I love all that there is to love about a rural lifestyle, including the half hour drive in/out of town. My family and I love travelling and camping, getting out to see the areas where not many people go to. We've done a couple of treks in Australia and looking forward to hitching the camper on sometime soon!
SHARE A FUN OR UNUSUAL FACT ABOUT YOURSELF THAT YOUR COLLEAGUES MAY NOT KNOW:
I'm a songwriter - I write a song most weeks and meet up with a group of Aussie singer-songwriters weekly to write songs with and for everyone. Even have a couple of co-written songs on the short list of a few artists!
What You Do:
I'm not really sure anymore, we have such a wonderful team that support me in every aspect of CWC however I still seem to never be on top of my workload.
Years in the Biz:
CWC started in my kitchen, so I have been involved since day one, but officially part of the team since 2013.
What you love about CWC:
Our big friendly CWC family is my favourite part about coming to work every day.
What do you love outside work:
I love family time, so having extended family spend time with us on our beautiful property would be my favourite. I am also a bit of a gym junkie so you'll find me at BFT most days, but if I am not there, then I am probably running my teenage children to work, footy training, netball or their friends’ houses.
NAME ONE THING ON YOUR BUCKET LIST:
Sailing the Greek Isles
What You Do:
Building Designer and training Architect. I design all ranges of structures in the build environment including residential homes, commercial premises, industrial premises and alterations and additions to the above.
Years in the Biz:
I have been around since 2017
Years in the Biz:
A while now… started back in 2014
What you love about CWC:
The varying style and classification of projects we get to work on and the people we meet whilst working on these projects. I also feel it its really important to want to improve where you live with quality designed structures and homes, which not only perform well but also aesthetically improve the streetscape.
What do you love outside work:
Ride bikes and enjoy time with family
NAME ONE THING ON YOUR BUCKET LIST:
Formula 1 race in Italy.
What You Do:
Design buildings. My role is to work with the design managers to capture a client's needs and work with them to create their ideal space.
Years in the Biz:
I have been in the industry since 2013 and with CWC since 2020. I studied design in Sydney, Canberra and Milan, and have experience working in architecture and interior design, specializing in residential projects.
What you love about CWC:
I love working in such a supportive environment. It is a great crew and they encourage me to come up with creative design solutions that exceed expectations.
What do you love outside work:
I like staying active and social, and any combination of the two is a winner. I also enjoy eating tacos and watching videos of raccoons.
SHARE A FUN OR UNUSUAL FACT ABOUT YOURSELF THAT YOUR COLLEAGUES MAY NOT KNOW:
I'm a bit of a superhero buff and geek out on anything Marvel/DC
What You Do:
Building Designer by title, but that doesn’t mean I just design buildings, I have a strong focus on construction documentation working closely with builders, external consultants, and clients to try and resolve any potential issues prior to commencing construction.
Years in the Biz:
Started with CWC in 2021 and have been in the industry since 2014
What you love about CWC:
Having lightbulb moments when working on Concept Designs that help tie a design together and make the clients happy!
What do you love outside work:
Surfing, Ice/Roller Hockey, and trying to grow a fruit/veggie garden.
IF YOU HAD TO EAT ONE MEAL FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE:
A buffet with plenty of choices and if that can’t be my answer, then Ramen - cause there are so many different types/kinds that it could still be a bit different and delicious each time.
What You Do:
Drafting & building design. Assisting the other designers on whatever jobs they need completed.
Years in the Biz:
Started back in 2020 straight out of trade school
What you love about CWC:
I love the work environment and availability of support provided from the other designers as I learn more.
What do you love outside work:
I love riding motorbikes and doing things outdoors.
NAME ONE THING ON YOUR BUCKET LIST:
Trip to Japan to ski
What You Do:
Admin – Drafting Work
Years in the Biz:
9 years
What you love about CWC:
The people I work with
What do you love outside work:
Being outdoors whether camping, hiking, 4wd - anything in nature
NAME ONE THING ON YOUR BUCKET LIST:
Go to Antartica
What You Do:
Building Designer
Years in the Biz:
I have been with CWC for 2 years, contributing to a range of exciting architectural projects during my time here.
What you love about CWC:
What I cherish most about working at CWC is the boundless creativity and the supportive atmosphere. Our team's dedication to pushing the boundaries of design and the collaborative spirit are what make every project exciting and fulfilling.
What do you love outside work:
Outside of work, I have a passion for photography. I enjoy capturing the beauty of architecture and urban landscapes in my free time. I also love hiking and exploring new hiking trails to stay connected with nature.
SHARE A FUN OR UNUSUAL FACT ABOUT YOURSELF THAT YOUR COLLEAGUES MAY NOT KNOW:
A quirky fact about me is that I collect vintage typewriters. There's something fascinating about the craftsmanship and nostalgia associated with these old machines, and I have quite a collection in my home.
What You Do:
I’m a Building Designer working in the design team.
Years in the Biz:
After finishing my Diploma of Building Design in 2021, I started with CWC in April 2022.
What you love about CWC:
Being part of a team filled with such knowledgeable and helpful people. It’s a great work environment.
What do you love outside work:
Going to the beach and other great spots on the Mid North Coast. Writing and recording music in my little home studio. Spending time with my lovely partner and our pets.
NAME ONE THING ON YOUR BUCKET LIST:
Design and build a professional recording studio for myself.
What You Do:
Manage all things to do with the day-to-day Operation of Collins W Collins. Primarily, my focus is to ensure Collins W Collins continues to lead the way in innovative ideas, combined with efficient delivery across the business with exceptional start to end services in Building Design and Planning. Generally, you will find me creating the processes that allow our staff to streamline the boring stuff that happens in the background, in both Port Macquarie and our Taree offices. I am also in the background, backing up our design team in managing larger scale projects with external consultants, keeping up with legislative changes in the industry, and looking after accreditations for our talented team of designers
Years in the Biz:
I started back in 2015
What you love about CWC:
So appreciative that Collins W Collins is locally owned and has been established for over 20 years. Coming to work feels like belonging to the family. It’s great to be a part of a whole team structure whilst working with an extremely knowledgeable and diverse team, there's a wealth of experience with us all.
What do you love outside work:
Surfing, camping, keeping active whilst enjoying the outdoors and nature. I'm more at home in work boots, spending time in my native garden established over the past couple of years, and observing the native fauna that is flourishing in what I have created. I also love music, and seeing a great rock band, or concert every now and then.
SHARE A FUN OR UNUSUAL FACT ABOUT YOURSELF THAT YOUR COLLEAGUES MAY NOT KNOW:
I talk to animals, insects and amphibians, in case you have not already noticed, haha. Although, I do not like spiders. My nickname as a kid was Grub.
What You Do:
Planning - my role is to liaise with Council as well as clients.
Years in the Biz:
Started in May 2021.
What you love about CWC:
I love that everyone is so supportive of one another and always willing to lend a helping hand.
What do you love outside work:
I love to spend time with my family, friends, and partner, getting out in the sunshine with my dog, and playing video games.
What You Do:
Planning Administration
Years in the Biz:
Since 2022
What you love about CWC:
Working with such a great and knowledgeable team
What do you love outside work:
Kayak fishing, gardening, playing pickleball and crocheting
SHARE A FUN OR UNUSUAL FACT ABOUT YOURSELF THAT COLLEAGUES MAY NOT KNOW:
I can breathe bubbles out of my eyes underwater
What You Do:
Planning - writing SOEEs, liaison and admin
Years in the Biz:
2 years in the UK before starting at CWC in 2021
What you love about CWC:
The lovely team and variety of projects. Each project is unique and it’s exciting to be involved in planning future homes!
What do you love outside work:
Walking my springer spaniel, yoga, beach days and exploring beautiful NSW!
What You Do:
At CWC I spread the love across Admin, Accounts and HR.
Years in the Biz:
I have been part of the CWC family since 2022
What you love about CWC:
I love being busy, overseeing ands supporting all parts of the company. Being part of an extended family is the most enjoyable part of my role.
What do you love outside work:
My daughter Lelani and her love of netball and league tag, and our crazy puppy 'Porky' keep me on my toes during my time outside of work. We love being outside an exploring our beautiful coastline.
SHARE A FUN OR UNUSUAL FACT ABOUT YOURSELF THAT COLLEAGUES MAY NOT KNOW:
I went to a Michael Bublé tribute show and was the youngest in the crowd by at least 30 years!
What You Do:
Project – Coordinator
Years in the Biz:
I've just begun my journey with Collins W Collins, starting early September 2023.
What you love about CWC:
I love being surrounded by such passionate and knowledgeable people who love what they do. Their energy is infectious. I also love learning all the ins and outs of the Building Design Industry.
What do you love outside work:
I spend as much time with my beautiful children and husband as possible. We love getting out and exploring all that the beautiful Mid North Coast region has to offer!
NAME ONE THING ON YOUR BUCKET LIST:
To do the "Big Lap" I'd especially love to explore the entire Western Australian coastline and the Kimberley.
What You Do:
Marketing, which involves trying to get the team in my videos and photos.
Years in the Biz:
Since the beginning of 2023
What you love about CWC:
I love the supportive and fun work environment, with everyone being able to flourish in their own area of expertise. I also love our fun team building days, I think we should go to the waterpark for our next activity, watch this space!
What do you love outside work:
I love going to the gym every day after work and on the weekends, I enjoy road trips, camping and exploring new spots to swim.
NAME ONE THING ON YOUR BUCKET LIST:
To explore the beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.
What You Do:
Admin – My main role is to help keep our lovely designers and plan team in contact with our clients, and vice versa. Along with a few other little tasks here and there like invoicing and booking appointments, I really just go where I’m needed.
Years in the Biz:
October 2023
What you love about CWC:
The opportunity to work with a lot of kind, genuine and adventurous people. There’s a very relaxed vibe and it’s refreshing to work for a group that understands and advocates for the importance of a healthy work/life balance.
What do you love outside work:
The vast majority of my time is spent with my sweet partner, where we enjoy laughing up a storm, discovering different meals to cook together and packing up my beloved Subie to go camping with friends. Sole interests, however, include drawing, painting, tattoo design, reading, writing, and spending whatever time I can outdoors. Special mention to my sister and niece as well, as we can never go too long without a cheeky brekky date to one of the many places our beautiful home has to offer.
NAME ONE THING ON YOUR BUCKET LIST:
One of my ancestors founded a castle in Ireland that has now been converted into a hotel, so a couple of night there one day is definitely on the cards.
