Constructing a Legacy

Figurehead was founded with a vision to do things differently. What does that look like today? 
Seventeen years on, I think our edge lies in genuinely listening to our people. Our two Construction Managers and HSEQ Systems Manager have been here over 15 years — we’ve grown up together. That continuity means when someone new joins, whether in delivery, design, safety or support, they’re getting a really clear sense of who we are and what we stand for, right from day one. 

What defines Figurehead in the construction space? 
Three words come to mind: rigour, discipline, integrity. Construction’s tough; not just physically and financially, but also due to increasing external pressures, such as union dynamics and litigation. In that climate, trust becomes both rare and essential. We want to be able to look clients in the eye, speak truthfully, and show we’re genuinely working toward the best outcomes. It’s not a sprint; it’s often a 10- to 15-year journey, and collaboration and trust are key to solving problems. 

That cliché of “our culture” and “our team” means honesty, backing each other, and showing up, especially in the hard times. A powerful example is the Zoe Kennedy Foundation. In 2020, our first employee and my friend Lach lost his daughter Zoe. The response was overwhelming. We rallied, not just for Lach, but to create something lasting in Zoe’s name. That spirit — personally and professionally — is who we are. 

What project best reflects your values? 
Our office at 116 Rokeby Street, Collingwood. It reflects our ambition and commitment to doing things right for the long term. Inspired by the Harvard Carpenter Center, it’s been reimagined for our way of life, with big sustainability and wellness goals. The double-skin façade has delivered across all four seasons —fresh air, natural light, and thermal benefits that our team genuinely feels. It’s a “pinch me” place to work. 

How do sustainability and longevity influence your direction? 
It’s never in our interest to revisit a job. So we invest heavily in post-delivery service and building it right the first time. That means thinking long-term, hiring and backing the right people — including subcontractors — and staying relentlessly focused on quality and excellence. 

What excites you about Figurehead’s next chapter? 
Coming out of COVID, our focus has been diversification. We’ve made strategic moves into new sectors and now we’re seeing that strategy gain traction. One is “Figurehead Luxury”, our high-end residential arm. We’re currently delivering two significant Bayside homes, and it’s exciting to see the team step up. 

We’re also seeing real momentum in townhomes. Traditionally, the domain of volume builders, but our rigour and delivery certainty have been really well received. We’ve worked with Cedar Woods, Frasers, PASK and others, and have just appointed Kase Jong as General Manager to scale this division. 

Regional Victoria’s also key. Our work in Ballarat, like the Lyons Place project, has laid solid foundations, and we’ve just secured a social housing project for the Uniting Church. It’s a genuinely exciting time. With a clear vision, a strong team, and great momentum, I feel energised to keep building something special. 

LEARN MORE https://figurehead.com.au/