Ten years ago, FARA was founded on a simple belief: construction could be done differently.
In an industry often defined by silos and an “us versus them” mentality, FARA’s founders, Chris, Warrin and Roger (now retired), set out to create a more collaborative approach. They believed builders should sit alongside clients and consultants as trusted partners, guiding projects from concept to completion and delivering remarkable outcomes.
Ten years later, that vision remains at the heart of everything we do. What began as three industry professionals with a different perspective has grown into a team united by a shared commitment to people, partnerships and performance.
As we celebrate this milestone, we’re reflecting on the journey that brought us here and the people who have made it possible. This is the story of FARA (to date)!
Building something different
When Chris, Warrin and Roger established FARA in 2016, they weren’t looking to create just another construction company.
They had all experienced the frustrations of traditional construction delivery, where collaboration was often lacking and the client experience suffered as a result. They wanted to build a business that was nimble, adaptable and focused on relationships, where expertise and experience added value long before construction began.
From day one, the goal was clear: create a trusted construction partner that could guide clients through every stage of their project while fostering genuine collaboration between all stakeholders.
It was a bold vision, but one they believed the industry was ready for.
The first year: exciting, relentless and unforgettable
Like most start-ups, Chris, Warrin and Roger prepared themselves for a difficult beginning. They had allowed six months to establish systems, processes and a pipeline of work before expecting significant growth.
The reality looked very different.
Work started coming in almost immediately.
“It was a great problem to have,” recalls Warrin. “We thought we’d have time to find our feet, but instead we were bolting workstations together when we won our first job.”
The team quickly found themselves doing everything required to keep the business moving forward. One day they were project managing, the next day site managing and somewhere in between they were cleaning the office. Contract site managers supported operations throughout the first year, while Chris and Warrin focused on delivering projects and building the foundations of the company.
It was exhausting. It was challenging.
And it was exactly the opportunity they had hoped for.
When it all started to click
Every business has a moment when an idea becomes something more tangible.
For FARA, that moment came early.
Winning projects such as Sunnybank Atrium demonstrated that clients were responding to the company’s approach. They weren’t winning work simply because they could build. They were winning because they brought a different perspective to the table.
More importantly, clients began returning.
Repeat projects, referrals and long-term relationships became the strongest indicator that the business was heading in the right direction.
Trust was becoming the foundation of growth.
Overcoming challenges and adapting to change
The last decade has not been without challenges.
In the early years, much of the company’s success was linked to the experience and relationships of its founders.
Establishing FARA as a recognised brand in its own right required persistence, consistency and a commitment to delivering remarkable outcomes.
There were also barriers to overcome as project values increased and opportunities expanded. Landmark projects such as Sunnybank Food Court and the UQ Lecture Theatre challenged the business to continually lift its capabilities and demonstrate it could operate at larger scales.
Then came COVID-19.
Like many businesses, FARA faced uncertainty during a period when many organisations were simply trying to survive. Yet adaptability had always been one of the company’s defining characteristics.
A reputation built on relationships
Throughout FARA’s journey, some principles have remained non-negotiable.
The company has always believed that trust is earned through actions.
Doing what you say you will do. Delivering on commitments. Standing by your word.
Just as importantly, FARA has built a reputation for treating subcontractors with respect and fairness. Paying subcontractors on time, every time, has been a commitment since day one.
It is a simple philosophy: treat people the way you would want to be treated.
Over time, those relationships have become one of the company’s greatest strengths, helping build a network of trusted partners who contribute to successful project outcomes time and again.
Our greatest asset: our people
Ask Chris and Warrin what has made the biggest difference over the past 10 years, and the answer is simple: our people.
Without great people, there is no FARA.
From the beginning, clients have trusted FARA not just because of the projects delivered, but because of the skills, experience and mindset of the team behind them. Every project, every client relationship and every success story is shaped by the people representing the business each day.
As FARA grew, one lesson became clear: growth depends on people. In the early years, Chris and Warrin did everything themselves, but building a sustainable business meant trusting others, empowering them to make decisions and creating opportunities for them to succeed.
That’s why FARA has always invested heavily in attracting, developing and retaining great people. Technical skills are important, but so too is finding people who share the company’s values and commitment to delivering remarkable outcomes.
Today, FARA’s reputation is built not on the founders alone, but on the collective expertise, dedication and professionalism of its team. Creating an environment where ambitious people can build rewarding careers, grow into industry leaders and enjoy coming to work remains one of the company’s proudest achievements and a key part of its vision for the future.
Creating a culture of remarkable outcomes
Culture doesn’t happen by accident.
Over the past decade, FARA has intentionally built a workplace where people are trusted to make decisions, encouraged to take ownership and empowered to contribute.
The result is a culture built around the company’s values of being Remarkable, Empowering, Adaptable and Loyal.
There is honesty and accountability. There is genuine trust between colleagues. There is a willingness to embrace challenges and keep improving.
And while construction can be demanding, there is also a shared belief that work should be enjoyable.
That combination of responsibility, energy and teamwork is reflected in the diverse portfolio of projects FARA delivers today.
The partnership behind FARA
A significant part of FARA’s success can be traced back to the partnership between Chris and Warrin.
While their skills are different, their mindset is remarkably aligned.
Both share a belief that the best outcome for the project, the client and the business should always come before personal ego.
Their complementary strengths have proven invaluable. Warrin is known for his ability to quickly see the big picture and solve the most complex of problems, while Chris has a keen eye for detail and execution.
Together, they challenge each other’s thinking, act as sounding boards for key decisions and aren’t afraid to seek external expertise when needed.
That combination of mutual respect, trust and shared purpose has helped guide FARA through its first decade of growth.
Defining milestones
Over ten years, FARA has delivered projects that once seemed beyond imagination.
Projects such as Patina Restaurant, Avalon Theatre and Customs House stand out as defining milestones, demonstrating the scale, complexity and impact the business is capable of delivering.
The Minderoo Plastic-Free Lab and Biosustainability Hub in particular showcased opportunities to contribute to world-first initiatives, reinforcing just how far the company had come.
For Warrin and Chris, these projects represented more than technical achievements. They were proof that FARA had grown into something bigger than either of them originally imagined.
The company had become a recognised brand, capable of delivering extraordinary projects while staying true to its founding purpose.
A decade of gratitude
Looking back on the last ten years, FARA’s success has never been about building alone.
It has been about people.
The clients who placed their trust in the business. The consultants and subcontractors who became valued partners. The team members who helped shape the culture and reputation of the company. And the countless relationships that have been built along the way.
As FARA celebrates this significant milestone, there is enormous gratitude for everyone who has contributed to the journey.
Looking ahead
Ten years is a milestone worth celebrating, but the opportunity ahead is even more exciting than the journey behind us.
Brisbane is transforming on the world stage, presenting unprecedented opportunities for the construction industry and the communities it serves.
At the same time, technological advancements such as AI are reshaping how projects are planned, delivered and managed.
But perhaps the greatest opportunity lies with FARA’s people.
The next ten years will see new leaders emerge, careers flourish and expertise deepen across the business. FARA also hopes to play a meaningful role in strengthening the broader industry through education, training and continued support of subcontractor networks and construction professionals.
Growth will remain purposeful.
Our commitment to remarkable outcomes will remain unchanged.